www.gr10-liberte.com / www.respyrenees.com Tél : (33) 5.34.14.51.50 ou (33) 6.83.82.98.28

mathieu@respyrenees.com

Factsheet | Self-guided walk | Level 3/5 | 6-7 walking days

Pyrenees National Park,

UNESCO world heritage

The Pyrenees National Park offers the walkers the possibility to cross wonderful sites and discover an exceptional natural heritage. Birthplace of Pyreneism, paradise for the mountaineers and the nature lovers, Cauterets and Gavarnie will tell you the story of famous mountain guides, of high mountains and wild valleys. Part of the UNESCO world heritage, the glaciar Cirques of Gavarnie, Estaubé and Troumouse offer amazing sceneries. All along your walk, chamois, marmots, bearded vultures, eagles will follow you in the silence of these wild spaces.

We can supply you with GPS tracks for the entire route, just ask us!

Strong points

• Access to main luggage every day • Highlights of the Pyrenees : lakes, high mountains beyond 2000 meters, mountain villages… and Gavarnie Cirque

Your route in brief

• Self-guided walk, with a « comfort version » option • Family walking, with friends or as a couple • Bookings from 2 people • Duration 7 days/6 nights

•PROGRAM

Day 1 : Start of your holiday in Cauterets This week’s walking starts at Cauterets. Situated at 950m altitude, Cauterets has an authentic, Pyrenean mountain charm and is well known for its thermal spas. Time to discover and enjoy the town. The Turon des Oules and the plateau du L isey Possibility of doing a forest walk in the direction of Turon des Oules 1380m, it’s possible to continue to the Plateau du Lisey (add on 30mins).

Distance : 7km or 10km, duration : 3h15 or 3h45, altitude gain : +450m or +705m, descent : -450m or -705m.

Day 2 : From Cauterets to the Oulettes de Gaube refuge, at the foot of the North face of Vignemale (3298m) Short transfer from Cauterets to Pont d’Espagne. Heading towards the Oulettes de Gaube refuge, altitude 2151m, you will discover a landscape that is out of this world : the lac de Gaube and its glaciated valley which is inhabited by izards and marmots. Arrival in Oulettes de Gaube. In front of you is the cumulative point of the French Pyrénées, the Pique Longue, 900m of vertical rock face, and at the foot of the Oulettes glacial face which descends to 2300m. Return to Cauterets by the GR 10, the mythic Pyrenean walk.

Distance : 20 km (to Cauterets), duration : 6 h (to Cauterets), altitude gain : +700m, descent : -1238m (to Cauterets).

Day 3 : From Cauterets to L uz Saint Sauveur From Cauterets, the walk will lead you to Luz-Saint-Sauveur, another well known thermal spa spot. You will pass the col de Riou, that separates the valley of Cauterets and the valley of Luz. From the col the panorama is immense there are views across the valley of Barèges, Néouvielle massif, the cirque of Troumouse and at your feet you have Luz Ardiden ski station.

Distance : 18km, duration : 7h00, altitude gain : +1035m, descent : -1230m.

Day 4 : From L uz Saint Sauveur to Plateau du Maillet and Troumouse Cirque Short transfer from Luz to Gèdre. After crossing the Coumely woods and the mountain pastures of Gèdre, with several shepherd cabins, you will join the Gloriettes lake. The itinerary finally joins the astonishing Troumouse cirque, with wonderful views. Night and evening meal at the refuge du Maillet, in a high mountain scenery.

Distance : 13km, duration : 4h00, altitude gain : +952m, descent : -115m.

Day 5 : From Plateau du Maillet to Gavarnie Two other glaciated cirques are waiting for you !! Estaubé and Gavarnie, the most spectacular !! After joining back the Gloriettes lake, the itinerary goes up (along the Estaube valley) to the Hourquette d’Alans (2430m, wonderful panoramic view). Then it descends to the valley of Gavarnie. A very exciting mountain day. Night and evening meal in Gavarnie village.

Distance : 19km, duration : 5h45, altitude gain : +900m, descent : -1200m.

Day 6 : From Gavarnie to the Plateau de Bellevue Beautiful circular walk, leading up to the Plateau Bellevue. This itinerary enables to have splendid views on the cirque and its rocky scenery : the highest part of the cirque goes up to 3150m !! The interest of this walk is also to discover the protected fauna and flora in this area, in the middle of beautiful waterfalls. Night in Gavarnie village.

Distance : 10km, duration : 3h30, altitude gain : +370m, descent : -370m.

Day 7 : The Gavarnie cirque and its amazing waterfall In the early morning, short walk from the village to the bottom of the cirque, to admire the main waterfall (called « La Grande Cascade »). Here you are in the main place of “Pyrénéisme”, full of legends and mountaineers histories !! The waterfall, with 423m high, is the highest in France, and one of the most

spectacular in Europe.

Distance : 5km, duration : 2h30, altitude gain : +330m, descent : -330m. This programme is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. It may be necessary, if situations arise that are beyond our control, for the itinerary to be modified.

