The GR10 hike from Aulus-les-bains to Mérens in Haute Ariége links the western and central Pyrenees with the Ariège part of the mountain range. This region is known for its high plateaus, deep valleys bordered by high peaks - sometimes covered in snow and mountain lakes of changing colours. In the evening, the delicious regional dishes will give you energy for the next day's hike.
After a week of fantastic hiking between mountains, mountain lakes, lakes and in deep valleys, you will finally arrive in Mérens, the gateway to Capcir and Andorra.
About the route
The walks follow good footpaths and the terrain is varied and often rocky. The route is marked in most places, but there may be challenges in some places, where you will have to follow the material you will be given by us. To go on this trip we recommend that you are in good shape and have experience of hiking in the mountains.
Here you can see the stunning scenery and some of the views that come with walking this section of the GR10.
See more pictures »You arrive at your first accommodation in Aulus-les-Bains. Depending on when you arrive, you can visit the thermal baths, go for a hike or just relax. In the material you will be given on arrival, there will be route descriptions for two different hiking options in already today.
From Aulus les Bains you hike up to Port de Saleix ( 1794m). The beauty of this mountainous area is stunning, ancient fords, rushing mountain rivers, masses of flowers and an old mine. From Port de Saleix you can admire the views towards the Auzat and Vicdessos valleys and later the Bassiès lakes before reaching the refuge.
Note: Tonight you will stay in a mountain hut, to which luggage cannot be taken. Therefore, you will have to pack the sheet/sleeping bag, toiletries, change of clothes etc. and carry it with you on the hike today. You will only be contacted about your luggage after the hike tomorrow.
Walking time: about 5½ hours
Distance: 11km
+1270 / -370
From the Bassiès refuge, the GR10 route passes a series of lakes and continues towards the village of Auzat. The beautiful route continues from the valley to Goulier via the village of Olbier.
Walking time: approx. 4½ hours
Distance: 13km
+450 / -995
From Goulier to Gestiès, the route crosses small mountain passes and passes through small mountain villages such as Lercoul, Siguer and Gestiès. The architecture of these small towns is interesting and features everything from old Romanesque churches to ancient stable buildings. After the day's walk, you will be picked up and driven back to Goulier, where you will spend another night.
Walking time: 5½ hours
Distance: 13km
+760 / -900
The day starts with a transfer back to Gestiès, where you finished yesterday's hike. From here the GR10 route crosses the wide open spaces of Pla du Four, passing the huts of Courtal Marti and Balledreyte and the Col de Sirmont (1693moh). From there, the route passes through the Clavière forest and finally reaches Pont de Coudènes. Here you will be picked up and driven to your accommodation in Tarascon sur Ariège.
Walking time: approx. 7½ hours
Distance: 14.5km
+1310 / -1235
You start the day with another transfer. This time you'll be driven to Plateau de Beille, famous for its ski resort and for being on the programme of the Tour de France. From here you head up to the Rulhe refuge via the Col de Finestres, Didorte, Belh and Terre Nègre mountain passes. We guarantee real mountain atmosphere!
Note: Tonight you will stay in a mountain hut, to which luggage cannot be brought. Therefore, you will have to pack sheet/sleeping bag, toiletries, change of clothes etc. and carry it with you on the hike today. You will only be contacted about your luggage after the hike tomorrow.
Walking time: approx. 5½ hours
Distance: 14km
+785 / -380
This is the last hike of the sixth section of the GR10 from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and today's hike is very nice. You have to start the hike early in the morning and follow the GR10 past two beautiful mountain lakes before reaching the train station in Mérens.
Walking time: approx. 5½ hours
Distance: 12,5km
+330 / -1460
Note: On our walking holidays we would normally have a night in the last town before checking out in the morning. However, on our GR10 treks we finish the sections without the last night because the next section has this "arrival night" included. Today you therefore have several options:
The price is based upon two people sharing. For safety reasons it is not possible to go on this tour as a solotraveler.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
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For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.
The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.
Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.
The flights to/from Toulouse in France are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.
Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.
