GR10 - magnificent trip from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean
Another legendary route is the GR10, which runs all the way across the Pyrenees from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean - a whopping 850 kilometres. It's a fantastic route that takes you through marvellous high mountain areas, through deep valleys, mountain villages, along lakes and over mountain peaks. We've divided it into eight sections, so you don't have to walk all 850km if you just want a taste of what the GR10 can do.
We have divided the eight sections of the GR10 as follows:
Section 1: Hendaye to St. Jean Pied de Port (7 days/6 nights - 99km of walking)
Section 2: St. Jean Pied de Port to Etsaut (7 days/6 nights - 120km of walking)
Section 3: Etsaut to Cauterets (7 days/6 nights - 81km of walking)
Section 4: Cauterets to Luchon (7 days/6 nights - 115km walking)
Section 5: Luchon to Aulus les Bains (7 days/6 nights - 134km walking)
Section 6: Aulus les Bains to Mérens (7 days/6 nights - 89km walking)
Section 7: Mérens to Vernet les Bains (7 days/6 nights - 85km walking)
Section 8: Vernet les Bains to Banyuls sur Mer (7 days/6 nights - 109km walking)
You're guaranteed amazing experiences no matter which sections you choose to walk. Section 3, for example, takes you through the Pyrenees National Park, which was established back in 1967. You'll also walk along the famous Chemin de la Mâture, a 1200 metre long path carved out of the cliff and running 200 metres above the Gave d'Aspe river. On Section 6, you'll hike from Aulus-les-bains to Mérens in Haute Ariége. This region is known for its high plateaus and deep valleys surrounded by high peaks, sometimes covered in snow, and mountain lakes in changing colours. Section 8, the final section, is particularly exciting for nature lovers because the plant and animal life is so varied on this particular part of the route. Here you'll also pass the Canigou massif, which you can choose to walk around or take on the challenge of walking over it.
All sections of the GR10 have a difficulty level of 3-4. These are true mountain hikes on good ladders. To enjoy the hike, we recommend that you are in good shape and preferably have experience hiking in the mountains. It is necessary to have hiking boots and preferably walking poles.