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 3 : From Etsaut to Gavarnie
Central Pyrenees
Guided GR10
Guided Walking
7 Days
6 Nights
6 Activity Days
From 970,00 €
The third section of the Pyrenees crossing, with the renowned GR10 as its guiding thread, enters the Pyrenees National Park and its protected areas. From the Aspe Valley in the heart of Béarn, the Chemin de la Mâture will first lead you to the magnificent Ayous Lakes.
One of the most breathtaking sights in the Pyrenees awaits as you discover the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, an iconic peak whose majestic silhouette is beautifully reflected in Lac Gentau.
After leaving the Ossau Valley, you will venture onto the stunning trails at the foot of the Balaitous. This imposing and legendary granite massif, dotted with lakes, is the first peak rising above 3,000 meters when approaching from the ocean.
Through the high-mountain site of Arrémoulit, the route then takes you to the Respomuso Refuge on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, passing through the Arriel Valley, with its breathtaking turquoise lakes.
After this brief incursion into the southern slopes of the Pyrenees, the itinerary returns to France, leading to the magnificent Marcadau and Gaube Valleys, true gems of the National Park, at the foot of the impressive North Face of Vignemale.
The journey concludes in Gavarnie, a charming village nestled at the foot of the famous Cirque de Gavarnie.
Dates and Prices
Departure is guaranteed with a minimum of 4 participants.
Price: €970 per person
Supplements:
- Return transfer from Lourdes to Etsaut: €90 per person
- Additional night in Etsaut and/or Gavarnie: Please contact us
- Full-board accommodation from the picnic on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Luggage transport between accommodations, except for 3 nights in mountain huts on Days 1, 3, and 5
- Transfers mentioned in the program
- Guidance by a certified mountain leader (BE AMM) specializing in the region
- Insurance
- Transfers not included in the program
- Visits
- €15 booking fee
- Drinks
- Airport transfers
Day 1 : From Etsaut to Ayous Refuge
Meet your guide at 8:00 AM in Etsaut at the start of the hike. The day's stage is both physically demanding and exceptionally scenic, offering a stunning variety of landscapes: the famous Chemin de la Mâture, the Baigt de Sencours plateau, shepherds' huts, and the grand final the breathtaking view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau reflecting in Lac Gentau at sunset, with its shimmering rock colors mirrored in the lake.
Distance: 15 km I Duration: 6h45 I Ascent: +1650m I Descent: -300m
Day 2 : From Ayous Refuge to Bious Artigue
Departing from Ayous, you will complete the Tour of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, first skirting the beautiful Bersau and Castérau lakes, then reaching Col Peyreget and Pombie Refuge, located at the very foot of the peak. You will then descend via the pastoral Magnabaigt Valley, crossing Col Suzon. Looking back, you’ll enjoy an impressive view of the steep North Face of the Ossau, also known as "Jean-Pierre." The journey concludes at Bious Artigue Lake, where a shuttle will take you to Laruns (30 min) in the valley.
Distance: 17 km I Duration: 7h I Ascent: +950m I Descent: -1600m
Day 3 : From Caillou de Soques to Respomuso Refuge
Morning transfer from Laruns to Caillou de Soques (30 min). This magnificent cross-border route climbs to Col d’Arrious (2259m) before following the famous Orteig Passage, a carved rock path that is more impressive than difficult. The trail then leads to Arrémoulit Refuge and Lake (2265m), a stunning high-mountain site beneath the elegant Pic d’Arriel. After a short ascent to Col d’Arrémoulit (2448m), you cross into Spain, exploring the sublime Arriel Valley and its turquoise lakes, overlooked by the majestic Balaitous (3144m). A scenic path along the Aguas Limpias Valley brings you to Respomuso Refuge, set beside a breathtaking mountain lake.
Distance: 13.5 km I Duration: 6h I Ascent: +1250m I Descent: -600m
Day 4 : From Respomuso Refuge to Chalet du Clot
Leaving Respomuso Refuge, the route quickly reaches the idyllic Campo Plano plateau and lake. From here, a trail ascends back into France via Col de la Fache (2664m). The descent then leads through the stunning Marcadau Valley, ending at Chalet du Clot.
Distance: 16 km I Duration: 6h30 I Ascent: +650m I Descent: -1250m
Day 5 : From Chalet di Clot to Bayssellance Refuge
Today's route follows the spectacular Gaube Valley, home to a stunning mountain lake. After passing Lac de Gaube, a gently sloping path leads to Oulettes de Gaube Refuge (2151m), situated beneath the imposing North Face of Vignemale (3298m), the highest peak in the French Pyrenees. Continuing on, you climb to Hourquette d’Ossoue before reaching Bayssellance Refuge (2651m), the highest guarded refuge in the Pyrenees. For those who wish, there is an optional round-trip summit climb to Petit Vignemale (3032m), offering breathtaking views of the Ossoue Glacier.
Distance: 13 km I Duration: 5h30 I Ascent: +1300m I Descent: -200m
Day 6 : From Bayssellance Refuge to Gavarnie
Today's stage leads to Gavarnie and its famous Cirque de Gavarnie. From Bayssellance Refuge, a long and scenic descent awaits. After passing the Bellevue Caves, carved by Count Henry Russell between 1881 and 1893, the route descends into the Ossoue Valley. Beyond Ossoue Dam, a stunning balcony trail takes you to the village of Gavarnie, where you will enjoy spectacular views of the world-famous cirque
Distance: 17 km I Duration: 6h I Ascent: +250m I Descent: -1500m
Day 7 : End of the Trip in Lourdes
After breakfast, transfer to Lourdes train station (1h), marking the end of your journey.
The programs were established based on the latest information available at the time of writing. However, unforeseen circumstances are always possible, and situations beyond our control may alter the course of events. On-site, our guides are the best judges and may adjust the itinerary depending on the weather or if the group's safety requires it.
Welcome
On Day 1 at 8:00 AM in Etsaut, at the starting point of the hike with your guide. Briefing about the trip, distribution of your day's picnic, and drop-off of your luggage with the transporter. The guide will contact you a few days before the trip to confirm the exact meeting location.
Dispersion
On Day 7 at Lourdes train station after the transfer.
Level
Nature of the Terrain
Hikes on well-maintained trails, with varied but often rocky terrain.
Level 4
For experienced hikers in good physical condition who already have significant mountain hiking experience. Expect hikes of 7 to 8 hours per day on average, with elevation gains of 1,000 to 1,300 meters, on accessible trails but also sometimes on rugged terrain (scree, rocky slopes...) and occasionally unmarked paths.
Note: The indicated hiking times are for reference only; they are average estimates that account only for the actual walking duration, excluding breaks. Depending on weather conditions, the hiking pace may vary, ranging from +300m to +500m of ascent per hour.
Accommodation
Full board (overnight stay + dinner + breakfast + picnic)
2 nights in a gîte d’étape in shared dormitories (Days 2 and 6)
4 nights in a mountain refuge in shared dormitories (Days 1, 3, 4, and 5)
Meals
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam)
- Evening meals often feature local specialties, including a starter, a main course, and a dessert
- Picnics included
- Drinks not included
Luggage porterage
During the hike, you will only carry your daily essentials, including personal items, a picnic, and a sufficient amount of water.
Group
Group of 4 to 11 people.
Supervision
The hike is led by a certified mountain guide (BE AMM) who specializes in the region.
