GR10 stage 6: Aulus-les-Bains to Mérens-les-Vals (self-guided)
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationPyrenees / Ariège
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions51.98 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Between Aulus-les-Bains and Mérens , this crossing of the Haute-Ariège marks the transition between the western Pyrenees and the Ariège heart of the mountain range. A route of character along high summer pastures , through steep valleys and over sometimes snow-capped peaks , where superb mountain lakes shimmer with ever-changing hues.
From the outset, the atmosphere is set with the Bassiès refuge , nestled in the heart of a lake-filled cirque, perfect for immersing yourself in nature. Further on, the Vicdessos valley reveals the orris , striking circular dry-stone huts, testaments to the ancestral pastoralism of the Auzat valley. These traces of the past lend a strong cultural dimension to this journey.
The stage to the Rulhe refuge , more rugged and alpine, precedes the arrival in Mérens , at the gateway to Capcir and Andorra , opening up magnificent vistas. Each evening also offers the opportunity to savor the generous and authentic cuisine of Ariège , ideal for recharging your batteries.
A complete journey combining wild nature , mountain heritage and immersion in the Pyrenean soul, which irresistibly makes you want to come back and explore the Haute-Ariège.
The highlights
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Part of the route within the Ariège Pyrenees Natural Park
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The lakeside site of the Bassiès ponds
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The wild, massive Aston
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Regular walker, in good physical condition with experience in mountain hiking.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 9h
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 935 m
- Average daily descent: 965 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 Aulus les Bains
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 35h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Guzet Pond and Ars Waterfall
Loop hike starting from Aulus-les-Bains to the superb Ars waterfall, and the Guzet pond.
The Ars waterfall
Here is another suggestion for a shorter out-and-back hike: it will take you to the famous Ars waterfall, which makes the spa town of Aulus famous.
Day 1 -
Day 2: From Aulus les Bains to the Bassiès refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 1750 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From Aulus-les-Bains, the climb towards the Port de Saleix (1794m) requires some effort due to the 1100m elevation gain. During your ascent, numerous points of interest will entertain you: well-preserved old barns, the coolness of the streams and their unique flora, an old mine… From the Port de Saleix, you can admire the view towards the Auzat and Vicdessos valleys, then the Bassiès lakes, before reaching the refuge. An alternative route off the GR10 is possible via the panoramic ridges of Bassiès and the superb Lavants lakes.
Day 2 -
Day 3: From the Bassiès refuge to Goulier
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h45
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
The GR 10 trail winds its way along the magnificent Bassiès lakes and reaches the lower part of the upper Vicdessos valley, heading towards Auzat, at the foot of Montcalm, the last peak over 3000m high before reaching the Mediterranean. A superb country path then leads to Goulier, passing through Olbier, a pretty little mountain village in the Ariège Pyrenees.
Day 3 -
Day 4: From Goulier to Siguer
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h45
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Negative elevation 1600 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Starting from Goulier, today's route crosses numerous mountain passes, winds through beautiful forests, and passes through mountain hamlets such as Lercoul and Siguer. The built heritage found here is significant: Romanesque churches, orris (traditional stone huts), barns, and bordes (traditional farm buildings). Near the villages, take the time to discover the remains of ancient agricultural terraces, with their stone walls. As this stage is easy and relatively short, an alternative route via the ridge and the Pic du Sarrasi (2213m) offers a stunning panoramic view of the Vicdessos valley.
Day 4 -
Day 5: From Siguer to Les Cabannes
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h30
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Negative elevation 1450 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
From Siguer, after an initial climb through the forest, you'll reach the panoramic ridge of La Bède, leading to the summit of Pla de Montcamp. This magnificent viewpoint takes the form of a vast high-altitude plateau offering a 360° view of the Ariège mountains. You'll then cross the wide-open spaces of Pla du Four, ideal for grazing livestock, as evidenced by the Courtal Marti and Balledreyte huts. Next, you'll leave the GR10 trail to descend into the Aston valley and reach the village of Les Cabannes. This is a long stage; transfers are available in the morning or at the end of the hike to shorten it (additional charge applies, please contact us).
