GR10 stage 3: Etsaut to Cauterets (self-guided)
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelExpert
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DestinationPyrenees / Hautes-Pyrénées
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AgeFrom 16 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions51.98 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Between Etsaut and Cauterets , this iconic section of the GR10 crosses the heart of the Pyrenees National Park , offering a total immersion in the high mountains. From the Aspe Valley to the Jéret Valley , the route connects Béarn to Bigorre , passing through the Ossau , Arrens , and Estaing valleys, revealing a remarkable diversity of landscapes.
A highlight of the journey: the discovery of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau reflected in the crystalline waters of Lake Gentau , from the Col d'Ayous . A spectacular panorama, a true signature of the Pyrenees, which leaves a lasting impression.
As the trail progresses, it crosses high mountain passes , panoramic ridges , small peaks, and skirts numerous high-altitude lakes , revealing unspoiled natural sites. The richness of the Pyrenean flora and fauna , still intact in this protected area, accompanies every step.
An intense and progressive journey, between majestic reliefs and verdant valleys, to discover the authenticity and power of the central Pyrenees .
The highlights
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Part of the Pyrenees Crossing in the heart of the Pyrenees National Park
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Discovering the Pic du Midi d'Ossau from the Ayous pass
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The impressive mast path
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Trained walker, in good physical condition with good experience in mountain hiking.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 911 m
- Average daily descent: 1043 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
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 Etsaut
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h15
- Distance 4 km
- Positive elevation gain 330 m
- Negative elevation 330 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Check into your accommodation. Explore the villages of Etsaut and Borce and the Maison du Parc at your leisure. Depending on your arrival time, you can also opt for a short hike: Le Pont de la Moulette
An easy, shaded loop hike to the Moulette bridge, through the forest to discover high-altitude barns.
Day 1 -
Day 2: From Etsaut to the Ayous refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h45
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 1650 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today's stage offers both a sporting challenge and an exceptional aesthetic dimension, with a kaleidoscope of magnificent landscapes on the program: the mast path, crossing the Baigt de Sencours plateau, shepherd's huts, and as a highlight, the vision of the fork of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau reflected in Lake Gentau, during the last moments of the evening, revealing shimmering stone colors against a backdrop of reflections in the lake...
Day 2 -
Day 3: From the Ayous refuge to Gabas
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 50 m
- Negative elevation 950 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 1100 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A relatively short stage, allowing for recovery (or longer variations). Starting from Lake Gentau, take your time to stroll and fully enjoy the scenery that will unfold before you as you descend past Lake Gentau, then the Ayous Lakes, and finally Lake Bious-Artigues. You will then arrive in Gabas, a typical village in the famous Ossau Valley, known for its iconic peak, its wildlife, and its renowned cheese, among other things. Two longer variations are possible: via Lake Bersau or via the Suzon Pass.
Day 3 -
Day 4: From Gabas to Gourette
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 9h
- Distance 22 km
- Positive elevation gain 1700 m
- Negative elevation 1400 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 11h30
- Distance 30 km
- Positive elevation gain 2050 m
- Negative elevation 1750 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Today's hike is challenging due to the distance covered and the significant elevation gain. The ascent towards the Hourquette d'Arre, the highest point of the GR10 in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques at 2,465 meters, is quite strenuous. The descent to Lac d'Anglas and finally to the Gourette ski resort sometimes offers the chance to spot remarkable wildlife such as griffon vultures, golden eagles, marmots, and chamois. Late-season snow is common on this stage; an alternative route bypassing the Hourquette d'Arre is available. It's possible to shorten the day with a morning transfer or split it into two stages (via a GR10 variant) by adding an extra night; please contact us for details.
Day 4 -
Day 5: From Gourette to Arrens Marsous
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 1400 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
A pivotal stage in the Pyrenees Crossing, as the GR10 crosses the border between Béarn and Bigorre here, reaching the village of Arrens-Marsous in Val d'Azun, the first town in Bigorre. But to leave Béarn, a region so captivating for its rich history, evident in its landscapes, one must first cross the summer pastures and shepherds' huts of the Col de Tortes (1799m) and the Col de Saucède (1525m).
