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 4 : From Gavarnie to Bagneres de Luchon
Central Pyrenees
Guided GR10
Guided Walking
7 Days
6 Nights
6 Activity Days
From 960,00 €
The fourth section of the Pyrenees Traverse, with the famous GR10 as its guiding thread, takes place in the heart of the Central Pyrenees and invites you to explore remarkable sites. The trails of the Pyrenees National Park will first lead you through the three great Pyrenean Cirques.
From the Cirque de Gavarnie, an impressive and vast natural limestone amphitheater known worldwide, you will cross the high-altitude meadows of the wild Cirque d'Estaubé before reaching the base of the steep cliffs of the Cirque de Troumouse. The route then leaves the National Park to enter another protected natural area: the Néouvielle Nature Reserve, a stunning region filled with breathtaking glacial lakes and ancient hook pine forests.
As you pass through mountain cols and small summits with extraordinary panoramas, you will enjoy magnificent views of these preserved landscapes, including famous peaks such as the Pic du Néouvielle (3,091m), the ruler of the area, with its striking granite ridges plunging into the waters of Lac d'Aubert.
Continuing through the beautiful Aure and Louron valleys, you will reach the equally spectacular sites of Lac d'Oô and Espingo before arriving at Bagnères-de-Luchon, the "Queen of the Pyrenees."
Dates and Prices
Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 4 participants.
Price: €960/person
Supplements:
- Return transfer from Bagnères-de-Luchon to Gavarnie: €85 per person
- Additional night in Gavarnie and/or Luchon: Contact us for details
- Full-board accommodation from the picnic on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Luggage transport between accommodations, except for 2 nights in mountain refuges (Days 3 and 5)
- Transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- Guidance by a certified BE AMM mountain leader specializing in the region
- Insurance
- Transfers not included in the itinerary
- Entrance fees for visits
- €15 booking fee
- Drinks
- Superbagnères cable car
Day 1: From Gavarnie to the Maillet Plateau
Meet your guide at 8 AM in Gavarnie at the starting point of the hike. From Gavarnie, you will ascend towards the stunning Hourquette d’Alans viewpoint (2430m). From there, you’ll find yourself between the Cirque de Gavarnie and the Cirque d’Estaubé, which you will enter. Surrounded by high-altitude meadows inhabited by friendly marmots and grazing herds, you will reach the Estaubé valley near the Lac des Gloriettes. You will then climb towards the Maillet Plateau and the Cirque de Troumouse. Three of the great Pyrenean cirques in a single day!
Distance: 18km, duration: 7h15, ascent: +1300m, descent : -850m
Day 2: From the Maillet Plateau to Piau Engaly
From the Maillet Inn, you will quickly reach the heart of the Cirque de Troumouse, which you will cross via a vast high-altitude plateau. Then, following a balcony trail, you will descend into the Héas Valley and climb to the Hourquette d’Héas. From this point, the view is fantastic, especially of Mont Perdu and its glacier. The hike continues downhill through the beautiful Badet Valley and ends further down at the Piau Engaly ski resort.
Distance: 20.5km, duration: 7h45, ascent : +1100m, descent : -1100m
Day 3: From Lac d'Orédon to Bastan Refuge
Morning transfer from Piau Engaly to Lac d’Orédon (30 min). This day is dedicated to exploring the Néouvielle Nature Reserve and its surroundings. From Orédon, you will cross three beautiful mountain passes with breathtaking views over the reserve, leading you to the Bastan Refuge, set amidst a stunning landscape of lakes and hook pine forests. Throughout the day, you will discover both small and large lakes (Port Bielh, l’Oule, Bastan…) with changing reflections and crystal-clear waters. You will also have the opportunity to climb the Soum de Montpelat, which offers one of the most spectacular panoramas of the Néouvielle lakes and peaks.
