GR10 self-guided Section 6 : From Aulus les Bains to Merens
7 days
6 nights
6 days of activities
Easy Moderate
Self-guided
17PGR6LF
from 480 €
The walk from Aulus-les-bains to Mérens in Haute Ariège connects the western and the central sections of the Pyrenees with the Ariège part of the mountain range. This region is known for its high plateau landscapes, deep valleys hemmed in by soaring summits, sometimes covered with a sprinkling of snow, and mountain lakes whose waters change in colour. In the evening, the Ariège gastronomy will get you back in shape for the next day.
From Aulus, the guarded refuge of Bassiès surrounded by lakes will satisfy your desires for wide open spaces. In Vicdessos region, then, the discovery of orris, ancient circular dry stone constructions will allow you to put meaning and images on what is called pastoralism in the Auzat valley. The arrival on Mérens, at the gates of the nearby Capcir and Andorra, after the mountain stage of the Rulhe refuge will finally convince you that you will have to return one day to Haute-Ariège.
Dates and prices
Departures
Every days from the middle of June to the end of September.
Booking from 2 people (solitary traveller: consult us).
From 15/06/2022 to 30/09/2022 :
Prices with luggage transfer :
|
Price per person for a group of 2 persons |
695€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 3 persons |
620€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 4 persons |
580€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 5 persons |
560€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 6 persons |
540€ |
Prices without luggage transfer :
|
Price per person for a group of 2 persons |
580€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 3 persons |
530€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 4 persons |
500€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 5 persons |
490€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 6 persons |
480€ |
Extras :
- Comfort version (4 nights in rooms) : 25€/pers
- Extra for a single room : 110€/pers
- Transfer back from Mérens to Aulus les Bains on weekdays: 165€/transfer
- Transfer back from Mérens to Aulus les Bains on Sundays and public holidays: 190€/transfer
- Extra night in Aulus les Bains and/or in Mérens les Vals : consult us
The price includes
- Half board accommodation
- Transfers days 5 and 6
- Luggage transport depending on the option chosen except for 2 nights in refuge on days 2 and 6
- Dossier containing maps, route notes (1 for 4 persons, given in 1st accommodation)
- GPS tracks if you ask us + access to the detailed itinerary on the Mhikes GPS mobile application
The price does not include
-Holiday and travel insurance
-15€ for booking fees
-Showers in the mountain huts
-Additional transfers
-Entrance fees, additional activities
-Drinks and picnics
Day 1 : Start of your holiday in Aulus les Bains
Your holiday starts at your accommodation in
Aulus-les-Bains. Option to visit the thermal village or to do a
loop
walk.
Guzet lake and Ars Waterfall
A great loop walk from Aulus-les-Bains to a mountain lake and the superb waterfall, the Cascade d’Ars.
The waterfall of Ars
This is another option for a shorter loop walk: it will take you to the great “Cascade d’Ars” which gives Aulus-les-Bains, famous spa resort, its reputation. Distance : 13km, duration : around 5h00, altitude gain : +880m, descent : -880m. OR Distance : 10,5km, durée : around 3h45, dénivelé plus : +740m, dénivelé moins : -740m.
Day 2 : from Aulus to Bassies refuge
From Aulus les Bains a walk up towards the Port de Saleix (1794m altitude). The beauty of the mountain scenery is awesome, rural barns, fresh, bubbly mountain torrents, a rich Pyrenean flora and an old mine. From the Port of Saleix, you can admire the view towards the Auzat and Vicdessos valleys, then the Bassiès lakes, before reaching the refuge. Distance : 11km, duration : around 5h15, altitude gain : +1270m, descent : -370m.
Day 3 : from Bassiès refuge to Goulier
Day 4 : from Goulier to Siguer
Day 5 : from Siguer to “Pont de Coudènes”
Day 6 : from the Plateau de Beille to Rulhe refuge
In the morning, transfer to the plateau de Beille, famous for its nordic ski station and as being on the itinerary for the Tour de France race. Ascent to the Rulhe refuge via the col des Finestres, Didorte, Belh and Terre Nègre. A high mountain ambience is guaranteed! Distance : 14km, duration : around 5h15, altitude gain : +785m, descent : -380m.
Day 7 : from Rulhe refuge to Mérens
This programme is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. It may be necessary, if situations arise that are beyond our control, for the itinerary to be modified.
Welcome
Day 1 at your accommodation in Aulus- les-Bains (09)
Dispersion
Day 7 after the walk, in Merens (09).
Level
Nature of the walk
The walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky. Walks on mostly waymarked paths, but some technical difficulties are possible.
Level 3
For walkers in good physical condition, already experienced in mountain hiking. The walking times mentioned are given as an indication, they are average times that only take into account the duration of the actual walking without counting the break times. Depending on the weather conditions, the walking pace can also vary, ranging from +300m to +500m of climb per hour. You need to be used to walking and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday.
Accommodation
Half board
2 nights in a shared dormitory in mountain refuges on days 2 and 6. Bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets provided)
1 night in a shared dormitory in gite on days 3. Bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets provided)
2 nights in room in guest houses on days 1 and 4
1 night in room in hotel** on day 5
COMFORT VERSION (with extra) :
1 night in room in hotel** on day 5
2 nights in room in guest house on days 1 and 4
1 night in room in gite on day 3
2 nights in a shared dormitory in mountain refuges on days 2 and 6. Bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets provided)
Please note that according to the Covid-19 regulation which will be in force in the refuges in 2022, it is possible that blankets will not be provided. In this case, it will be necessary to bring a sleeping bag for those nights. This will be specified to you as soon as possible before your stay.
Food
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, butter, jam)
- Evening meals in gites, often based on local specialities, include a starter, a main course and a dessert. For dinner in Aulus les Bains, restaurants on site.
- Pic-nics and drinks not included.
Carrying luggage
You will need to carry a day backpack only. Our bag-moving service means you can travel light during your walks. Except for the nights in refuges on day 2 and 6 where you will need to carry personal belongings for the night (sleeping bag sheet, change of clothes, toiletries) as you will not have access to your main luggage those nights. Your main luggage (that should please be easily transportable) will be transported by vehicle between the different night stops, unless you have chosen the version without luggage transport.
Guide
Self-guided walking, without guide.
