5-Day Hike of the Freedom Trail in the Alt Pirineu Natural Park

Spend five days with UIMLA-certified mountain leader Miguel trekking through the historic Freedom trail in the Pyrenees of Spain and France.

Group

Pyrenees

5 Days

Jul - Oct

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Follow the historic path travelled by 2 Jewish families escaping the Nazis
Learn about the region's rich history in the company of an expert in the area
Enjoy the Pyrenees' magnificent scenery: its mountains, lakes and beech forests

Description

Delve into the rich culture of the Pyrenees by hiking the Freedom Trail with me! Come to the Alt Pirineu Natural Park and learn about the role this region played in WWII while also having the hike of your life!

The Freedom Trail across the Pyrenees was a path used by Jewish families fleeing the Nazis in December of 1942. Escaping from occupied France, Holland, and Poland, families formed in two different groups met while crossing the mountain range on their way to Spain.

This perilous journey was quite a feat, and ultimately led to one of the people assisting the families, Jeanne Agouau (who lived on the French side of the Pyrenees and led one of the groups) receiving the French Legion d'Honneur. She even met her future husband on this trail!

You will be able to follow in their footsteps for a duration of their route, exploring the beautiful countryside of the Pyrenees. Along mountain ridges and through valleys, you will learn about the history of the region and the role it played during WWII.

There are few ways to better understand and appreciate history, particularly one as compelling as that of the Jewish experience during WWII. I will show you the beauty of a landscape that is as incredible aesthetically as it is culturally important.

Book this rare five-day opportunity to put yourself into an enriching hands-on experience of history and scenery unlike any other in the world!

If you are interested in a longer trek of the region, I have the perfect 7-day program of Pica d´Estats and the Alt Pirineu Natural Park! Or we can head to Catalan wine country for a special 3-day hike and tour of Montsant!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Transportation start and back
Permit and entrance fees
Luggage transfer

Price details

Some Included services, such as accommodation and transportation, might be required to be paid in advance and will be nonrefundable, in accordance with the conditions set by the external providers.
Price does NOT include flights, travel insurance, personal equipment, personal food and drink(s). Lunches on the first day and the last day are both NOT included.

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet in Barcelona

We will fly to Barcelona to meet and organize our group. We will leave Barcelona BY 3:00PM as to arrive promptly in Tavascan (4-5 hours drive), where we will stay our first night.

Day 2: Tavascan Pass

Our journey today will take us past the Estany del Port and through the Tavascan Pass (2,216m) into France. This was a critical path during the Spanish Civil War, as well, used by Republican soldiers and citizens fleeing from General Franco.

After descending roughly 1,620 meters to Bidous, we will stay the night. We will cover 17.3km today, with a total increase in elevation of 1,025 meters and a duration of 9.5 hours.

Day 3: Aulus-Les-Bains

This is a moderate day, and it includes a charming walk through the deciduous forest of the Parc Naturel Regional des Pyrenees Ariegoises in France.

Aulus-les-Bains will provide us an opportunity to visit the Memoire et Histoire Vivante d´Aulus-les-Bains and further learn about and discuss the circumstances of WWII, the fates of the Jewish families in Aulus who attempted to flee to Spain, and the German impact on the isolated village.

We will remain in Aulus-les-Bains for the night after a 16.6km journey over about 8 hours.

Day 4: Trek to Catalonia

This is the most challenging part of the trip. We won´t walk all the way to Tavascan like the Henle family did because there is nowhere to stay overnight before getting to Tavascan.

During the first part of the day, we will cross an awesome beech forest and then arrive to the Ars Cascade at 1340m. The cascada has 3 waterfalls (the highest is 110m high!). From there, we will reach Catalonia at the Port de Guilló pass and enjoy the stunning views of mountain and lakes.

After a 45 minute drive we will reach Tavascan where we will stay for the night.

Day 5: Return to Barcelona

After eating breakfast, we will head back to Barcelona and go our separate ways after an incredible trip!

Details

More info

There is a minimum of five (5) participants to guarantee a program departure.

If necessary, I will advise you on what personal items / gear that you should prepare and have with you for the trip.

Meeting point

Barcelona.

FAQs

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration

Hotel Parador Canaro Incles Andorra

See rooms

Hotel Himalaia Soldeu Soldeu Andorra

See rooms

Sport Hotel Village Soldeu Andorra

See rooms

About the guide

Miguel

5.0

(8)

Mountain Leader

As professional mountain guide (UIMLA and AEGM-certified), I am passionate about helping you discover the majestic Pyrenees range that are off the beaten track. From small towns, valleys and mountain ranges to the GR 11 Pyrenees trekking route.

Through my programmes of walking and snowshoeing holidays, I’ll reveal all I know about these awe-inspiring mountains. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, I can offer a tailor-made mountain experience to suit your requirements. I also have tours for solo travellers or large corporate groups.

Certificates

UIMLA

Request more information

What people are saying about Miguel

Joanna

We had the most wonderful two days of hiking in Andorra with our guide Daniel. I cannot recommend him enough plus the areas he took us to. Our favourite was the Sortney National Park.

John

Our hike was wonderful and surpassed our expectations. Our guide, Dani, was excellent, organized each day's hike perfectly with respect to our abilities and preferences and the weather. He gave interesting explanations about flora & fauna, geology, geography and local lore along the way. The landscape was spectacular. The hotel was comfortable, with good meals and they even provided lunch packs for our daily hikes. Everything was perfect!