GR10 stage 2: Saint Jean Pied de Port to Etsaut (self-guided)
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelExpert
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DestinationFrance / Pyrenees
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions61.76 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
For your holidays, set off on the GR10 trail between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Hendaye! The variety of landscapes makes this area special and captivating. You'll pass through charming, typically Basque villages with a light and relaxing atmosphere . Along the trails, you'll traverse postcard-perfect scenery such as the Cirque de Lescun, where you'll have the opportunity to spend the night. Being self-sufficient , you can enjoy the different stages as you wish, at your own pace. Hiking this legendary section of the GR10 is a fantastic experience in the heart of a unique and unspoiled place!
The highlights
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The discovery of two specific regions: the Basque Country and Béarn
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The discovery of the first high Pyrenean peaks: Pic d'Orhy, Pic d'Anie and its limestone pavement
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Lescun and its magnificent circus
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Experienced hiker, in good physical condition with good experience in mountain hiking. Hikes of 7-8 hours per day on average, elevation gains of 1000m-1300m on average, on accessible trails but also on rough terrain (scree, boulder fields...), with some minor occasional technical difficulties.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 17 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 780 m
- Average daily descent: 815 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
The paper travel file includes:
- IGN maps of the route with your itinerary highlighted
- Paper and personalized roadbook
- Planning schedule including a list of accommodations and transport (if transport has been booked)
- Luggage tags if you have booked luggage transport by us between accommodations.
In addition, we give you access to the detailed route on our mobile application (digital roadbook), and we provide you with the GPS tracks of the route on request.
Program
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Day 1: Start of stay in Saint Jean Pied de Port
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h30
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 150 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Upon arrival, settle comfortably into your accommodation. Depending on the time, you can visit the village or embark on a walking loop to explore the surrounding area. Here are two walking options:
Exploring St. Jean: Immerse yourself in the captivating landscapes of Lower Navarre, a region rich in panoramas and vineyards. A hike will take you through the Irouléguy vineyards and the picturesque village of Ispoure, offering an authentic glimpse of local attractions.
Kurutxamendi Loop: This gentle route follows in the footsteps of pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Although Kurutxamendi is only a modest hill, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks of Navarre and Labourd, ideal for a short and pleasant walk.
Day 1 -
Day 2: From Saint Jean Pied de Port to Phagalcette
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
After leaving the capital of the Basque Country, you'll ascend from hill to hill, discovering the first peaks of the Atlantic Pyrenees as you head east. Your route will begin in the village of Caro, before crossing the Handiague pass at 587 meters altitude. From there, admire the upper Nive valley before descending in switchbacks towards Estérençuby. This route will allow you to appreciate the strong Basque cultural influence of the region. For those choosing the comfort option (activity 2), a stop in Estérençuby is planned, while others can continue their hike to Phagalcette.
Day 2 -
Day 3: From Phagalcette to Iraty
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h45
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 1400 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The morning begins with a short transfer from Estérençuby to Phagalcette for those opting for the comfort option. Today's stage is challenging, given the distance and rugged terrain. You'll traverse vast pasture plateaus offering sweeping panoramas until you reach the impressive Cromlechs of Occabé, a prehistoric monumental complex of stones arranged in a circle. Afterwards, you'll enter the Iraty Forest, the largest beech forest in Europe, located on the border between France and Spain. The day concludes at the Iraty chalets, situated at the Bagargui Pass.
Day 3 -
Day 4: From Iraty to Logibar
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 1400 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
You will depart from the Iraty chalets towards the Pic des Escaliers, which rises to 1472 meters. After enjoying the summit, you will begin a descent along the Ugatzé ridge to reach Logibar. The route, marked by ridges and passes, offers exceptional panoramas to the east, overlooking the first major peaks of the Pyrenees, such as the Pic d'Anie at 2504 meters, the Pic d'Ansabère at 2360 meters, the Table des Trois Rois at 2421 meters, and the Visaurin at 2669 meters, not forgetting the Pic d'Orhy at 2017 meters, the highest peak in the Basque Country.
Day 4 -
Day 5: From Logibar to Senta
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h30
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 1300 m
- Negative elevation 1100 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h45
- Distance 22 km
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Negative elevation 1050 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From Logibar, the GR10 crosses the Holzarté canyon and its famous footbridge. It then reaches the Saratzé shepherd's hut. These huts were once a place of hospitality and welcome for hikers. After reaching the hamlet of Senta, you leave the Basque Country for Béarn and enter the Barétous valley. As this stage is long, a shorter alternative is offered (activity 2).
