GR10 stage 2: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Etsaut
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelExpert
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DestinationSaint-Jean-Pied-de-Port / Pyrenees
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions80.88 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on the legendary GR10 trail between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages of France ," and Etsaut! Along this stretch, your route will traverse breathtakingly diverse landscapes . From vast pastures to magnificent forests like the Iraty, the immensity of the mountains will instill an indescribable sense of freedom . Accompanied by a state-certified guide passionate about the region, you'll discover hidden gems such as the impressive Cirque de Lescun. For an active holiday offering a complete escape, this trip is ideal!
The highlights
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The GR10 as a common thread
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Lescun and its magnificent circus
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The discovery of the first high Pyrenean peaks, including the Pic d'Anie and its lunar limestone pavement.
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: 7h
- Average distance/day: 18 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1059 m
- Average daily descent: 950 m
Management
French
English
Guided hike led by a state-certified mid-mountain guide specializing in the region.
Program
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Day 1: From Saint Jean Pied de Port to Phagalcette
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 450 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet your guide at 8:30 am in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for the start of the hike. Leave the capital of the Basque Country and ascend through the hills, approaching the first peaks of the Atlantic Pyrenees as you head east. The route first passes through the village of Caro, then crosses the Handiague pass at 587 meters altitude, offering a splendid view over the upper Nive valley. Next, begin a winding descent towards Estérençuby, before climbing back up to the verdant Phagalcette plateau, where Basque culture is very much alive.
Day 1 -
Day 2: From Phagalcette to Iraty
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h45
- Distance 20 km
- Positive elevation gain 1400 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This stage of the hike is particularly challenging due to its length and the rugged terrain. You will cross several mountain passes and traverse diverse and enchanting landscapes. Hike across vast pasture plateaus offering sweeping panoramas, until you reach the Cromlechs of Occabé, a remarkable prehistoric site consisting of standing stones forming a circle. Continue your journey into the Iraty Forest, the largest beech forest in Europe, stretching between France and Spain. The stage concludes at the Iraty chalets, located at the Bagargui Pass.
Day 2 -
Day 3: From Iraty to Logibar
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 1500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The stage begins at the Iraty chalets and the Bagargui pass, renowned as an excellent vantage point for observing bird migration. Today's route takes you along a magnificent ridge, including the elegant ascent of the Pic d'Orhy at 2017 meters, the highest peak in the Basque Country and the first to exceed 2000 meters when approaching from the ocean. On a clear day, admire the splendid view stretching between the Basque Country and Béarn, with the Iraty forest as a backdrop. The day continues with a long descent to Logibar via Larrau, a small, traditional, and welcoming village in the Soule region.
Day 3 -
Day 4: From Logibar to Belagua
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 1650 m
- Negative elevation 650 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from Logibar, head towards the Holzarté canyon and its famous footbridge, one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the western Pyrenees. After crossing this footbridge suspended 150 meters above the void, the route deviates from the GR10 to gain altitude and reach charming wild pastures. You then meander through pleasant meadows along the border. The scenery gradually transforms as you leave the Basque Country for Béarn, heading towards the Belagua refuge on the Spanish side.
Day 4 -
Day 5: From Belagua to Lescun
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 19 km
- Positive elevation gain 750 m
- Negative elevation 1250 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The stage begins by traversing an impressive karst landscape to the Col d'Anaye, located on the Franco-Spanish border and on the Pyrenees watershed. The route continues along the southern slope of the Pic d'Anie, the first major Pyrenean peak encountered from the ocean, reaching an altitude of 2,504 meters. You will then cross the Anaye valley and the magnificent Sanchèse plateau, renowned for its waterfalls. The hike concludes in the spectacular Cirque de Lescun, one of the jewels of the Western Pyrenees.
Day 5 -
Day 6: From Lescun to Etsaut
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 1150 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Leave the Lescun Dolomite cirque via the charming village of the same name. The day is punctuated by the crossing of several foothill villages, offering magnificent views of the cirque, in the heart of areas dedicated to pastoralism and steeped in ancestral traditions. You will then reach the Lhers plateau, a haven of peace located at 1000 meters altitude in the center of the Aspe Valley. Continue by crossing the Barrancq pass before descending to the village of Etsaut, gateway to the Pyrenees National Park, situated on the banks of the Gave d'Aspe river.
Day 6 -
Day 7: End of stay in Etsaut
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
End of your stay in Etsaut after your 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 Saint Jean Pied de Port (with connections).
Option to book a return shuttle to Saint Jean Pied de Port: €75/person
Parking in St-Jean-Pied-de-Port:
All paid and free parking options are listed on this page: https://www.st-jean-pied-de-port.fr/decouvrir/ou-stationner/
Parking in Etsaut :
Parking at Place de l'Église, opposite the Town Hall (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
- The trip will be led by a mountain guide specializing in the region.
The price does not include
- Transfers not included in the program
- The visits
- Drinks
Options
- Transfer between Etsaut and Saint-Jean-de-Pied-de-Port by minibus : CHF68.61 / 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
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
They traveled with us
