GR 10 – the Pyrenees on the French side
Hendaye → Banyuls-sur-Mer · approx. 900 km
- Distance
- approx. 900 km
- Days
- 50–60 days
- Route
- Hendaye → Banyuls-sur-Mer
- Highest point
- Hourquette d'Ossoue, 2 734 m
The classic traverse from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean on the French side, with around 48 000 metres of ascent. The trail passes through villages every day or two, so you can stay in gîtes d'étape and inns instead of carrying a tent – and you can walk it a week at a time. Along the way it passes Lescun, Gourette, Cauterets, Gavarnie, Luz, Bagnères-de-Luchon, Aulus-les-Bains, Mérens and the Canigou, among others.
TipsThe season runs from mid-June to the end of September – snow lingers on the highest cols well into June. Book mountain huts in advance in July and August. Red-and-white waymarks. The FFRandonnée topoguides split the trail into four books.
Along the trail in the guide
- HendayeA brilliant spot for swimming, long beach
Cirque de LescunLimestone peaks in the Aspe valley- Cauterets – Bains du RocherThermal baths in a belle époque town
Cirque de GavarnieOne of Europe's highest waterfalls- Bagnères-de-LuchonSpa and mountain town, often a TdF finish
Ax-les-ThermesA spa town with fantastic baths
Canigou & Saint-Martin-du-CanigouThe Catalans' sacred mountain- Banyuls-sur-MerSweet wines and an underwater trail
Long-distance trails
- GR 11 – Senda Pirenaica on the Spanish sideapprox. 820 km · 40–50 days
- HRP – Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenneapprox. 800 km · 40–45 days
- Sentier Cathare – the Cathar Trailapprox. 250 km · 12 days
- Chemin des Bonshommes – the Path of the Good Menapprox. 200 km · 8–10 days
- Via Podiensis – from Le Puy to the Pyreneesapprox. 740 km · 30–35 days
- Camino Francés – across the Pyrenees to Santiagoapprox. 770 km · 30–35 days
- Via Tolosana – from Arles over the Somportapprox. 800 km · 35–40 days
- Camino Aragonés – from the Somport to Puente la Reinaapprox. 165 km · 6–7 days
- The Piémont route – along the foot of the Pyreneesapprox. 600 km · 25–30 days