Pyrenees
/ Ariège
GR10 stage 6: Aulus-les-Bains to Mérens-les-Vals
Réf : VOBDGA
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelExpert
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DestinationPyrenees / Ariège
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AgeAccessible to all ages
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CO₂-Emissions75.86 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇫🇷French🇬🇧English
In a few words
For your holidays, set off on the legendary GR10 trail for the stage between Aulas-les-Bains and Mérens-les-Vals. This segment of the "Pyrenees Crossing" offers a magnificent setting amidst landscapes typical of the region. From sun-drenched ridges and wild forests to verdant valleys and unique plateaus, the diverse environments through which the paths wind will undoubtedly captivate you! In the evenings, mountain huts and guesthouses with a warm, authentic atmosphere, where you can share local meals, will be the perfect opportunity to rest and recharge for the next day! Embarking on this trip means setting off on a legendary trail for a wild and enriching adventure accompanied by a passionate guide!
The highlights
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The GR10 as a common thread
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Part of the route within the Ariège Pyrenees Natural Park
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Guided by a qualified and passionate local guide!
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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
Hikes on good trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky.
For experienced walkers in good physical condition who already have good experience hiking in the mountains.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 15 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 742 m
- Average daily descent: 1059 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Band :
1 supervisor for 4 to 11 people
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
🇬🇧
English
François
François
Originally from a small village in the Haute Ariège, I succumbed to the call of the mountains at the end of my geography studies. For over 20 years, through the valleys and encounters, I have shared my passion for the Pyrenees and the Ariège.
Guided hike led by a qualified mountain guide specializing in the region.
Program
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Day 1: From the Coumebière plateau to the hamlet of Marc
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 37km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 1050 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You will meet your guide at 8:00 AM in Saint Girons, or in Aulus-les-Bains if you stayed there the night before, for a transfer to the Coumebière parking area, which marks the start of your hike and is located approximately 45 minutes away. From the Coumebière plateau, you will quickly reach the Port de Saleix pass, at an altitude of 1,794 meters. From this point, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Auzat and Vicdessos valleys. Continuing uphill, you will reach the Port de Bassies pass, which leads to the magnificent lakeside setting of the Bassies refuge, surrounded by its ponds. Following the path along these ponds, you will then reach the lower part of the upper Vicdessos valley at Marc, a traditional hamlet in the Ariège Pyrenees, located at the foot of Montcalm, the last peak over 3,000 meters high before reaching the Mediterranean.
Day 1 -
Day 2: From Soulcem pond to the Fourcat refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h45
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 1200 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The route climbs steeply to reach the magnificent Picot lakes, nestled in a stark rocky cirque. From there, you'll still need to cross the Malcaras ridges through a rocky landscape strewn with boulders. Up there, the view is splendid, encompassing the Montcalm massif, the Bassies ridges, and the Fourcat lakes. The Fourcat refuge, the highest in Ariège, sits amidst these lakes, in the heart of an exceptional and unmissable location.
Day 2 -
Day 3: From the Fourcat refuge to Goulier
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h45
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 1500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Following yesterday's climb, you will descend into the valley today. You will begin by admiring the first rays of dawn on the stunning Fourcat lakes. Next, you will start your descent towards the large Izourt lake, nestled in a verdant setting. In 1939, this place was the scene of a major tragedy, claiming the lives of 31 people, including 29 Italian workers, during the construction of the dam. You will then continue along a path with panoramic views overlooking the lake and the valley, which will lead you to the village of Goulier.
Day 3 -
Day 4: From Gestiès to Les Cabannes
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 30km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h45
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 1100 m
- Negative elevation 1500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Transfer from Goulier to Gestiès at the start of the hike (20 min). From Gestiès, after an initial climb through the forest, you will reach the panoramic ridge of La Bède, which leads to the summit of Pla de Montcamp, a magnificent viewpoint in the form of a vast high-altitude plateau offering a 360° view of the Ariège mountains. You will then cross the wide open spaces of Pla du Four, ideal for grazing livestock, as evidenced by the Courtal Marti and Balledreyte huts. Finally, it's downhill to the Ariège valley and the village of Les Cabannes.
Day 4 -
Day 5: 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 400 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, you'll embark on a magnificent ridge stage offering unobstructed views throughout. Starting from the Plateau de Beille, renowned for its Nordic ski resort and as a stage of the Tour de France, you'll first traverse the vast natural landscapes frequented by cross-country skiers in winter. Next, you'll reach the Col des Finestres and then the Col de Didorte, which open onto the Crête des Isards (Isard Ridge). This ridge will lead you to the Refuge du Rulhe via the Col de Terre Nègre, from where you can admire spectacular views of the wild Aston massif.
Day 5 -
Day 6: From the Rulhe refuge to Mérens
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h15
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 1600 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This stage will be marked by the presence of numerous lakes. From the Rulhe refuge, you will set off to discover the magnificent Estagnol and Joclar lakes. Next, you will cross the Juclar pass, making a brief foray into Andorra, above Estany Primer. You will then return to the French side via the Albe pass, from where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the many surrounding lakes and peaks. The long descent to Mérens will be at a brisk pace, punctuated by visits to the Albe, Couart, and Comte lakes.
Day 6 -
Day 7: End of stay in Mérens les Vals
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The stay will end at your accommodation after breakfast.
Day 7
Note
The programs were established based on the latest information available at the time of writing; however, unforeseen circumstances are always possible, and situations beyond our control may alter the itinerary. Our guides are the best judges on site and may modify the route depending on the weather or if the safety of the group requires it.
Accommodation
During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
Access
Departure
Saint-Girons
Day 1
: 08h00
End of stay
Mérens-les-Vals
Day 7
- 10h00
Go to the starting point
Take the train toGare ferroviaire Boussens
TER trains from the main cities towards Boussens (https://www.oui.sncf) then bus from Boussens to St Girons.
Travel to the place of stay
with parking
available
Parking at the St Girons bus station.
Would you like to travel on other dates?
Create an alert and we'll notify you by email if new departures are added.
Price details
The price includes
- Shared dormitory accommodation
- Full board from picnic lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Luggage transport between accommodations (except for days 2 and 5)
- The transfers indicated in the day-by-day
- Supervision by a state-certified mid-mountain guide
The price does not include
- Transfers not shown in the day-by-day schedule
- The visits
- Drinks
Options
- Transfer from Mérens les Vals to Saint Girons by minibus : CHF80.75 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Gaëtan team
4.5/5
(54 reviews)
• 70 stays
Établie au Pays basque et en Ariège, l'équipe de notre partenaire local est profondément ancrée dans ses terroirs. Depuis toujours, elle explore les Pyrénées et les montagnes basques avec une passion débordante. Aujourd'hui, elle transmet son amour pour ces massifs qui regorgent de beautés naturelles et de richesses culturelles. Disposant de son propre hébergement dédié aux randonneurs, ce partenaire offre une immersion authentique et humaine au cœur des sommets.
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