Day 5 -
Day 6: From the Beille plateau to the Rulhe refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h15
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 397 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
In the morning, transfer from Les Cabannes to the Plateau de Beille to rejoin the GR10. Both beautiful and imposing, it is particularly famous for its Nordic ski resort and the Tour de France stage. Ascent towards the Col des Finestres, through vast natural landscapes frequented by cross-country skiers in winter. From this pass, at an altitude of 1967m, you will reach the Col de la Didorte, at an altitude of 2093m, and, still traversing immense landscapes, will then reach the Crête des Isards. This ridge leads to the Refuge du Rulhe via the Col de Terre Nègre: a true high-mountain experience guaranteed!
Day 6 -
Day 7: From the Rulhe refuge to Mérens les Vals
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 1446 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Starting from the Rulhe refuge, the GR 10 first crosses the Calmette pass, then skirts the Étang Bleu (Blue Pond), following the Lhasse ridge with beautiful views of the Rulhe massif. A descent then leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Étang de Comte (Comte Pond). The trail then descends alongside the Mourguillou stream to reach the mountain pasture of the same name, opposite the Font des Fièvres (Fever Spring), before arriving in Mérens.
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
Refuge with breathtaking views of the granite cirque and the chain of lakes stretching out at your feet.
Nestled in the Vicdessos valley in Hautes Ariège, in the picturesque little village of Goulier, the gîte (located in the old village school) welcomes you in a friendly and family atmosphere.
The Gîte d'étape is a friendly accommodation located in Siguer (Ariège), directly on the GR10 route.
This gîte (hostel) boasts an exceptional setting in the commune of Les Cabannes, where you will find restaurants, a grocery store, a newsagent/tobacconist, a post office...
At 2185m, in the upper Aston valley, it is at the crossroads of the long-distance hiking trails: GR10, GR Transfrontaliers, Haute Route Pyrénéenne, Tour des Montagnes d'Ax.
Access
End of stay after your hike.
Go to the starting point
How to get to Aulus les Bains by public transport:
Numerous trains depart from major cities towards Boussens (with connections): https://www.sncf-connect.com
Bus from Boussens to Aulus-les-Bains (Ariège - Line 452 – Tourist shuttle to the thermal baths – Boussens > St Girons > Seix > Aulus): https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/horaires-et-plans/
How to leave Mérens les Vals by public transport:
From Mérens les Vals, trains run to major cities (with connections): https://www.sncf-connect.com
How to get to Aulus les Bains from Mérens les Vals by public transport:
Train from Mérens-les-Vals to Foix: https://www.sncf-connect.com
Bus from Foix to Saint Girons (Ariège - Line 454 – Foix > St Girons): https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/horaires-et-plans/
Buses from Saint Girons to Aulus les Bains (Ariège - Line 457 – Aulus > Massat > St Girons > St Lizier OR Line 452 – Tourist shuttle to the thermal baths – Boussens > St Girons > Seix > Aulus): https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/horaires-et-plans/
Vehicle parking in Aulus les Bains:
Parking in the village, along the road at the entrance (free and unguarded/unsupervised)
Vehicle parking in Mérens les Vals:
Parking in the village: at the train station or at the Auberge du Nabre (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 in guesthouses, mountain huts, campsites, dormitories and shared rooms
- Half-board within the accommodations
- The transfer of J6
- The travel kit includes IGN maps and a guidebook
- Access to detailed directions on our mobile app
- GPS tracks available upon request
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
- Luggage transport
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Picnics
- Showers in mountain huts are chargeable.
Options
- Comfort version (4 nights in a private room) : CHF109.78 / person
- Single room (if comfort version) : CHF160.09 / person
- Picnic : CHF82.33 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 2 people : CHF128.07 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 3 people : CHF77.76 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 4 people : CHF59.46 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 5 people : CHF45.74 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 6 people : CHF41.17 / person
- Return transfer from Mérens les Vals to Aulus during the week : CHF178.39 / reservation
- Return transfer from Mérens les Vals to Aulus les Bains on Sundays and public holidays : CHF201.26 / 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
- If you choose the luggage transfer option, only one piece of luggage per person is permitted. For logistical reasons, we ask that you limit the weight of your 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
