Pyrenean travel agency specializing in your hikes and treks in the Pyrenees, the GR10 and more
BASQUE COUNTRY: Maison IPUTXAINIA, 64220 ASCARAT
ARIEGE: 20 chemin de la montagne, 09000 FOIX
+33 (0)5 34 14 51 50 - +33 (0)6 10 97 16 54
GR 10 guided section 2 : From St Jean Pied de Port to Etsaut
French Bask country
Guided GR10
Guided Walking
7 Days
6 Nights
6 Activity Days
From 895,00 €
The second part of the Pyrenees Crossing, with the famous GR10 as the common thread, has the particularity of offering the hiker, within a single journey, the discovery of two specific regions: the Basque Country and Béarn.
Starting from St Jean Pied de Port, you will gradually approach the first Pyrenean peaks over 2000 meters high. Through vast and magnificent pastures, you will first reach the immense Iraty forest after discovering the curious prehistoric site of the cromlechs of Occabé.
Then, from the Bagargui pass, home to the largest bird migration in Europe, you will set off to conquer the Pic d'Orhy (2017m), the highest point of the Basque Country with a fantastic view. You will then enter Haute Soule and discover the impressive Holzarté gorges and its famous suspension bridge above the void.
The next part of the route then enters Béarn and approaches surreal, lunar landscapes, culminating at the Pic d'Anie, an iconic peak of the area at 2504 meters above sea level. Finally, you will reach Lescun and its wonderful cirque, resembling the Dolomites, before reaching the village of Etsaut, in the Aspe Valley, gateway to the famous Pyrenees National Park.
Dates and Prices
Departure guaranteed with 4 people.
Price: 895€/person
Supplements:
- Supplement for return transfer from Etsaut to Saint Jean Pied de Port: 80€/person
- Extra night in Saint Jean Pied de Port and/or Etsaut: Please contact us
- Full board accommodation from the Day 1 picnic to the Day 7 breakfast
- Luggage transport between accommodations
- Supervision by a certified AMM guide specializing in the region
- Insurance
- Transfers not included in the program
- Visits
- 15€ booking fee
- Beverages
Day 1 : From Saint Jean Pied de Port to Phagalcette
Meet your guide at 9:00 AM in St Jean Pied de Port for the start of the hike. Leaving the Basque Country’s capital, you will gradually approach the first small peaks of the Atlantic Pyrenees, heading east. The route first crosses the village of Caro, then the Handiague Pass (587m), offering a view of the Nive Valley, before descending in switchbacks to Estérençuby. You will then ascend to the green plateau of Phagalcette, where Basque heritage is strongly present.
Distance: 16km, duration: 6h, ascent: +900m, descent: -450m
Day 2 : From Phagalcette to Iraty
This stage is challenging due to its length and rugged terrain, with several passes to cross amidst stunning landscapes. The route reaches the prehistoric cromlechs of Occabé, a megalithic stone circle. From there, you enter the vast Iraty forest, the largest beech forest in Europe, straddling France and Spain. The day ends at the Iraty chalets at Bagargui Pass.
Distance: 20.5km, duration: 7h45, ascent: +1400m, descent: -700m
Day 3 : From Iraty to Logibar
Starting from the Iraty chalets and Bagargui Pass, a renowned bird migration observation site, the route follows a spectacular ridge path. You will ascend Pic d’Orhy (2017m), the highest point in the Basque Country and the first 2000m peak from the ocean. Enjoy breathtaking views over the Basque Country and Béarn. A long descent follows, leading to Logibar via the charming village of Larrau.
Distance: 18km, duration: 7h, ascent: +800m, descent: -1500m
Days 4 : From Logibar to Belagua
Departing from Logibar, you will reach the stunning Holzarté canyon and its famous suspension bridge, perched 150m above the void. The trail then ascends beyond the GR10, leading to wild pastures before entering the Béarn region and reaching the Belagua refuge on the Spanish side.
Distance: 17km, duration: 7h30, ascent: +1650m, descent: -650m
Day 5 : From Belagua to Lescun
The route traverses an incredible karst landscape. After crossing the Anaye Pass at the Pyrenean watershed, you will pass below Pic d’Anie (2504m), the first great Pyrenean peak from the ocean. The hike continues through Anaye Valley and the scenic Sanchèse plateau before concluding in the breathtaking cirque of Lescun.
Distance: 19km, duration: 7h, ascent: +750m, descent: -1250m
Day 6 : From Lescun to Etsaut
Leaving the Dolomite-like cirque of Lescun, the trail descends through picturesque piedmont villages, offering pastoral landscapes and ancestral traditions. You will cross the serene Lhers plateau (1000m) in the Aspe Valley before climbing the Barrancq Pass and descending to Etsaut, gateway to the Pyrenees National Park.
Distance: 16km, duration: 6h, ascent: +850m, descent: -1150m
Day 7 : End of the Tour in Etsaut
The tour concludes in Etsaut after breakfast.
The programs have been established based on the latest available information at the time of writing: unforeseen events are always possible, and situations beyond our control may alter the course of the itinerary. On-site, our guides are the best judges; they may be required to modify the route depending on the weather or if the safety of the group demands it.
Welcome
On Day 1 at 9:00 AM in Saint Jean Pied de Port, at the start of the hike, with your guide: Briefing about the trip, distribution of your daily picnic, and drop-off of your luggage to the transport service. The guide will contact you a few days before the trip to provide the exact meeting location.
Dispersion
On Day 7 at your accommodation in Etsaut, after breakfast.
Level
Terrain Type
Hikes on well-maintained trails, with varied terrain, often rocky.
Level 4
For experienced hikers in good physical condition, with prior mountain hiking experience. Average hikes of 7-8 hours per day, with ascents of 1000-1300m, on accessible trails but sometimes on rough terrain (scree, rocky paths, etc.) and occasionally unmarked.
Note
The walking times mentioned are indicative, representing average times that only account for actual walking time, excluding breaks. Depending on weather conditions, the walking pace may also vary, ranging from +300m to +500m of elevation gain per hour.
Accommodation
Full board (overnight stay + dinner + breakfast + picnic)
4 nights in a gîte (mountain lodge) in shared dormitories on Days 1, 3, 5, and 6
1 night in a mountain refuge in a shared dormitory on Day 4
1 night in a mountain chalet in a shared dormitory on Day 2
Meals
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam).
- Evening meals, often featuring local specialties, including a starter, main dish, and dessert.
- Picnic lunches included.
- Drinks not included.
Luggage porterage
During the hike, you will only carry your personal belongings for the day, your picnic, and enough water. Please bring a follow-up bag that is easily transportable (see our equipment recommendations).
Group
Group of 4 to 11 people.
Supervision
The hike is led by a certified AMM (Mountain Hiking Guide), specialized in the region.
