GR10 self-guided Section 4 : From Cauterets to Luchon
7 days
6 nights
6 days of activities
Easy Moderate
Self-guided
17PGR4LF
from 480 €
This section of the GR10 takes you to the heart of the Pyrenees. It crosses the Pyrenees from Cauterets to Bagnères-de-Luchon and can be described in two parts.
The first part of the itinerary takes place in Pays Toy. The word ‘Toy', formerly Thôys, means : child or small and refers to the youthfulness of the villages. From Cauterets to Barèges, via the high valley of Luz-Saint-Sauveur and the col de Riou, where there is a splendid panoramic view, you will visit villages renowned for the benefits of their thermal waters.
In the second part, from Barèges to Bagnères-de-Luchon, the itinerary makes its way through a succession of lakes, mountain passes, at more than 2000m altitude, and mountain villages. You will cross the Natural Reserve in Néouvielle and its remarkable glaciar lakes, before reaching the villages of Saint-Lary-Soulan and Germ, the famous Espingo lake refuge and finally Bagnères-de-Luchon, the « belle of the Pyrenees ».
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 |
655€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 3 persons |
615€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 4 persons |
590€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 5 persons |
575€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 6 persons |
565€ |
Prices without luggage transfer :
|
Price per person for a group of 2 persons |
510€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 3 persons |
500€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 4 persons |
490€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 5 persons |
485€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 6 persons |
480€ |
Extras :
- Comfort version (5 nights in room) : 120€/pers.
- Extra for a single room (not possible in Oredon) : 65€/pers
- Transfer from Luchon to Cauterets on a week day : 245€
- Transfer from Luchon to Cauterets on Sundays and public holidays : 300€
- Extra night in Cauterets and/or Luchon: consult us
The price includes
- Half-board accommodation
- Transfers days 4 and 6
- Luggage transport (depending on the option chosen) except for 2 nights in refuges on days 4 and 6 (normal version)
- Luggage transport (depending on the option chosen) except for 1 night in a refuge on day 6 (comfort version)
- Dossier containing maps, route notes (1 for 4 persons) sent at your first 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 holiday in Cauterets
This week’s walking starts at
Cauterets. Situated at 950m altitude, Cauterets has an authentic,
Pyrenean mountain charm and is well known for its thermal spas.
Time to discover and enjoy the town.
The Turon des Oules and the plateau du Lisey
Possibility of doing a forest walk in the direction of Turon des
Oules 1380m, this is a high altitude thermal station with old
hotels that date from the turn of the last century, it’s possible
to continue to the Plateau du Lisey (add on 30mins).
The Gaube lake from the pont d’Espagne
From Cauterets, take the shuttle from the pont d’Espagne and hike
to the magnificent Gaube lake. Distance :
12km, duration : around 3h45, altitude gain : +785m, descent :
-785m (Turon des Oules and Plateau du Lisey). OR Distance :
5km, duration : around 1h45, altitude gain : +300m, descent : -300m
(Gaube lake).
Day 2 : from Cauterets to Luz Saint Sauveur
From Cauterets, the walk will lead you to Luz-Saint-Sauveur, another well known thermal spa spot. You will pass the col de Riou, that separates the valley of Cauterets and the valley of Luz. From the col the panorama is immense there are views across the valley of Barèges, Néouvielle massif, the cirque of Troumouse and at your feet you have Luz Ardiden ski station. Distance : 19km, duration : 7h30, altitude gain : +1100m, descent : -1300m (normal version). OU Distance : 22km, duration : 8h15, altitude gain : +1190m, descent : -1410m (comfort version).
Day 3 : from Luz Saint Sauveur to Barèges
Day 4 : from Tournaboup to lac de l'Oule
Day 5 : from Lac de l'Oule to Vielle Aure
Day 6 : from Germ to the Espingo refuge
Day 7 : from the Espingo Refuge to Luchon
The walk to Luchon will plunge you into a high mountain decor. You will traverse the Hourquette des Hounts at a high altitude of 2275m, before crossing the mountain pass, the Col de la Coume de Bourg at 2272m. From here you can choose to do the variant that is off the GR10, the ascension of the Pic de Céciré. This magnificent summit offers stunning views in the direction of Maladetta massif and the Spigeoles that will capture your regard. The descent towards Luchon passes by the ski resort of Superbagnères. In July and August, it is possible to take the cable car of the ski resort to avoid a long descent (not included in the price).Distance : 19,5km, duration : around 7h40, altitude gain : +645m, descent : -1970m.
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 Cauterets (65), according to your time of arrival.
Dispersion
Day 7 in Luchon, after your walk.
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. Be aware that there are 2 challenging stages with a climb of 1200m/1700m. 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 4 and 6. Bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets provided)
3 nights in a shared dormitory in gite on days 1, 2 and 3. Bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets provided)
1 night in a room, in a guest house, on day 5
COMFORT VERSION (with extra price) :
1 night in room in gite on day 1
1 night in room in hotel** on day 2
1 night in room in hotel*** on day 3
1 night in room in a chalet/mountain hotel on day 4
1 night in a guest house on day 5
1 night in shared dormitory in mountain refuge on day 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.
- 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. 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.
