GR10 stage 3: Etsaut to Gavarnie
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 days
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LevelExpert
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DestinationPyrénées-Atlantiques / Pyrenees
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AgeAccessible to all ages
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CO₂-Emissions71.84 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
From the Aspe Valley to Gavarnie , experience an unforgettable trekking adventure ! In the heart of the unspoiled nature of the Pyrenees National Park, you'll follow the famous GR10 trail . Starting from the picturesque Aspe Valley in Béarn, you'll trek along the Chemin de la Mâture to the magnificent Ayous Lakes , offering breathtaking views of the majestic Pic du Midi d'Ossau reflected in Lake Gentau. You'll then venture to the foot of Balaitous , the first peak over 3,000 meters high that you'll encounter coming from the Atlantic Ocean. Passing through Arrémoulit , you'll reach the Respomuso refuge , exploring the Arriel Valley and its turquoise lakes. Your route will then take you back into France, where you will discover the splendid Marcadau and Gaube valleys , true gems of the National Park, nestled at the foot of the impressive and spectacular north face of the Vignemale . Finally, you will visit the village of Gavarnie , nestled at the foot of the famous Cirque , for a beautiful end to this trek.
The highlights
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The GR10 as the central theme of your trekking trip
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Part of the route is within the Pyrenees National Park
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The possible ascent of a summit of more than 3000m altitude: Petit Vignemale
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: 6h30
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 1009 m
- Average daily descent: 909 m
Management
French
English
Guided hike led by a qualified mountain guide specializing in the region.
Program
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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
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Meet your guide at 8 a.m. in Etsaut at the start of the hike. Today's stage offers both a sporting challenge and exceptional aesthetic value, with a kaleidoscope of magnificent landscapes on the agenda: the famous mast path, the crossing of the Baigt de Sencours plateau, shepherd's huts, and as a highlight, the view 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 the backdrop of reflections in the lake.
Day 1 -
From the Ayous refuge to Bious Artigue
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 1600 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Starting from Ayous, you'll embark on the superb circuit around the Pic du Midi d'Ossau. First, you'll hike along the shores of the magnificent Bersau and Castérau lakes, then continue to the Peyreget pass and the Pombie refuge at the foot of the summit. Next, you'll follow the pastoral Magnabaigt valley via the Suzon pass. Turning around, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the vertical and imposing north face of the Ossau, also known as "Jean-Pierre." Finally, you'll reach Lake Bious Artigue to catch a shuttle to Gabas, at the bottom of the valley.
Day 2 -
From the Caillou de Soques to the Respomuso refuge
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 20km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 1250 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, transfer from Gabas to the Soques rock formation, the starting point of the hike. A magnificent cross-border route, after reaching the Arrious pass (2259m), takes the famous Orteig passage, a path carved into the cliff face, more impressive than difficult. This leads to the Arrémoulit refuge and lake (2265m), in the heart of a superb high-mountain setting, at the foot of the impressive and elegant pyramid of the Arriel peak. After a short climb to the Arrémoulit pass (2448m), the route crosses into Spain and explores the sublime Arriel valley and its turquoise lakes, under the watchful gaze of the majestic Balaitous peak (3144m). Then, a path above the Aguas Limpias valley leads to the Respomuso refuge in a sumptuous lakeside setting.
Day 3 -
From the Respomuso refuge to the Spanish Bridge
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 1250 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the Respomuso refuge, today's hike quickly reaches the pleasant, bucolic, and verdant Campo Plano plateau and its lake. From the lake, a trail climbs back across to the French side of the Pyrenees via the Col de la Fache (2664m). Then you'll begin the descent to Pont d'Espagne through the magnificent Marcadau valley. Shuttle from Pont d'Espagne to Cauterets. Overnight in Cauterets.
Day 4 -
From Pont d'Espagne to the Bayssellance refuge
- Transportation Minibus - 00h10 - 15km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 13 km
- Positive elevation gain 1300 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Shuttle from Cauterets to Pont d'Espagne. Today's route begins in the magnificent Gaube Valley with its mountain lake nestled in the heart of the valley. After Lake Gaube, an easy, gently sloping path leads to the Oulettes de Gaube site (2151m) and its refuge, at the foot of the imposing and magnificent north face of Vignemale (3298m), the highest peak in the French Pyrenees. You then continue towards the Hourquette d'Ossoue before reaching the highest staffed refuge in the Pyrenees: the Bayssellance refuge (2651m). From the Hourquette, those who wish can make a round trip ascent of a 3000-meter peak: the Petit Vignemale (3032m), offering beautiful views of the Ossoue Glacier.
Day 5 -
From the Bayssellance refuge to Gavarnie
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 1500 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today's stage leads to Gavarnie and its famous mineral cirque. Starting from the Bayssellance refuge, the starting point for the ascent of the legendary Vignemale, a long and beautiful descent awaits you. After passing the Bellevues caves, carved by Count Henry Russell between 1881 and 1893, you'll plunge into the Ossoue valley. Once past the Ossoue dam, a lovely balcony path will take you to the village of Gavarnie, from where you can enjoy superb views of the world-renowned cirque.
Day 6 -
End of stay in Lourdes
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After your breakfast, transfer to Lourdes train station and end of stay.
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
The tour leader will contact you a few days before the trip to specify the exact meeting place.
Go to the starting point
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 get to Etsaut from Lourdes by public transport:
Train from Lourdes to Bedous (with a connection in Pau): https://www.sncf-connect.com
Buses from Bedous to Etsaut (line 550 Bedous > Canfranc): https://www.citrampyrenees.fr/horaires-tarifs
How to leave Lourdes by public transport:
From Lourdes, trains run to major cities (with connections): https://www.sncf-connect.com
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 Etsaut: €90/person
Vehicle parking in Etsaut:
Parking at Place de l'Église, opposite the Town Hall (free and unguarded/unsupervised)
Vehicle parking in Lourdes:
All paid and free parking options are listed on this page: https://www.lourdes-infotourisme.com/pratique/venir-et-se-deplacer/circuler-et-stationner-a-lourdes/#summary-stationner-a-lourdes
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
- Full board accommodation from picnic lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 7
- Luggage transport between accommodations except for 3 nights in mountain huts on days 1, 3 and 5
- The transfers and shuttles mentioned in the program
- Guided by a Mountain Leader specializing in the region
The price does not include
- Transfers not included in the program
- The visits
- Drinks
- Breakfast on Day 1, lunch and dinner on Day 7
Options
- Return transfer from Lourdes to Etsaut 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)
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 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.
- Hiking shoes
- Backpack
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Picnic kit
- Minimum 1.5 litre water bottle
- A sleeping bag sheet
- A pair of sneakers, or sandals for the evening
- A pair of telescopic poles (optional)
- A flashlight or headlamp
Clothing to bring
- A waterproof windproof jacket (Gore-Tex type)
- A fleece jacket or sweater
- Trousers for walking
- A short
- T-shirts (opt for breathable materials)
- Change of clothes
- Personal linen
- A swimsuit and a towel
- For the beginning and end of the season, bring thin gloves and a hat.
