Highlights
A part of the itinerary in the Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees
The crossing and the ascent of the Canigou and its immense panorama
The diversified and preserved path of the Canigou balcony
The Albère massif plunging into the sea
The arrival on the sea and the magnificient Vermeille coast, final of crossing od the Pyrenees
Sunny weather on this section of the Pyrenees
Let 's discover the full itinerary!
Day 1: Arrival at Mérens-les-Vals
Installation in your accommodation according to your arrival time. Depending on your arrival time, you can visit the village or go hiking.
The Cascade des Anglais and the Saint Vincent: A refreshing out-and-back hike to discover the spectacular waterfalls in the Gorges de St Vincent, offering a nice mix of lush vegetation, cool gorges, bridges and footbridges. There are also several small watering holes to refresh yourself. 6km, 2h30, +375m, -375m
Pic de la Pena: Hike to the Pic de la Pena (1062m) which offers a superb view of the Canigou and the surroundings of Vernet-les-Bains. You will also see the Abbey of Saint-Martin du Canigou lurking in its setting. 6km, 2h45, +470m, -470m
Overnight: Vernet-les-Bains
Day 2: Mérens-les-Vals to Vernet-les-Bains to Coralets refuge
In the morning transfer (15min) to the Col de Jou at the start of the hike. From the col de Jou, the GR10 reaches the refuge de Mariailles, a splendid site overlooking spectacular gorges, in the heart of the wild forests of the Cadi basin. Then it goes around the famous Canigou via the col de Ségalès (2040m), the jasse del Py and the refuge de Bonne-Aygue before reaching the guarded refuge des Cortalets : a superb route in the Mediterranean mountains. In good weather, the Canigou, outside the GR10, it's a summit accessible, the final ascent remains more famous for the elegance of the path than for the difficulty encountered. From the summit, a grandiose panorama as far as the sea and the plain of Roussillon.
Overnight: Coralets refuge, Walk: 20km, 8m, +1600m, -600m. or Canigou Variant: 16.5km, 7h30m, +1650m, -650m.
Day 3: Cortales refuge to Batère
Leaving the century-old refuge of Les Cortalets, you follow the balcony of the Canigou for most of the day. Step by step, you discover a breathtaking panorama. The view stretches from Roussillon to the Mediterranean to the Cerdagne and Capcir; and from the Corbières to the Montagne Noire to Sète and the Cévennes. At the end of the day, you will travel along the "iron road", the mining sites of the Canigou which were once renowned for the quality of their ore.
Overnight: Batère, Walk: 16km, 5h45m, +450m, -1150m.
Day 4: Batère to Arles-sur-Tech
During the descent to the charming tourist resort of Arles sur Tech, you will encounter many types of vegetation in this massif, from high altitude pastures to forests. The alpine environment is slowly transforming into a Mediterranean environment. The Canigou Massif itself is home to a quarter of the plant species in France and all the mountain wildlife you would expect. You reach Arles, nestled in a meander of the Tech. This small medieval town is home to the abbey of Sainte Marie, founded in the 8th century, and a 13th century cloister.
Overnight: Arles-sur-Tech, 12.5km, 4h15, +100m, -1250m.
Day 5: Montalba to Las Illas
Transfer (25min) from Arles sur Tech to Montalba (can be avoided, consult us). Start from the hamlet of Montalba d'Amélie, with its incomparable isolation and charm. At the exit of the beech and chestnut woods, the Cerda pass offers itself to you, at the base of the Sant Salvador rock. Then it is the crest of the Frausa rock with its wide panorama of the Catalan plain of the Empordà.
Overnight: Las Illas, Walk: 17.5km, 6h45m, +1050m, -1050m.
Day 6: Las Illas to Col de l'Ouillat
This stage is the transitional point of the Pyrenean crossing as the GR10 approaches the Alberes massif and joins the Franco-Spanish frontier up to the col du Perthus. Its twin, the GR11, takes on the same itinerary on the Spanish side. The Alberes is the last Pyrenean massif before diving into the deep blue sea. Crossing it is a real pleasure given the diversity of the landscapes.
Overnight: Col de L'Ouillat ,Walk: 25km, 8hrs , +1000m, -650m.
Day 7: Col de l'Ouillat to Banyuls
A long stage, with highlights such as the passage to the Pic Neulos, the Pic des Quatre-Termes, or the Pic de Saifort, the last promontory before the descent to the sea. Here, in the heart of the Mediterranean vegetation, everything has been shaped by the tramontana. Further down, the vegetation of the Pyrenean foothills has taken on the appearance of vineyards, with its “casots”, dry stone huts. The sea is there, very close, attractive.
