Pyrenees
GR10 stage 5: Bagnères-de-Luchon to Aulus-les-Bains (self-guided)
Réf : VKPNSP
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-Emissions57.32 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
A minimum of 2 people (including at least 1 adult) are required to book this stay.
In a few words
The section from Bagnères-de-Luchon to Aulus-les-Bains covers a specific part of the Pyrenees Crossing, as the GR10 follows ancient communication routes that once connected the deep valleys . Here, the mid-altitude zone is characterized by pastoralism and forestry around the foothill villages of Artigue , Melles-en-Comminges , and the hamlets of Eylie and Aunac in Couserans , before reaching another spa town, Aulus-les-Bains . You are entering the land of bear trainers and mountain traditions , a route winding between forests, pastures, and panoramic views of the high Pyrenean peaks !
The highlights
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The wild beauty of Ariège
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Magnificent views of the high peaks of the Luchon region, the Encantats and the Maladeta
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A route through forests, pastures and viewpoints
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those who want a challenging hike of 7 to 8 hours per day with over 1200 meters of elevation gain off-trail or on rough terrain. High-altitude sections. You have been practicing high-intensity endurance sports several times a week for several years, and you are training for this event.
The expert's opinion
Trained walker, in good physical condition with good experience in mountain hiking.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1073 m
- Average daily descent: 1228 m
- Maximum altitude: 2193 m
Management
The paper roadbook contains all the information directly in your bag.
Paper Roadbook
Paper Roadbook
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 Luchon
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Bed and Breakfast
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Check into your accommodation. You can visit Luchon or hike to the village of Cazarilh-Laspènes, which boasts a remarkable character due to its layout and the architectural richness of its church. Enjoy a lovely view of Luchon and the valley along the way.
Day 1 -
Day 2: From Artigue to Fos
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h45
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 1650 m
- Maximum altitude 2193 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
In the morning, transfer to the village of Artigue (it is also possible to hike this section, adding a night in Artigue or making it a longer stage from Luchon to Fos; please contact us for details). You will begin your ascent to the Col de Peyrahitte. Shortly after the pass, a superb route along the border ridge, culminating at the Pic de Bacanère (2193m), will reward you with a fantastic panorama. This panoramic view will accompany you throughout a pleasant ridge walk punctuated by small viewpoint peaks. The descent will then be made from cabin to cabin, through a forested landscape, to reach the village of Fos.
Day 2 -
Day 3: From Fos to the Araing Pond
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 1700 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Maximum altitude 2176 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From the village of Fos and the Comminges region, after a long climb and crossing the Auéran pass at 2176m altitude, you leave the Haute-Garonne department for the Ariège and the Couserans region. From the pass, you can see the beautiful Araing refuge, the end of the stage, located near the lake of the same name beneath the cliffs of the Crabère summit. The landscapes you pass through already hint at the vast wilderness of this region of the Pyrenees.
Day 3 -
Day 4: From Araing Pond to Eylie
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h15
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 1350 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 1550 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A short stage linking the Araing refuge, nestled near the lake of the same name, to the small village of Eylie d'en Haut, at the gateway to the wild Couserans region. Given the short length of this stage, there is the option of climbing the Pic de l'Har (2424m), a remarkable viewpoint overlooking the high peaks of the Couserans and the Pyrenean foothills.
Day 4 -
Day 5: From Eylie to the Maison du Valier
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h30
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 1600 m
- Negative elevation 1650 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Starting from Eylié, this first challenging stage in the heart of the Couserans region crosses the wild landscapes typical of this part of the Pyrenees: beech forests, summer pastures, shepherd's huts… Passing the Arech and Clot du Lac passes, you'll enjoy beautiful views of the region's mountains, rising above deep valleys. You'll then reach Pla de la Lau and the Maison du Valier. This is a long and difficult stage; a morning transfer is available to shorten it (additional charge applies, please contact us).