Distance: 14.5km, duration: 6h30, ascent: +1300m, descent: -900m
Day 4: From Bastan Refuge to Saint-Lary-Soulan
From the picturesque Bastan Refuge, you will hike through vast and beautiful pastures overlooking the immense Lac de l’Oule. You will then reach the Col du Portet, now a highlight of the Tour de France. Leaving the Néouvielle Reserve, you will begin a long descent along the ridges of Cap de Pède, offering spectacular views of the large Aure Valley and its towering peaks. Further down, your final destination comes into sight: Saint-Lary-Soulan, a charming mountain village nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees.
Distance: 17.5km, duration: 6h, ascent : +150m, descent: -1550m
Day 5: From Germ to Espingo Refuge
Morning transfer from Saint-Lary-Soulan to Germ (30 min). The hike starts from the charming village of Germ in the Louron Valley, where the daily life of the locals is still shaped by traditional pastoral activities. Through the wild Val d’Aube, you will cross the Couret d’Esquierry to enter the Luchonnais region and reach the Astau barns. From there, a beautiful ascent-considered a Pyrenean "classic"-awaits you. You will discover the famous Lac d’Oô and its impressive waterfall set in a lush green landscape before reaching the more remote Espingo site, home to a mountain refuge and pristine lakes.
Distance: 17km, duration: 7h45, ascent: +1650m, descent: -1050m
Day 6: From Espingo Refuge to Luchon
After enjoying the first light of day over the Espingo and Saussat lakes, today’s stage heads towards Luchon. You will first cross the Hourquette des Hounts Secs, followed by the broad Col de la Coume de Bourg. The view extends towards the Maladeta Massif and its retreating glaciers, as well as the high peaks of the Luchonnais, including the Crabioules, Lézat, and Quayrat. The route then follows a long descent towards Luchon via the Superbagnères ski resort. For those who wish, there is an option to take the cable car to avoid a long descent (not included in the package).
Distance: 19.5km, duration: 7h30, ascent : +650m, descent : -1950m
With cable car option: Distance: 11.5km, duration: 5h, ascent: +650m, descent: -800m
Day 7: End of the trip in Bagnères-de-Luchon
Your trip ends after breakfast.
This itinerary was created based on the most recent information available at the time of writing. Unforeseen circumstances may arise, and situations beyond our control could alter the itinerary. On-site, our guides are the best judges of conditions and may adjust the route based on weather conditions or group safety needs.
Welcome
On Day 1 at 8:00 AM in Gavarnie at the starting point of the hike with your guide. Briefing about the trip, distribution of your picnic for the day, 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 your accommodation in Bagnères-de-Luchon after breakfast.
Level
Terrain Type
Hikes on well-marked trails, with varied but often rocky terrain.
Level 4
For experienced hikers in good physical condition, with prior mountain hiking experience. Expect hikes of 7 to 8 hours per day on average, with elevation gains of 1,000 to 1,300 meters. Trails are generally accessible but can include rough terrain (scree, boulder fields…) and occasionally unmarked paths.
Note: The indicated hiking times are approximate and reflect only the actual walking time, excluding breaks. Depending on weather conditions, the hiking pace may vary, ranging from +300m to +500m of ascent per hour.
Accommodation
Full board (night + dinner + breakfast + picnic)
1 night in a ** hotel room on day 6
1 night in a *** hotel room on day 2
1 night in guest rooms on day 4
1 night in a mountain inn/chalet in a shared dormitory on day 1
2 nights in a mountain refuge in a shared dormitory on days 3 and 5
For the nights in rooms: rooms for 2 to 3 people
Meals
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam).
- Evening meals often featuring local specialties, including a starter, main course, and dessert.
- Picnic included.
- Drinks not included.
Luggage porterage
During the hike, you will only carry your personal belongings for the day, including your picnic and a sufficient water supply. However, for nights in mountain refuges (Days 3 and 5), you will need to carry your overnight essentials (sleeping bag liner, change of clothes, toiletries). A follow-up bag should be easily transportable (see our equipment recommendations).
Group
Group of 4 to 11 people.
Supervision
The hike is led by a certified mountain guide (BE AMM) specializing in the region.