Overnight: Banyuls, Walk: 23km, 8hrs, +700m, -1600m.
Day 8: Departure
Holiday ends after breakfast.
At a glance
15 June - 30 September
From €795
Self-Guided
7 nights / 6 days walking
Linear Trail
Time: 3- 8 hours per day
Ascent: 275-1600m per day
Hotels, gites & moutain huts (4 nights in private rooms, 2 nights in dormitories)
Half-board
Other walking holidays along the GR10 in French Alps
Pyrenees GR10, Part 1: Hendaye - St Jean Pied de Port
Pyrenees GR10, Part 2: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port - Estaut
Pyrenees GR10, Part 3: Estaut -Cauterets
Pyrenees GR10, Part 4: Cauterets - Luchon
Pyrenees GR10, Part 5: Luchon - Aulus-les-Bains
Pyrenees GR10, Part 6: Aulus-les-Bains - Mérens-les-Vals
Pyrenees GR10, Part 7: Mérens-les-Vals - Vernet-les-Bains
Other long distance treks in the mountains
GR5 Part 1: Traversing the Alps from Lake Geneva to Nice
Full list of self-guided walking holidays
GR 10 Trek
This self-guided walking holiday is the sixth part of a wonderful & dramatic 415km crossing of the Pyrenees Mountain chain between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean along the GR10 long distance trail. You'll amble through stunning scenery that varies enormously, with flower-filled meadows, sparkling lakes, cirques and high summits. You’ll get a taste of many different cultures, from the Basque country by the Atlantic to Catalonia by the Mediterranean. Each valley you pass through has its own distinct flavour.
The mountain that is fully representative and symbolic of the Eastern Pyrenees, the very symbol of the Catalans, is the Massif du Canigou. This summit dominates the Roussillon plains and the Mediterranean coastline. The position of the summit is isolated from the rest of the Pyrenean chain, so it stands out and is easy to spot, omnipresent in the landscape. It is nicknamed the Fujiyama Catalan. These protected areas that you walk through are a special environment and for nature lovers there is rich flora and fauna to admire. From Vernet-les-Bains, depending on the weather and your motivation, you have the choice of going around the Canigou summit, or going up and over! Then, you will drop down to the Roman spa town Arles sur Tech. From here, the GR10 gets close to the French/Spanish border, after having passed the Roc de France and the famous Col du Perthus, you will drop down into a vegetation of Mediteranean garrigue. The last mountain foothills of the Massif des Albères give way to the sea. You can’t help but be charmed as you approach the enticing blue coastline. The sandy beach of Banyuls, one of the prettiest spots along the Vermeille coastline is not far off !
Holiday Profil
6 days independent walking moving between accommodation
Dates
Everyday (subject to availability) from 15 June to 30 September
Walking Profile & Grade
Trained hiker, in good physical condition with a experience of mountain hiking. Hiking of 7h-8h per day on average, altitude difference of 1000m-1300m on average, on accessible trails but also in rough terrain, with some small technical difficulties. The walking times mentioned are given as an indication, they are average times that only take into account the duration of the actual walking without counting the break times. Depending on the weather conditions, the walking pace can also vary, ranging from +300m to +500m of climb per hour.
This walking holiday is graded strenuous. See more information about walking grades.
Accommodation & Meals
- Half board
- 1 night in hotel** in room on day 1
- 1 night in a guest house, in room on day 4
- 1 night in mountain gite in room on day 3
- 1 night in gite in room on day 6
- 1 night in mountain gite in shared dormitory on day 2. Bring a sack sheet (blankets provided)
- 1 night in mountain refuge in shared dormitory on day 5. Bring a sack sheet (blankets provided
Where is this trek?
When to Travel
Our self-guided walking trail along part 8 of the GR10 long distance path is available from 15 June to 30 September. This 8th stage of the trek has the opportunity to reach summits above 3000m and so before 15 June there is a high risk of snow on the trail and some of the accommodation is not open. During the rest of June and early July there is a greater risk of encountering snow fields on the trail than later. The summer period is the driest in the central Pyrenees, however afternoon showers or storms are fairly common. From mid September night time temperatures tend to be fresher with a small risk of fresh snow at altitude. In terms of fellow walkers, the briskest period is from Mid July to mid August.
Navigation, Walking Notes & Maps
The vast majority of this walking holiday follows the GR10 (Grande Randonnee) long distance trail which is very well way-marked with red and white markings. Moreover, there are several signposts along the trail. The walking follows clear paths for its entire duration. Some small sections follow local or unmarked trails, for example to access accommodation or to access panoramic summits, but these are easy to follow. On this particular walking holiday we use the Cicerone guide books. As well as the walking notes we supply walking maps. You'll be provided with detailed 1:25,000 walking maps.
