GR10 stage 6: Aulus-les-Bains to Mérens-les-Vals
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-Emissions76.1 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!
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
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: 722 m
- Average daily descent: 1034 m
Management
French
English
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 - 00h15 - 20km
- 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 8:15 a.m. in Aulus-les-Bains for a transfer to the Coumebière parking area, the starting point of your hike, 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 vantage point, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Auzat and Vicdessos valleys. Continuing your ascent, you will reach the Port de Bassies pass, which leads to the beautiful 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, nestled 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
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 20km
- 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
Transfer from Marc to Soulcem (15 min). The route climbs steeply to the magnificent Picot lakes, nestled in a stark rocky cirque. From there, you'll 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 7h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 980 m
- Negative elevation 1350 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'll 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 with a 360° view of the Ariège mountains. From there, a pleasant traverse along the ridge leads to Larcat. Then 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
Access
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.
Go to the starting point
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/
Option to book a return shuttle to Aulus les Bains: €90/person
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.
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 Aulus les Bains by minibus : CHF82.33 / person
- 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 provided on site
- Walking sticks (on request)
- Blankets provided
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