Day 5 -
Day 6: From Arrens Marsous to the Ilhéou refuge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h30
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 1650 m
- Negative elevation 550 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Starting from Arrens, you'll reach the village of Estaing and its lake, nestled among wooded slopes. The GR10 then climbs to the high summer pastures of the Col d'Ilhéou (2242m), after passing the Arriousec and Barbat huts. From the pass, the trail descends to Lac d'Ilhéou, also known as Lac Bleu, and its staffed mountain refuge.
Day 6 -
Day 7: From the Ilhéou refuge to Cauterets
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 75 m
- Negative elevation 1100 m
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 1550 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The descent from the Refuge d'Ilhéou in Cauterets begins via the Pountou dets Sahucs, a small ancient bridge over the Gave d'Ilhéou river, and then continues to the Granges de Houssat. During this stage, you will discover landscapes that bear witness to the erosion caused by ancient glaciers, revealing morainic deposits, lakes, and glacial moraines. A longer alternative route is available via the Col de la Haugade and the Marcadau valley.
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
Your stay will begin at your accommodation in Etsaut, depending on your arrival time.
End of your stay in Cauterets, after your hike.
Go to the starting point
How to get to Etsaut by public transport:
Numerous trains depart from major cities towards Bedous (with connections): https://www.sncf-connect.com
Buses from Bedous to Etsaut (line 550 Bedous > Canfranc): https://www.citrampyrenees.fr/horaires-tarifs
How to leave Cauterets by public transport:
Buses from Cauterets to Lourdes (Hautes-Pyrénées - Line 965 – Lourdes > Cauterets route): https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/horaires-et-plans/
From Lourdes, trains run to major cities (with connections): https://www.sncf-connect.com
How to get from Cauterets to Etsaut by public transport:
Buses from Cauterets to Lourdes (Hautes-Pyrénées - Line 965 – Lourdes > Cauterets route): https://www.lio-occitanie.fr/horaires-et-plans/
Train from Lourdes to Bedous (with a connection in Pau): https://www.sncf-connect.com
Vehicle parking in Etsaut:
Parking at the church square, opposite the town hall (free and unguarded/unsupervised)
Vehicle parking in Cauterets:
All paid and free parking options are listed on this page: https://www.cauterets.com/blog/stationnement-a-cauterets/
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
- Accommodation in guesthouses and mountain huts, in dormitories and shared rooms
- Half-board within the accommodations
- The travel kit includes IGN maps and a guidebook
- Access to detailed directions on our mobile app
- GPS tracks available upon request
The price does not include
- Round-trip transportation to the meeting point
- Luggage transport
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Picnics
- Showers in mountain huts are chargeable.
Options
- Comfort version (4 nights in a private room) : CHF96.05 / person
- Single room (if comfort version) : CHF109.78 / person
- Picnic : CHF73.18 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 2 people : CHF187.53 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 3 people : CHF132.65 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 4 people : CHF105.20 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 5 people : CHF86.91 / person
- Luggage transport for a group of 6 people : CHF82.33 / person
- Return transfer from Cauterets to Etsaut : CHF265.29 / reservation
- Return transfer from Cauterets to Etsaut on Sundays and public holidays : CHF288.16 / 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 to bring
- If you choose the luggage transfer option : Your luggage transfer: Only one piece of luggage per person is permitted. For logistical reasons, we ask that you limit the weight of your luggage transfer bag to a maximum of 15 kg and avoid hard-sided 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
- Earplugs
- Airtight container and cutlery for picnics
- Gourd
- Hiking shoes
- Lightweight shoes
- Telescopic poles
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hat/cap
- Camera
- Toiletries
- Headlamp
- Mini pharmacy (personal medications, Compeed for blisters, elastic bandage, gauze, disinfectant, arnica granules and aspirin for minor injuries... a survival blanket)
- Toilet paper
Clothing to bring
- Waterproof windproof jacket
- Fleece jacket
- Breathable walking clothes
- Change of clothes
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- For the beginning and end of the season, bring thin gloves and a hat for hikes at altitude.
