GR10 self-guided Section 5 : From Luchon to Aulus les Bains
7 days
6 nights
6 days of activities
Easy Moderate
Self-guided
17PGR5LF
from 505 €
From Luchon to Aulus-les-bains, the GR10 follows ancient passages that were used as a means of communication between the deep valleys. Here, the itinerary follows a rural and forestry trail around the Piemont villages of Artigue and Melles-en-Comminges and the hamlets of Eylie, Bouche, Aunac and Bidous before rejoining another thermal station, Aulus-les-bains.
The walk between Comminges and Couserans will take you through some remarkable flora : Gispet (widespread grass that gets slippery when wet and thrives on high altitude terrain), rhododendron flowers, blueberries and majestic beach trees that share the forest with fir trees.
In Couserans you discover more traces of the past when the trail takes you to various ‘jasses', (an area where the shepherds would gather their sheep near to the river), old shepherd's cabins and cairns, all signs of an ancient presence.
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 |
640€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 4 persons |
605€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 5 persons |
585€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 6 persons |
570€ |
Prices without luggage transfer :
|
Price per person for a group of 2 persons |
545€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 3 persons |
525€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 4 persons |
515€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 5 persons |
510€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 6 persons |
505€ |
Extras :
- Comfort Version (4 nights in room) : 80€/pers.
- Extra for a single room : 95€/pers
- Transfer back from Aulus les Bains to Luchon on a weekday: 170€/transfer
- Transfer back from Aulus les Bains to Luchon on a Sundays and public holidays: 190€/transfer
- Extra night in Luchon and/or Aulus: consult us
The price includes
- Half board accommodation
- Transfers on days 2, 3 and 7
- Luggage transport depending on the option chosen except for the 1 night in a refuge on day 3
- 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 holiday in Luchon
Your holiday starts at your
accommodation in Luchon, you may decide to visit the thermal baths
with the famous Allées d’Etigny.
The village of Cazarilh and Luchon valley
Walk in the surrounding countryside to the village of
Cazaril-Laspènes, a village with a remarquable church and
architecture. Opportunity to walk to the hamlet of Trébons, then
Saccourvielle before returning to Luchon.
Ascent of the pic de Céciré
From Superbagnères, reach the summit of the famous peak of Céciré
(2403m), lookout on the 3000 of Luchonnais, and the summits of the
border: offer yourself a view on the Maladeta and the massif of
Aneto during this very pleasant walk. Distance :
9km, duration : around 3h, altitude gain : +465m, descent : -465m.
OR Distance :
13,5km, duration : around 5h, altitude gain : +775m, descent :
-775m.
Day 2 : from Artigue to Fos
Short transfer to Artigue. (It is possible to include the walk Luchon-Artigue in the tour, adding a night in Artigue : Contact us). From Artigue village, you cross a high col called the col de la Peyrahitta at an altitude of 1947m. Just after the col, if you are feeling up to it, you have the chance to climb the Pic de Bacanère, 2193m, this is a good variant and links up with the lake of Dessus. After having crossed Cigalères ridge (2093m) you pass one cabin after another before arriving at the village of Fos at an altitude of 544m. Distance : 20km, duration : around 7h45, altitude gain : +1000m, descent : -1675m.
Day 3 : from Labach de Melles to Araing lake
Short transfer to Labach de Melles (can be avoided, consult us). At Labach de Melles, at an altitude of 980m, the GR10 approaches the first foothills of the Ariège mountains. From the Col d’Auéran the GR10 heads to the Etang d’Araing, you can enjoy the large, open, wild spaces and airy views that are famed in this county. In good weather, it is possible to climb the Crabère (2629m). Superb panoramic view at the top, especially of the Maladeta massif. Distance : 9km, duration : around 4h30, altitude gain : +1285m, descent : -315m. OR Distance : 12,5km, duration : around 6h45, altitude gain : +1660m, descent : -690m (Crabère variant)
Day 4 : from Araing lake to Eylie
This section links Etang d'Araing to Eylie d'en Haut. It crosses the first part of Ariège by passing through a series of small mountain villages, the architecture and ambience are not to be missed. This stage being very short, it is possible to climb the Pic de l'Har (2424m), a remarkable viewpoint on the high peaks of the Couserans and the Pyrenean foothills. Distance : 8km, duration : around 4h15, altitude gain : +430m, descent : -1375m. OR Distance : 10km, duration : around 5h30, altitude gain : +580m, descent : -1525m (Pic de l’Har variant).
Day 5 : from Eylie to Maison du Valier
Day 6 : from Maison du Valier to Aunac
Day 7 : from St Lizier d'Ustou to Aulus les bains
In the morning, transfer to Saint Lizier d'Ustou (It is also possible for you to do this section walking, adding a night in St Lizier d'Ustou, consult us). From the pretty hamlet of St Lizier d'Ustou, nestled in the heart of a very green valley, you reach the Escots pass. From the latter, there is a beautiful view of the last high peaks of the Couserans. Then you will head towards the spa village of Aulus les Bains via the Casérien cirque and the pretty Fouillet waterfall. A possible detour via Guzet and the Ars waterfall will allow you to admire one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pyrenees. Distance : 15 km, duration : around 6h30, altitude gain : +1100m, descent : -1100m
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 accomodation in Luchon (31), according to your time of arrival.
Dispersion
Day 7 in Saint-Girons (09) bus station around 16h45 after your transfer.
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
1 night in a shared dormitory in mountain refuge on day 3. Bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets provided)
5 nights in a shared dormitory in gite on days 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. Bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets provided)
1 night in room in hotel** on day 1
COMFORT VERSION (with extra cost) :
1 night in room in hotel** on day 1
3 nights in room in gite on days 2, 5 and 6.
1 nights in shared dormitory in gites on day 4. Bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets provided).
1 night in shared dormitory in mountain refuge on day 3. 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 (except for the night in mountain shelters, D3, where you have to carry your necessary personal belongings for the night, including a lightweight sleeping bag or liner, change of clothes, toiletries). 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.