Luggage Transfers
On this walking holiday you can choose to have your main luggage transferred between accommodation so you only have to carry a day rucksack with a picnic lunch (supplied by the guest houses and included in the holiday price), water and spare clothes, waterproofs, camera etc. On this holiday several local taxi companies are responsible for transporting your main luggage. Please limit the weight of your bags where possible to 15kg.
Travel Info
How to get to Vernet-les-Bains:
By air :
Toulouse-Blagnac airport (140km) : tel 0033 (0)561424400, shuttle service to Toulouse Matabiau train station all the 20mn. Perpignan airport : tel 0033 (0)468526070
By train :
TER from Perpignan station to Villefranche de Conflent. Then bus from Villefranche de Conflent to Vernet-les Bains.
By car :
From Perpignan, N116 to Villefranche-de-Conflent, and Vernet-les-Bains.
Parking :
Parking in Vernet les Bains : All free : on top of la Place de la République, next to schools, or post office car park.
How to leave to Banyuls :
TER train from Banyuls to Perpignan (Cerbère to Perpignan line).
Travel to Vernet-les-Bains from Banyuls:
TER train from Banyuls to Perpignan. Train from Perpignan to Villefranche de Conflent. Bus from Villefranche de Conflent to Vernet les Bains.
Public transports
Informations SNCF: https://uk.voyages-sncf.com/en
Please contact us for assistance in organising your travel arrangements
We recommend to arrive by train to avoid returns to departure to recover your car, because itineraries can be very long and badly served and very expensive if you take a taxi. If you insist to come with your car, we recommend you to leave your car on the arrival point the first day and to do the run to the departure point because the first day you have plenty of time to do the run and you will not be tired by a week walking.
7 nights / 6 days walking
- From €795
- Without bag transfers: less €265 per booking
- All prices per person, based on 2 sharing a room, except where stated
- Please consult us about Single supplement prices
What's included in the price
- Half board accommodation
- Transfers on days 5 and 6
- Luggage transport depending on the option chosen except 1 nights in refuge on days 2
- Dossier containing maps, route notes (1 for 4 persons, given in 1st accommodation)
- GPS tracks if you ask us + access to the detailed itinerary on the Mhikes GPS mobile application
What's not included in the price
- Travel to Vernet-les-Bains and return from Banyuls
- Lunches and drinks
- Holiday and travel insurance
- Showers in the mountain huts
- Additional transfers
- Entrance fees, additional activities
- Drinks and picnics
Payment
- A deposit payment of 30% or at least £250 or 250€ per person must be made to confirm your booking. The balance of payments is due 8 weeks before the holiday date. If the holiday date is less that 8 weeks away at the time of booking, then the full price should be paid.
Half board accommodation: 2 nights in room in guest house on days 1 and 6, 1 night in room in an mountain hut on day 3, 1 night in room in hotel** on day 4, 2 nights in a shared dormitory in mountain refuges on days 2 and 5, (bring a sack sheet (blankets provided))
Breakfasts are continental breakfasts (tea, coffee, milk, butter, jam) and evening meals in gites are often based on local specialties. Picnics and drinks are not included.
Extra Nights
Extra nights are possible at Mérens-les-Vals at the start of the trip and in Vernet-les-Bains at the end of your walk.
Combining trips
This is part 7 of a long distance trek across the French Pyrenees. It is possible to do the walking stages either side of this part of the trek. Here are the links to other stages of the trek:
- Pyrenees GR10, Part 1: Henday - St Jean Pied de Port
- Pyrenees GR10, part 2: St Jean Pied de Port - Estaut
- Pyrenees GR10, part 3: Estaut - Cautrets
- Pyrenees GR10, Part 4: Cauterets - Luchon
- Pyrenees GR10, Part 5: Luchon - Aulus-les-Bains
- Pyrenees GR10, Part 6: Aulus-les-Bains - Mérens-les-Vals
- Pyrenees GR10, Part 7: Mérens-les-Vals - Vernet-les-Bains
We also have a high level traverse close by in the Pyrenees National Park: Traversing the Pyrenees National Park
Please consult us for a price on any of the above options.
Tailor Made Trips
If you want to learn more about the region's culture through tailor-made activities and visits, check out those trips that include a few days in Occitanie. Contact us to add them to your hike.
Walking Through History: Medieval France Adventure
Authentic trip to discover the Tarn: stunning walks, exquisite gastronomy and centuries of captivating history in Toulouse, Albi, Carcassonne and more.