The GR footpaths are long-distance hiking trails. Along with the Corsican GR20, the Pyrenean GR10 is one of the most beautiful and well-known !

Starting from Bagnères-de-Luchon, you’ll walk via the Col de la Core pass, the beautiful valleys of Esbintz and Estours and the valleys of Ustou, before arriving at the Guzet lake and the majestic waterfall of Ars, in Aulus-les-Bains. A little further on, the Bassiès lakes offer you their stunning reflections towards the Vicdessos valleys to reach the village with its sulphur springs : Mérens-les-Vals. From there, the GR10 takes you along the magnificent last few summits of the Ariège towards the neighbouring Aude, then soon into the Eastern Pyrenees until you reach the well-deserved Mediterranean !

A diverse landscape
One after the other, the GR10 offers you ridges, valleys, and mountain villages. You will follow the paths used by the animals led to mountain pastures and cross dense beech forests. If you keep your eyes peeled, with a bit of luck, you might even see an ibex here, an isard there, or even a vulture up above …

There are nearly 1,100 km of paths linking Hendaye (Atlantic coast) to Banyuls (Mediterranean). The GR10 in Ariège has a reputation as the wildest part, and perhaps even the most difficult too … That’s no problem though, we’re up to the challenge !

During your journey through the Couserans, you will have the choice between shepherd’s huts, refuges and stopover lodges to rest and regain your strength for the next day.

  • Distance : 1,100 km 
  • Duration : approximately 65 days of walking
  • Markings : white/red 
  • Altitude : max 2700 m 
  • Recommended period : June to October. 

Reference FFRP Topoguide : “La traversée des Pyrénées – Pyrénées Ariégeoises, et tour du Val Garbet et du Biros” (“The Crossing of the Pyrenees – Ariège Pyrenees, and Tour of Val Garbet and Biros”)

How was this GR long-distance hike born ?

One man initiated it : Jean Loiseau (known as « the father of hiking »). It took almost 15 years for the red and white marks to take shape along the Pyrenean paths !

See you in our mountains, ready to get going ! GRRRRRR!