The GR10 is one of a number of official long-distance paths (Grandes Randonnees) in France. This classic long-distance walk across the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean takes about 50 days to complete, but the author divides it into sections conveniently tackled in a fortnight's holiday, with details of accommodation and transport. This classic long-distance walk across the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean takes a lower route than the more arduous Pyrenean High Route. Nevertheless it passes through striking mountain country and gorge scenery. The easy ascent of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau is described as an excursion. The route takes about 50 days to complete, but the author divides it into sections conveniently tackled in a fortnight's holiday, with details of accommodation and transport. There is invaluable practical information for British walkers visiting France for the first time. The GR10 is one of a number of official long-distance paths (Grandes Randonnees) in France. The GR system is very extensive and some 25,000+ miles (40,250+km) of footpath have been designated and waymarked. Each GR route has been allocated a number. The GR10 runs from Hendaye on the west coast through the mountains of the Pays Basque, Bearn and Hautes Pyrenees to Luchon. From here it continues generally in an easterly direction to pass the sparsely populated Ariege, then across the Pyrenees Orientales to end on the Mediterranean coast at Banyuls-sur-Mer. The total distance is some 538 miles (866km).

Table of Contents

Day 1: Hendaye - Olhette; Day 2: Olhette - Ainhoa; Day 3: Ainhoa - Bidarray; Day 4: Bidarray - St-etienne-de-Baigorry; Day 5: St-etienne-de-Baigorry - St-Jean-Pied-de-Port; Day 6: St-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Esterencuby; Day 7: Esterencuby - Col Bagargiak (Chalets d'Irati); Day 8: Col Bagargiak (Chalets d'Irati) - Logibar; Day 9: Logibar - St-Engrace; Day 10: St-Engrace - Arette-la-Pierre-St-Martin; Day 11: Arette-la Pierre-St-Martin - Lescun; Day 12: Lescun - Etsaut; Day 13: Etsaut - Gabas; Day 14: Gabas - Gourette; Day 15: Gourette - Arrens-Marsous; Day 16: Arrens-Marsous - Cauterets; Day 17: Cauterets - Luz-St-Sauveur; Day 18: Luz-St-Sauveur - Bareges; Day 19: Bareges - Chalet-Hotel de l'Oule; Day 20: Chalet-Hotel de l'Oule - Vielle-Aure; Day 21: Vielle-Aure - Germ; Day 22: Germ - Lac d'Oo; Day 23: Lac d'Oo - Bagneres-de-Luchon; Day 24: Bagneres-de-Luchon - Fos; Day 25: Fos - Refuge de l'etang d'Araing; Day 26: Refuge de l'etang d'Araing - Eylie-d'en-Haut; Day 27: Eylie-d'en-Haut - Cabane de Besset; Day 28: Cabane de Besset - etang d'Ayes; Day 29: etang d'Ayes - Aunac; Day 30: Aunac - Rouze; Day 31: Rouze - St-Lizier-d'Ustou; Day 32: St-Lizier-d'Ustou - Aulus-les-Bains; Day 33: Aulus-les-Bains - Mounicou; Day 34: Mounicou - Goulier; Day 35: Goulier - Siguer; Day 36: Siguer - Refuge de Clarans; Day 37: Refuge de Clarans - Refuge de Rulhe; Day 38: Refuge de Rulhe - Merens-les-Vals; Day 39: Merens-les-Vals - Refuge des Besines; Day 40: Refuge des Besines - Refuge des Bouillouses; Day 41: Refuge des Bouillouses - Planes; Day 42: Planes - Refuge du Ras de la Caranca; Day 43: Refuge du Ras de la Caranca - Mantet; Day 44: Mantet - Refuge de Mariailles; Day 45: Refuge de Mariailles - Chalet-Hotel des Cortalets; Day 46: Chalet-Hotel des Cortalets - Mines de Batere; Day 47: Mines de Batere - Moulin de la Palette; Day 48: Moulin de la Palette - Las Illas; Day 49: Las Illas - Chalet de l'Albere (Col de l'Oullat); Day 50: Chalet de l'Albere (Col de l'Oullat) - Banyuls-sur-Mer

About the Author

When asked to describe my father, the word indomitable invariably springs to mind. Dad's exploits provided a thread of marvellous adventure throughout our otherwise ordinary upbringing. He first visited the Pyrenees more than 35 years ago and then, a few years later, returned on honeymoon. The majestic and diverse mountains caught his imagination but it was not until 1987 that he began to revisit them in earnest, first with the whole family, and later with interested friends. He undertook a number of solo trips when collecting material for the guide to the GR11, Through the Spanish Pyrenees, published in 1996 (revised 1999). For the revision, he walked the entire length of the trail in one expedition with his son. When not in the mountains, dad, who lives in retirement in Shropshire, spends his time constructing a new model railway (complete with Pyrenean castle, of course!), cycling and walking. Dad always puts all of himself into his projects. I hope in reading this guide you will enjoy his company even half as much as I have - and still do.