GR10 stage 8: Vernet-les-Bains to Banyuls-sur-Mer (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-Emissions54.38 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
An iconic mountain of the Pyrénées-Orientales and of all Catalans, the Canigou Massif dominates the Roussillon plain and the Mediterranean Sea. Its position as a promontory isolated from the rest of the Pyrenees range, yet omnipresent in the landscape, has rightly earned it the nickname "the Catalan Mount Fuji." Its protected areas have made it a prime location for discovering nature, both flora and fauna. Mythical, it remains a symbol of Catalan identity. From Vernet-les-Bains, a spa and health resort, you can choose to climb or skirt the summit of Pic du Canigou (2784m). You will then hike along the massif's most beautiful viewpoints before descending towards the Romanesque town of Arles-sur-Tech. Then, in the heart of the Vallespir, the GR10 trail approaches the Franco-Spanish border at Roc de France. Finally, through the Mediterranean scrubland and the Albères massif, the last promontory before the sea, the descent towards the Mediterranean will enchant the end of the route. You will thus conclude your journey by walking on the sands of the Bay of Banyuls, one of the most beautiful on the Côte Vermeille.
The highlights
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Part of the route lies within the Catalan Pyrenees Natural Park
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The crossing and ascent of Canigou and its immense panorama
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The arrival at the sea and the magnificent Côte Vermeille, the final leg of the Pyrenees crossing
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: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 817 m
- Average daily descent: 862 m
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 Vernet-les-Bains
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h45
- Distance 6 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Check-in to your accommodation according to your arrival time. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to visit the village or take a walking tour.
The English Waterfall and the Saint Vincent
A refreshing out-and-back hike to discover spectacular waterfalls in the St-Vincent Gorge, offering a lovely mix of lush vegetation, the coolness of the gorge, bridges, and walkways. Several small pools of water provide opportunities to cool off.
Pena Peak
Hike to the summit of Pic de la Pena (1062m) which offers a superb view of the Canigou and the area around Vernet-les-Bains. You will also see the Abbey of Saint-Martin du Canigou nestled in its natural setting.
Day 1 -
Day 2: From Col de Jou to Cortalets refuge
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 1600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 1650 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
In the morning, a 15-minute transfer takes you to the Col de Jou, the starting point of the hike. From the Col de Jou, the GR10 trail leads to the Mariailles refuge, a splendid and peaceful spot overlooking spectacular gorges, in the heart of the wild forests of the Cadi basin. It then skirts the famous Canigou via the Col de Ségalès, the Jasse del Py, and the Bonne-Aygue refuge before reaching the staffed Cortalets refuge. In good weather, the Canigou, even outside the GR10, remains an accessible summit for any hiker undertaking such treks, as the passage through the chimney is more renowned for the elegance of the route than for the difficulty encountered. From the summit, a magnificent panorama unfolds, stretching to the sea and the Roussillon plain.
Day 2 -
Day 3: From the Cortalets refuge to Batère
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h45
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 1150 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Leaving the century-old Cortalets refuge, you follow the Canigou balcony trail for much of the day. Step by step, you discover a breathtaking panorama. The view stretches from Roussillon to the Mediterranean, as far as Cerdagne and Capcir; and from the Corbières to the Montagne Noire, all the way to Sète and the Cévennes. At the end of the day, you travel along the "iron route," the Canigou mining sites once renowned for the quality of their ore.
Day 3 -
Day 4: From Batère to Arles-sur-Tech
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h15
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 100 m
- Negative elevation 1250 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A day of descent through the Riuferrer Valley. Little by little, the Canigou recedes behind you, only to be seen again in the days to come! Everything here evokes the exploitation of this iron-rich massif: the Batère mine, the Col de la Descarga pass, La Fargue, Riuferrer… You reach Arles, nestled in a bend of the Tech River. This small medieval town is home to the Sainte Marie Abbey, founded in the 8th century, and a 13th-century cloister.
