GR10 stage 8: Vernet-les-Bains to Banyuls
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationPyrénées-Orientales / Pyrenees
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AgeAccessible to all ages
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CO₂-Emissions73.98 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Discover the trails of the Pyrenees between the charming towns of Vernet-les-Bains and Banyuls-sur-Mer! These two towns are linked by a section of the legendary GR10, "the Pyrenees Crossing." Accompanied by a state-certified local guide with a passion for the Pyrenees, you'll uncover the secrets this trek holds. Magnificent panoramas from the Canigou balcony will reveal the surrounding nature: forests, ridges, high-altitude lakes, and the local wildlife. To enhance this adventure, you'll have the opportunity to stay in mountain huts and guesthouses, offering a warm and welcoming mountain atmosphere, making the experience even more authentic !
The highlights
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Part of the route within the Catalan Pyrenees Natural Park
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Accompaniment by a local guide who specializes in and is passionate about the Pyrenees
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The diverse and preserved trails and the panoramic views from the Canigou balcony
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
For experienced hikers in good physical condition with prior mountain hiking experience. Hikes average 7-8 hours per day, with average elevation gains of 1000-1300m, on accessible trails but also sometimes on rough terrain (scree, boulder fields, etc.) and occasionally unmarked paths.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average distance/day: 20 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 834 m
- Average daily descent: 1017 m
Management
French
English
You are supervised by a BE Mountain Guide specializing in the region.
Program
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Day 1: From Col de Jou to Cortalets refuge
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 12km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 1650 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet your guide at 8:00 AM in Vernet-les-Bains for a 20-minute transfer to the Col de Jou, the starting point of your hike. This exceptional location overlooks spectacular gorges in the heart of the wild forests of the Cadi basin. From here, you will begin the ascent of the famous Canigou, a sacred mountain and iconic symbol for the Catalans, and the last major peak of the Pyrenees. In case of adverse conditions, an alternative route will be taken.
Day 1 -
Day 2: From the Cortalets refuge to Batère
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 400 m
- Negative elevation 1050 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Leaving the Cortalets refuge, you'll follow the Canigou balcony trail for a good part of the day. Throughout your hike, you'll discover magnificent panoramas: from Roussillon to the Mediterranean, from the Corbières to the Montagne Noire, and all the way to Sète and the Cévennes. You'll also traverse the different vegetation zones of the Canigou massif, from high-altitude meadows to forests. From the alpine zone to the Mediterranean zone, a diversity of exceptional landscapes will unfold before you.
Day 2 -
Day 3: From Batère to Amélie-les-Bains
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 50 m
- Negative elevation 1300 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from the Batère refuge, another day of descent into the heart of the Vallespir. During this route through the Mediterranean mountains, you will gradually move away from the Canigou massif, which alone boasts a quarter of the plant species recorded in France and shelters all the characteristic mountain wildlife. Then you will arrive in Amélie-les-Bains, a spa town in the Tech valley.
Day 3 -
Day 4: From Amélie-les-Bains to Las Illas
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From Amélie-les-Bains, you'll climb back up towards the Roc de France or Roc de Frausa (1450m) and its sweeping panorama of Spain, French Catalonia, and the Côte Vermeille with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop. The route then continues to the Col du Puits de la Neige and then the Col des Cirères, before descending towards the charming village of Las Illas. This stage takes you through contrasting landscapes and vegetation with a Mediterranean influence.
Day 4 -
Day 5: From Las Illas to the Col de l'Ouillat
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This stage marks a decisive turning point in your Pyrenees crossing, as you will enter the Albères massif, which runs along the Franco-Spanish border to the Perthus pass, where you will not linger. The Albères form the last Pyrenean massif and barrier before descending towards the Mediterranean. Crossing this massif, between scrubland and forests, will be gentle and pleasant, taking you through contrasting landscapes under the distinctly Mediterranean influence of the vegetation. After passing the Perthus, the path will climb towards the Ouillat pass, where you will spend one last night before reaching the sea.
Day 5 -
Day 6: From the Col de l'Ouillat to Banyuls-sur-Mer
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 23 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 1600 m
- Accommodation Rural hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
On this final leg before the long-awaited arrival, you'll first cross the Neulos and Quatre-Termes peaks. However, the Sailfort peak remains the best vantage point, this last promontory before the sea, which, at 980 meters, offers a breathtaking view of Banyuls-sur-Mer, the Roussillon region, the Spanish Empordà, and the Bay of Roses. Here, in the heart of the Mediterranean vegetation, everything has been shaped by the Tramontane wind. Lower down, the vegetation of the Pyrenean foothills gives way to vineyards, dotted with casots (small stone huts) and dry-stone cabins. Finally, you'll arrive at Banyuls beach, marking the end of your Pyrenees crossing!
Day 6 -
Day 7: End of stay in Banyuls
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Your stay will end after breakfast. You can take this opportunity to visit Banyuls-sur-Mer before hitting the road again.
Day 7
Note
IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The Cortalets refuge is undergoing renovations until 2028, resulting in reduced capacity. The program below is subject to change, with an alternative being implemented at the Sant Guillem refuge, replacing the Cortalets refuge.
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
The refuge is located at 2150 m and provides access to the summit of Canigou at 2784 m altitude.
Located in the Pyrénées-Orientales, at the foot of the Canigou massif, the refuge is an essential stop on the GR10.
Family-run hotel in an exceptional setting.
Stopover accommodation, homemade food and a warm welcome.
A friendly hotel, combining simplicity, authenticity and creative cuisine, located in the heart of Banyuls-sur-Mer.
Access
End of stay on day 7 at your accommodation in Banyuls sur Mer after breakfast.
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.
Option to book a return shuttle to Villefranche/Vernet les Bains: €90/person
Go to the starting point
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/
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.
Price details
The price includes
- Accommodation in dormitories or double or triple rooms
- Full board from picnic lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Luggage transport between accommodations (except for Day 1)
- 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
- Additional charge for return transfer from Banyuls to Villefranche de Conflent/Vernet les Bains : 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
- Backpack of approximately 40L
- Your luggage: Your luggage must be dropped off at your accommodation reception no later than 9:00 AM. It will be delivered to your next accommodation before 5:00 PM. 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 15 kg 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.
- 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
