GR10 Highlights Hike

First, you’ll take a shuttle to the picturesque Pont d’Espagne, the gateway to France’s oldest national park and a stone’s throw from the Spanish border. Here, amidst the scent of sulfur from nearby thermal springs, you’ll start your hike by ascending to the stunning Lake Gaube. The path then leads you past the enchanting Refuge Oulettes de Gaube, offering breathtaking views of the towering Vignemale glacier. Your day concludes at the Refuge Baysellance, nestled at 2651 meters, the highest-located staffed refuge in the Pyrenees, where you’ll rest under the watchful gaze of the majestic Vignemale, a legendary peak in Pyrenean climbing history.

Departing from the refuge, your descent takes you past the Bellevue caves, historical shelters carved in the 1880s for Count Henry Russell’s exploration of Vignemale. As you move towards the charming village of Gavarnie, you’ll traverse a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrating the region’s unique geology and history. Although your path doesn’t lead directly to the Cirque, famous for Europe’s second-highest waterfall, its grandeur is visible from Gavarnie. Here, you’ll spend the night, with time to explore its cafes, bars, and shops, and enjoy evening strolls with splendid views of the Cirque.

The day begins with a transfer through the valley, offering glimpses of small, traditional villages and their stone-built houses. Starting your hike near the base of the famous Col du Tourmalet, you’ll ascend through idyllic flower meadows and mountain pastures. The trail leads to the Col Madamète at 2509 meters, where the serene lakes Aumar, Aubert, and Lacquettes await in the Néouvielle Nature Reserve. As you traverse this area, keep an eye out for local wildlife like isards and marmots. The journey peaks 2260 meters high at the Col d’Estoudou with panoramic valley views, followed by a gentle descent through the forest to Lac de l’Oule. Here, amidst grazing cattle, you can relax and enjoy a sunset drink on the terrace, concluding your day at the refuge.

Leaving the Oule refuge, your journey continues as you follow the lake’s edge and ascend to the Col de Portet, reaching an impressive height of 2215 meters, making it the highest road pass in the French Pyrenees. The trail then winds through the ski resort of Saint Lary, traversing high-altitude pastures dotted with cow herds. The last 500 meters of descent lead you to the picturesque town of St-Lary-Soulan. Here, amidst the serene ambiance, you can explore an array of delightful cafes, bars, and shops.

Today’s route presents a more relaxed pace, meandering from Saint Lary and passing through the quaint villages of Estensen, Azet, and Loudenvielle, each boasting their historical charm with ancient water mills and communal washhouses, once the hub of village life. As you ascend through shaded meadows, a high pass eventually reveals a stunning view overlooking Loudenvielle, a town renowned for its proximity to the Col de Peyresourde and as a frequent endpoint for Tour de France stages. The stage culminates with a brisk, one-hour climb to the picturesque village of Germ.

Setting off from Germ, your trail ascends through the majestic Pyrenees, offering sweeping views of the Franco-Spanish peaks. Your climb leads through the Pas de Couret at 2131 meters, a gateway into the picturesque Luchonnais region. The ascent unveils a landscape rich in mountain lifestyle and agricultural heritage. As you approach Espingo Lake, the path meanders through Granges d’Astau, revealing the stunning Lac d’Oô, where you’ll spend the night.

Departing from the lakeside refuge on your final hiking day, the trail leads to a spectacular waterfall at the lake’s end. The path then zigzags upwards to the Hourquette des Hounts pass at 2275 meters, followed by a descent into a secluded valley. Your journey continues with a climb to the Col de la Coume de Bourg at 2272 meters. The last drop takes you past the Superbagnères ski resort. You can either hike down or opt for the chairlift to reach Bagnères-de-Luchon, over 1000 meters below. With its tree-lined boulevards and an array of bars, cafes, and shops, the town offers a fitting conclusion to your journey.

This tranquil day in Luchon provides a moment of calm, allowing you to absorb the experiences and memories made during your incredible trek through the French Pyrenees. Take your time to stroll along the charming tree-lined streets, perhaps visiting a cafe for a leisurely breakfast or exploring the local shops for souvenirs. As you prepare to leave, the majestic mountains that have been your backdrop offer a final, stunning vista.