8-day French Pyrenees GR 10 Stage 1 Trek
Join a certified mountain guide on this 8-day trip through the first stage of France's classic GR 10 hiking route to enjoy amazing views of the Pyrenees.
Pre-Pyrenees, Pyrenees
8 Days
Jul, Aug
High
Intermediate
Description
This section of the GR 10 Trek has it all: charming French villages, ocean views, mountain vistas, and, of course, plenty of fresh air. Join me for this 8-day program which covers the first section of the GR 10 Trek, starting in Hendaye!
The GR 10 is a classic French hiking route that runs along the Pyrenees, roughly parallel to the border with Spain. Covering 866 km (538 mi), the entire path typically takes about two months to complete. Hikers are drawn to this route for the incredible panoramic views among the mountains, the seaside start and finish, and the picturesque villages that make for pleasant stops along the way.
For those that do not have two months to dedicate to hiking, I am happy to offer this 8-day program that covers the first stage of the GR 10 trail. We will begin in Hendaye, a charming resort town near the Atlantic Ocean in France’s Basque country. We will then trek through the foothills of the Pyrenees, continuing on as we reach bigger and bigger mountains. We will end in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, where you may choose to return home or continue onto the next stage of the GR 10.
The days will vary in length and difficulty, with as little as 4 hours or 11 km of walking, and as much as 8 hours or 22 km. Daily ascents range from 300 m to 1,260 m. More information on the specifics of the route is provided below in the day-by-day itinerary.
Along the way, we will make nightly stops at hotels and other similar accommodation, so that you can rest comfortably after a day spent on your feet. At most hotels, dinner is included. Luggage assistance is also provided, so you only need to carry a daypack while walking.
Book now and I will guide you through the first stage of the classic GR 10 route, passing through the charming villages and countryside of French Basque country!
Price includes
- Accommodation included
- Guiding fee
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Luggage transfer
Price details
- Price per adult for joining a group of 410 people. Price includes: professional guiding services, accommodation, all breakfasts, all dinner except arrival day in Hendaye, luggage access. Not included: All lunches, dinner on arrival day, flights, travel insurance, personal drinks and snacks, tips.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival - Hendaye
We will meet at the hotel in Hendaye, where I will answer your questions and brief you on the upcoming program.
Hotel, no dinner included.
Day 2: Hendaye to Ascain
We begin out trek at the water in Hendaye, the true start of the GR 10. Then, our route takes us through the village of Biriatou, before we pass through several rolling cols, including Col d’Osin. We finally descend to the town of Ascain, where we spend the night.
Hotel, dinner included.
Walking: about 6.5 hours
Distance: 20km
Elevation gain/loss: +1000 m / -920 m
Day 3: Ascain to Ainhoa
Today’s journey takes us through the villages of Sare and Ainhoa, where we enjoy the traditional Basque architecture and centuries’ old buildings.
Hotel, dinner included.
Walking: about 6.5 hrs
Distance: 21.5 km
Elevation gain/loss: +636m / -596m
Day 4: Ainhoa to the Col des Veaux
Today’s walk is mostly uphill: we ascend past Mount Errebí, then continue to Soporro (617 m). From here, we have two potential options depending on the weather, but either way we will finish at Col des Veaux.
Dormitory, dinner included.
Walking: about 4 hours
Distance: 11 km
Elevation gain/loss: +700 m / -240 m
Day 5: Col des Veaux to Bidarray
We reach the Col de Mehatse (716 m), then walk past more cols (the Artztey and the Espalza). Then, we descend into Bidarray, with a stop at Harpeko Saindua, a cave known for its healing properties.
Hotel, dinner included
Walking: about 4 hours
Distance: 11 km
Elevation gain/loss: +300m / -720m
Day 6: Bidarray to Saint Etienne de Baïgorry
The mountains grow in size today: we begin with an ascent to the sandstone ridge of resta d’Iparla, before summiting (1,049 m). The panoramic view extends all the way to the Atlantic Ocean: truly stunning.
Hotel, dinner included
Walking: 8 hours
Distance: 16 km
Elevation gain/loss: +1260m / -1248m
Day 7: Saint Etienne de Baïgorry to Saint-Jean-Pied-de Port
We begin by ascending Col d’Urdanzia (872 m), then follow that with Munhoa (1,023 m), where we will have a lovely view of Basse-Navarre. Our descent takes us through lush pastures until we reach the village of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, which is also the starting town for a popular Camino de Santiago route.
Hotel, dinner included
Walking: about 6.5 hours
Distance: 20 km
Elevation gain/loss: +859m / -864m
Day 8: Saint-Jean-Pied-de Port: Departure
We wrap the trip up after breakfast. If you are continuing the GR 10, you will have the day at leisure in town.
What people are saying about Explore-Share
Man
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Maxine
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4.8
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