Day 5 -
Day 6: From La Pierre St Martin to Lescun
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 8km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h45
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 1200 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
In the morning, a short transfer takes you to La Pierre St Martin. For those wishing to extend the hike, it is possible to complete this section on foot by adding an overnight stay in La Pierre St Martin or by opting for a longer stage from Senta to Lescun (please contact us for details). The GR10 then leads you towards the Anie massif via the Arres de Camplong, where you can admire a magnificent view from the Pas d'Azun of the pyramid-shaped Pic d'Anie, the first major Pyrenean peak visible from the ocean, reaching an altitude of 2,504 meters. The hike concludes in the spectacular glacial cirque of Lescun, offering breathtaking views of the Orgues de Camplong, the Pic Billare, and the Sanchèse plateau.
Day 6 -
Day 7: From Lescun to Etsaut
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h15
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 1150 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You will leave the Dolomite cirque of Lescun and cross a series of foothill villages, immersed in pastoral landscapes and steeped in ancestral traditions. Your route will then take you to the Lhers plateau and the Barrancq pass. Finally, you will reach the village of Etsaut, located at the entrance to the Pyrenees National Park and on the banks of the Gave d'Aspe river.
Day 7
Note
The programs were established based on the latest information available at the time of writing: unforeseen circumstances are always possible and situations beyond our control may alter their course.
Accommodation
Access
End of your stay in Etsaut, after your hike.
Go to the starting point
How to get to Saint Jean Pied de Port by public transport:
Numerous trains depart from major cities towards Saint Jean Pied de Port (with connections): https://www.sncf-connect.com
How to leave Etsaut by public transport:
Buses from Etsaut to Bedous (line 550 Bedous > Canfranc): https://www.citrampyrenees.fr/horaires-tarifs
From Bedous, trains run to major cities (with connections): https://www.sncf-connect.com
How to get from Etsaut to Saint Jean Pied de Port by public transport:
Buses from Etsaut to Bedous (line 550 Bedous > Canfranc): https://www.citrampyrenees.fr/horaires-tarifs
Train from Bedous to Saint Jean Pied de Port (with connections in Pau and Bayonne): https://www.sncf-connect.com
Vehicle parking in St Jean Pied de Port:
All paid and free parking options are listed on this page: https://www.st-jean-pied-de-port.fr/decouvrir/ou-stationner/
Vehicle parking in Etsaut:
Parking at Place de l'Église, opposite the Town Hall (free and unguarded/unsupervised)
If you are leaving your vehicle for the entire duration of your stay, please check with the tourist office to find out if any events (festivals, markets, etc.) will be organized at your parking location.
It is strongly recommended that you travel by train for your trip to avoid returning to your starting point to retrieve your vehicle, as journeys can be very long and poorly served, or expensive if you choose to return by taxi. However, if you do choose to come by car, we advise you to leave your vehicle at your arrival point on the first day and drive to your starting point for your trip. This will give you time to make the journey and you won't be tired from your week of hiking.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation includes half-board except for the night of day 1, which is bed and breakfast.
- Day 6 transfer
- Day 3 transfer for the comfort version
- The travel kit includes IGN maps and a guidebook
- Access the detailed route on our mobile app
- GPS tracks available upon request
The price does not include
- Dinner on Day 1
- Drinks
- Picnics
Options
- Picnic : CHF59.46 / person
- Comfort version (5 nights in a private room) : CHF123.50 / person
- Single room (if comfort version) : CHF164.66 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 2 people : CHF192.11 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 3 people : CHF146.37 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 4 people : CHF123.50 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 5 people : CHF114.35 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 6 people : CHF105.20 / person
- Return transfer from Etsaut to St Jean Pied de Port during the week : CHF219.55 / reservation
- Return transfer from Etsaut to St Jean Pied de Port on Sundays and public holidays : CHF242.42 / reservation
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
- Your personal luggage: Only one piece of personal luggage per person is permitted. For logistical reasons, we ask that you limit the weight of your personal luggage to a maximum of 15kg and avoid rigid suitcases: our logistics team and transport partners have to load and unload dozens of these suitcases every day, sometimes involving many stairs. The transport company may charge you an additional fee at the end of the hike if your luggage is too heavy or too numerous.
- Backpack of approximately 40L
- Sleeping bag sheet
- Picnic
- Airtight container for picnics
- Gourd
- Hiking shoes
- Lightweight shoes
- Telescopic poles
- Sunglasses
- Hat/cap
- Camera
- Toiletries
- Headlamp
Clothing to bring
- Waterproof windproof jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Breathable walking clothes
- Change of clothes
- Swimsuit
- Towel