Day 5 -
Day 6: From the Maison du Valier to Aunac
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h30
- Distance 22 km
- Positive elevation gain 1350 m
- Negative elevation 1550 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
This stage follows trails often clinging to the hillside, between the high mountains and the foothills of the Couserans region. You'll leave behind the Mont Valier massif, an iconic peak of the Couserans, while enjoying superb views of it and the other high peaks in the area. The charming little Ayes pond will also add to the charm of the route, before reaching the Col de la Core pass and then the valley leading to the hamlet of Aunac. This is a long and challenging stage; a transfer at the end of the hike is possible to shorten it (additional charge applies, please contact us).
Day 6 -
Day 7: From St Lizier d'Ustou to Aulus les Bains
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 1100 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 9h
- Distance 23 km
- Positive elevation gain 1450 m
- Negative elevation 1450 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
In the morning, transfer from Aunac to St. Lizier d'Ustou to avoid a long and difficult detour on the GR10. However, it's possible to add a day of hiking and reach St. Lizier d'Ustou via a variant of the GR10 (Tour du Val du Garbet) or over two days via the GR10 (please contact us). Starting from St. Lizier d'Ustou, in the heart of a beautiful valley, you'll reach the Col d'Escots. From there, a beautiful view opens up over the last high peaks bordering the Couserans region. Then you'll descend towards the spa town of Aulus-les-Bains via the Cirque Casérien and the lovely Cascade du Fouillet waterfall. A possible detour via the Étang de Guzet lake and the Cascade d'Ars waterfall will allow you to admire one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pyrenees.
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
During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
🏠 Holiday rental - Day 5
Access
Departure
Bagnères-de-Luchon, France
Day 1
End of stay
Aulus-les-Bains, France
Day 7
Your stay begins at your accommodation in Luchon, depending on your arrival time.
End of your stay in Aulus les Bains, after your hike.
Go to the starting point
Take the train toGare de Bagnères de LuchonOrGare de Boussens
How to get to Luchon by public transport:
Numerous trains depart from major cities towards Luchon (with connections): https://www.sncf-connect.com
How to leave Aulus les Bains by public transport:
Bus from Aulus-les-Bains to Boussens (Ariège - Line 452 – Thermal Tourist Shuttle – Boussens > St Girons > Seix > Aulus): https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/horaires-et-plans/
From Boussens, trains run to major cities (with connections): https://www.sncf-connect.com
How to get from Aulus-les-Bains to Luchon by public transport:
Bus from Aulus-les-Bains to Boussens (Ariège - Line 452 – Thermal Tourist Shuttle – Boussens > St Girons > Seix > Aulus): https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/horaires-et-plans/
Train from Boussens to Luchon (with a connection at Montrejeau): https://www.sncf-connect.com
The nearest airport isTarbes-Lourdes Or Toulouse-Blagnac
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
Vehicle parking in Luchon:
All paid and free parking areas can be found on this page: https://www.mairie-luchon.fr/stationnement/
Vehicle parking in Aulus les Bains:
Parking in the village, along the road at the entrance (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
- Half-board accommodation
- Transfers of J2 and J7
- 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
- Drinks
- Picnics
- Showers in mountain huts are chargeable.
Options
- Comfort version (4 nights in a private room) : CHF52.25 / person
- Single room (if comfort version) : CHF118.75 / person
- Picnic : CHF80.75 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 2 people : CHF213.75 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 3 people : CHF142.50 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 4 people : CHF114.00 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 5 people : CHF104.50 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 6 people : CHF80.75 / person
- Return transfer from Aulus les Bains to Bagnères de Luchon during the week : CHF194.75 / reservation
- Return transfer from Aulus les Bains to Bagnères de Luchon on Sundays and public holidays : CHF218.50 / reservation
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Equipment
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Gaëtan team
4.5/5
(54 reviews)
• 70 stays
Based in the Basque Country and Ariège, our local partner's team is deeply rooted in its region. They have always explored the Pyrenees and the Basque mountains with boundless passion. Today, they share their love for these mountain ranges, brimming with natural beauty and cultural riches. With its own accommodation dedicated to hikers, this partner offers an authentic and personal immersion in the heart of the peaks.
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Best price guaranteed:
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Free cancellation more than 30 days in advance
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