GR10 self-guided Section 3 : From Etsaut to Cauterets
7 days
6 nights
6 days of activities
Easy Moderate
Self-guided
17PGR3LF
from 425 €
From Etsaut to Cauterets, the GR10 takes you through the Pyrenean National Park. Created in 1967 to preserve an exceptional natural heritage, the park stretches from the Aspe valley to the Aure valley, along the Spanish border and two departments, the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and the Hautes-Pyrénées.
Setting off from Etsaut, via the famous chemin de la Mâture, you will reach the grandiose surroundings of the Ossau valley, that opens out before you and affords a spectacular view of the pyramid-shaped Pic de Midi d'Ossau that culminates at 2884m.
From Gabas to Arrens valley, passing through the ski resort of Gourette, you encounter a succession of lakes and villages in stone and slate and a never-ending wilderness that serves as summer pastures. After having discovered the Arrens and Estaing valleys, you finish your holiday in the spa town of Cauterets, capital of the Bigorre.
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 |
635€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 3 persons |
595€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 4 persons |
570€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 5 persons |
555€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 6 persons |
545€ |
Prices without luggage transfer :
|
Price per person for a group of 2 persons |
445€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 3 persons |
440€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 4 persons |
435€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 5 persons |
430€ |
|
Price per person for a group of 6 persons |
425€ |
Extras :
- Comfort version (4 nights in rooms) : 90€/pers
- Extra for a single room : 90€/pers
- Transfer back from Cauterets to Etsaut on a week day : 230€/transfer
- Transfer back from Cauterets to Etsaut on Sundays and public holidays: 300€/transfer
- Extra night in Etsaut and/or Cauterets: please, consult us
The price includes
- Half-board accommodation
- Transfer day 4
- Luggage transport (depending on the option chosen) except for the two nights in a 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 Etsaut
Once you have settled into your accommodation you can visit villages of Etsaut or Borce and the Maison du Parc.
The Moulette Bridge
Easy hike in shady loop up to the Moulette bridge, in the forest to discover high barns. Distance : 4km, duration : around 2h15, altitude gain : +330m, descent : -330m.
Day 2 : From Etsaut to Ayous refuge
Day 3 : From Ayous refuge to Gabas
Setting out from the refuge at Ayous, the GR10 drops down to the village of Gabas. Today's walk is shorter and it's a chance to recuperate after yesterday's efforts (or longer variants). The distance from the lake to the village isn’t far and will take about 3h00. The village is typically Pyrenean and situated in the famous valley of Ossau, with an emblematic summit, an exceptional flora and fauna, as well as a super cheese ! Possibility of two different longer variants: via Lac Bersau or via the Col de Suzon. • Distance : 10km, duration : 3h30, altitude gain : +65m, descent : -990m. OU Distance : 12,5km, duration : 4h30, altitude gain : +235m, descent : -1155m (Variant Lac Bersau). OU Distance : 20km, duration : around 8h, altitude gain : +930m, descent : -1855m (Variant Col de Suzon)
Day 4 : From Pont du Goua to Gourette
In the morning transfer from Gabas to Pont du Goua or Eaux Bonnes to shorten the hike (optional, contact us). Today’s walk is strenuous, the climb up to the Hourquette d'Arre which culminates at 2465m, this is the highest part of the GR10 in the Pyrenees Atlantiques. You descend towards the lake Anglas and continue down to the ski station, Gourette. There is a good chance that you will be able to observe some remarkable fauna such as the majestic rare vautour fauve, vultures, royal eagles, mountain isards and marmots. Late snow covering is regular on this stage : a variant enabling to avoid the high point of Hourquette d’Arre can be organized. Possibility to divide the hike in 2 by adding an extra night, please contact us. Distance : 17km, duration : around 7h45, altitude gain : +1550m, descent : -1155m (Pont de Goua transfer). OR Distance : 10km, duration : around 4h30, altitude gain : +950m, descent : -350m (Eaux Bonnes transfer). OR Distance : 24km, duration : around 9h30, altitude gain : +1845m, descent : -1465m (Snow variant).
Day 5 : From Gourette to Arrens Marsous
Day 6 : From Arrens Marsous to Ilheou refuge
Day 7 : From Ilheou refuge to Cauterets
Just a short walk for the last section of this part of the GR10. To Cauterets, passing by the Escala d’Ilhéou, you will no doubt have the chance to see marmottes and isards. In this high, airy mountain ambiance there are many traces of glacier erosion, lakes and moraines. Possibility of a longer variant via the Haugade Pass and the Marcadau Valley. Distance : 8km, duration : around 3h, altitude gain : +75m, descent : -1100m. OR Distance : 18km, duration : around 6h30, altitude gain : +515m, descent : -1530m (variant).
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 Etsaut (64), according to your time of arrival.
Dispersion
Day 7 in Cauterets (65), 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 1500m/1700m. You need to be used to walking and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday.
Accommodation
Half board
3 nights in a shared dormitory in mountain refuges on days 2, 4 and 6. Bring a sack sheet (blankets provided)
3 nights in a shared dormitory in gite on days 1, 3 and 5. Bring a sack sheet (blankets provided)
COMFORT VERSION (with extra) :
3 nights in room in guest rooms on days 1, 3 and 5.
1 night in a hotel** in room on day 4
2 nights in shared dormitory in mountain refuge 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 accommodations, often based on local specialities, include a starter, a main course and a dessert.
- Picnics and drinks are not included. Picnics can be provided by all accommodation.
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 except for the nights in mountain shelters, D2 and D6, 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 will be transported by vehicle between the different night stops, which you will take places on days 3, 4, 5 and 7, unless you have chosen the version without luggage transport.
Guide
Self-guided walking, without guide.