It works like this:
Getting there
Here is a link for the perfect tool which will help you get an overview of how to get to the starting point of the tour: Rome2Rio
From the airport to Aulus les Bains
It's easy to get from the airport to Aulus les Bains. Get an overview of the options here:
From Toulouse: Rome2Rio
Return from Mérens to Aulus les Bains
If you need to return to Aulus les Bains after the tour, we can arrange a transfer for you. This costs 160 euros (weekdays and Saturdays) and 185 euros (Sundays and public holidays) for 1-4 people. Please contact us if you would like this included.
Return from Mérens to the airport
Here's how to get from Mérens to the airport:
To Toulouse: Rome2Rio
On this trip you will stay as follows:
If you wish to upgrade to the Comfort version of the tour, you will stay overnight as follows:
COMFORT
Note: Sleeping in dormitory is included in both versions of the tour and therefore it is necessary to bring a sheet/sleeping bag on the tour. You will be provided with blankets at all accommodations, so the sleeping bag will be sufficient.
On this trip, breakfast and dinner are included throughout the trip. Except for day 1, when only breakfast is included.
Included meals
Breakfast is the standard "continental breakfast" with tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam etc.
Evening meals consist of 3-course menus with starter, main course and dessert.
Please note that drinks for the evening meals are not included in the price.
Lunch
Lunch is not included but can be purchased at the accommodation. It will typically be in the form of a picnic lunch that you take with you on the tour.
Luggage transfer is included on days 3, 4, 5 and 7. The way it works is that on arrival at the first hotel you will receive your luggage tag in the welcome pack. You fill in the luggage tags and put them on your bag, where it will stay for the whole trip.
The luggage is collected around 9am each morning and arrives at the next hotel by 6pm (usually well before). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer, you will be informed of this on arrival.
One bag can be transported per guest and bags must not weigh more than 15kg.
IMPORTANT / NOTE: On this trip there are days when luggage cannot be transported and therefore on those days you will need to pack and carry all necessary equipment on the hike (including a bed or sleeping bag). These are days 2 and 6, when you will have to carry necessities for the nights, as you will be without your luggage on those nights.
You will recieve the following documentation
Upon booking
You recieve practical information about the tour in a digital format
One month before arrival
You recieve your hotel list and your voucher (hotel list is often supplied upon booking)
Upon arrival
You recieve the welcome package which contains the printed version of the road book, luggage tags, local specific vouchers and if you have rented bikes then they will also be delivered and fitted at the first hotel.
This trip is aimed at the experienced hiker in good physical shape and with mountain hiking experience.
The hikes are on average 7-8 hours per day, the altitude difference on average 1000-1300 m. The tour follows accessible paths, but also on uneven terrain, with some minor technical difficulties. The walking times given are indicative, they are average times that only take into account the duration of the actual walk without taking breaks into account. Depending on the weather conditions, the walking pace may also vary.
The tour is grad 3-4 wich is elaborated on below.
Grade 3
Walking in hilly or mountainous terrain, with longer ascents and descents. You will walk 5-7 hours a day. Requires good fitness and good health, but no technical experience. Requires good footwear such as trekking or hiking boots.
Grade 4
Trekking with daily walks of 6-8 hours, often in difficult terrain and higher altitude. There will be longer ascents and descents. Requires endurance and strong knees and ankles. Requires good hiking boots and "outdoor" clothing. There will be major fluctuations in temperatures.
Read more about our Grading System
Here you can get an overview of the entire route and the elevation profile for each day. The data shows the data from the GPX-files related to the tour. Notice that the routes are sometimes updated, which means that there might be small variations.
Colors
Blue routes: The route as normal
Red routes: Variations/options (such as shortened or extended routes)
Travel Insurance In general we recommend that you are covered by a good travel insurance covering at least Medical Expenses, Illness, Personal Accident, Baggage and Repatriation. The customer is responsible to take the necessary travel insurance that covers these costs. Bering Travel, or our local partners, do not have any responsibility for our customers not being covered by a necessary travel insurance. You have to arrange your insurance in your home country.
It can be hard to plan your trip according to the weather, but to give an idea of the local climate, you can see the data below:
We are members of the Travel Guarantee Fund (nr. 2529) and have all available insurances. This covers you regardless of your nationality. Read more about that here.
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