Day 4 -
Day 5: From the hamlet of Montalba to Las Illas
- Transportation Minibus - 00h25 - 10km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h45
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 1050 m
- Negative elevation 1050 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Transfer (25 min) from Arles-sur-Tech to the hamlet of Montalba (optional, please contact us). Departure from the secluded and uniquely charming hamlet of Montalba d'Amélie. Emerging from beech and chestnut woods, the Col Cerda pass offers a welcome respite at the foot of the striking Roc Sant Salvador. Then, the Roc de Frausa ridge will enchant you with its sweeping panorama over the Empordà plain in Catalonia.
Day 5 -
Day 6: From Las Illas to the Col de l'Ouillat
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A pivotal stage in the Pyrenees crossing, as the GR10 enters the Albères massif, running alongside the Franco-Spanish border as far as the Perthus pass. Its twin, the GR11, follows the same route on the Spanish side. The Albères remain the last Pyrenean massif before descending towards the Mediterranean: crossing it is a true delight, thanks to the diversity of its landscapes.
Day 6 -
Day 7: From the Col de l'Ouillat to Banyuls-sur-Mer
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 23 km
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 1600 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A long stage, with its own set of highlights, such as the ascent to Pic Neulos and Pic des Quatre-Termes, not forgetting Pic de Saifort, the last promontory before the descent to the sea. Here, in the heart of the Mediterranean vegetation, everything has been shaped by the Tramontane wind. Lower down, the vegetation of the Pyrenean foothills has taken on the appearance of vineyards, dotted with casots, dry-stone huts. The sea is there, so close, so inviting.
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 Banyuls sur Mer, after your hike.
Go to the starting point
How to get to Vernet les Bains by public transport:
Numerous trains depart from major cities towards Villefranche de Conflent (with connections): https://www.sncf-connect.com
Bus from Villefranche de Conflent to Vernet les Bains (Pyrénées Orientales - Line 521 – Casteil > Perpignan): https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/horaires-et-plans/
How to leave Banyuls by public transport:
Bus from Banyuls-sur-Mer to Perpignan (Pyrénées-Orientales - Line 540 – Banyuls-sur-Mer > Perpignan): https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/horaires-et-plans/
From Perpignan, trains run to major cities (sometimes with connections): https://www.sncf-connect.com
How to get from Banyuls-sur-Mer to Vernet-les-Bains by public transport:
Bus from Banyuls-sur-Mer to Perpignan (Pyrénées-Orientales - Line 540 – Banyuls-sur-Mer > Perpignan): https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/horaires-et-plans/
Train from Perpignan to Villefranche-de-Conflent: https://www.sncf-connect.com
Bus from Villefranche de Conflent to Vernet les Bains (Pyrénées Orientales - Line 521 – Casteil > Perpignan): https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/horaires-et-plans/
Vehicle parking in Vernet-les-Bains:
Parking at the thermal center (free and unguarded/unsupervised)
Vehicle parking in Banyuls-sur-Mer:
All paid and free parking options are listed on this page: https://www.banyuls-sur-mer.com/tourisme/banyulspratique/transport-et-stationnements/parking-et-stationnement/
Our recommendation: Carrefour Market parking lot, La Rectorie Shopping Centre
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
- The transfers mentioned in the program
- 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 (5 nights in a room) : CHF96.05 / person
- Single room (if comfort version) : CHF132.65 / person
- Picnic : CHF77.76 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 2 people : CHF279.01 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 3 people : CHF205.83 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 4 people : CHF178.39 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 5 people : CHF155.52 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 6 people : CHF137.22 / person
- Return transfer from Banyuls-sur-Mer to Vernet-les-Bains (weekdays) : CHF242.42 / reservation
- Return transfer from Banyuls-sur-Mer to Vernet-les-Bains (Sundays and public holidays) : CHF269.87 / 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 provided on site
- Covers
Equipment to bring
- Backpack of approximately 40L
- Sleeping bag sheet
- Earplugs.
- 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