•DATES AND PRICES

Departures Every saturday from June to the end of September. According to availabilities and snow covering, booking from 2 people. Consult us for group discounts. Prices : From 01/06/2018 to 30/09/2018 :

Price per person for a group of 2/3 persons (dormitory) 490€

Price per person for a group of 4/5 persons (dormitory) 440€

Price per person for a group of 2/3 persons (double room) 590€

Price per person for a group of 4/5 persons (double room) 540€

Extras/Discounts : - Extra departure out of a Saturday : 20 €/pers. - Extra for a single room option (according to availabilities) : 115 €/pers. - Optional : transfer back from Luz to Cauterets : 25 €/pers. The price includes : - Half-board accommodation - Transfers days 2, 4 and 7 - Luggage transfers - Dossier containing maps, route notes (1 for 4 persons, given in 1st accommodation) - GPS tracks if you ask us

The price does not include : -Holiday and travel insurance -Additional transfers -Drinks and picnics

•TAIL OR MADE HOL IDAYS

We can put together a suitable holiday for you taking into account all your specific requests and budget. Many

individuals and trekking companies have relied on us for years. With our tailor-made holidays we always aim to

provide you with the best quality at the fairest price.

If you want to :

• increase the comfort of your accommodations,

• change the duration of your trip,

• organize additional activities or visits,

• get a transfer from/to an airport,

• organize an extra night

Contact Mathieu

Tél : 0033 5 34 14 51 50 Port : 0033 6 83 82 98 28

mathieu@respyrenees.com

•ORGANIZATION

We propose a self guided, independent formula. You choose your departure date and we will take care of all the rest from the initial meeting time through to the dispersion point. We transport your bags between the accommodations ; we provide the maps and detailed walking route notes sent on the first accommodation. This is a way of enjoying complete flexibility, you dictate the pace and rhythm of your holiday. Moreover, our team will answer all your questions, and will provide all useful advice in order to make this holiday a success. Your transfers during the walk : Day 2 : At 8h00am, transfert from town center to Cauterets, in front of the shop Sport 2000 at parking Pont d’Espagne with shuttle bus. Day 4 : At 8h30am, short transfert in taxi from your accommodation to Luz St Sauveur, at Gèdre. Day 7 : At 12h00am, transfert in taxi from your accommodation to Gavarnie, at bus station to Luz St Sauveur. We ask that you arrive on time for these transfers so not to cause a delay for yourselves or other passengers using the same transfer.

•TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Some information Maximum ascent : +1035 m Global denivelation : 9970m at 10480m Global ascents : + 4737m at + 4992m Global descents : - 5233m at - 5488m Highest point of the section : 2430m (Hourquette d’Alans) Nature of the walk

Sportive. Walks on mostly waymarked paths, but some technical difficulties are possible.

Level 3

The walks are on good footpaths and trails, the terrain is varied but often rocky. Be aware that there are 2

challenging stages with a climb of more than 1500m. You need to be used to walking and take regular exercise

to enjoy this holiday.

Detailed walking schedule

Detail Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7

Ascent +450 or +705m

+700m +1035m +952m +900m +370m +330m

Descent -450 or -705m

-1238m -1230m -115m -1200m -370m -330m

Walking duration*

3h15 or 3h45

6h 7h 4h 5h45 3h30 2h30

Distance 7 or 10km 20km 18km 13km 19km 10km 5km

*Be advised : the walking duration is given to help you in your choice, but this is an average, not including the

stops during the walk, and overall walking duration is just an indication, but can be different between walkers.

Bibliography - Bigorre et Quatre vallées, éd. SNERD, 1981, JF Le Nail et JFJoulet - Les Quatre vallées, éd. Milan, Docteur Sarramon - Guide vert Pyrénées Aquitaine, éd. Michelin - Guide Bleu, éd. Hachette Guide Self-guided walking, without guide. Carrying You will need to carry a day sack only, with your water bottle, camera, picnic and goretex jacket. Our bag-moving service means you can travel light during your walks. Your main luggage will be transported by vehicle between the different night stops. We ask you to please limit your main luggage to between 10-12kg to facilitate the transportation and carrying for the taxis.

•ACCOMMODATION/FOOD

Accommodation Accomodation with 2 options : dormitories or rooms (Additional option, see prices) : - Option with dormitories : according to availabilities, 5 nights in small dormitories (8 persons max.), with facilities out of the dormitories. 1 night in a 33 persons dormitory, with facilities out of the dormitory. Bring your sheet. Blankets are provided. - Option with rooms : according to availabilities, 5 nights in double rooms in hotels or gites with ensuite facilities, and 1 night with facilities out of the room. Single rooms (additional option) according to availabilities, and during the low season (impossible in July and August). Food - Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, butter, jam) - Evening meals in accommodations, often based on local specialities, include a starter, a main course and a dessert. - Picnics and drinks are not included. Picnics can be provided by all accommodation.

•PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Starting : Day 1 at your accommodation in Cauterets (65), according to your time of arrival. Ending : Day 7, around 12.30pm, at the SNCF bus station in Luz Saint-Sauveur. For those coming with a car, possibility to organize a transfer back to Cauterets, consult us. How to get to Cauterets : - By air: Lourdes-Tarbes airport (35km) : Tel : 0033 562329222 Pau-Pyrénées airport (80km) : Tel : 0033 559333300 Toulouse-Blagnac airport (204km) : Tel : 0033 561424400; links to Toulouse Matabiau train station by navette every 20mn. - By train and bus: - Train from Bordeaux or Toulouse to Lourdes. Lourdes station : Tel : 0033 562425562. - Bus SNCF from Lourdes to Cauterets (departures from in front of Lourdes station) : Allow 1h travel time. - Cauterets bus station: Tel : 0033 562925370, open from 9h to 12h30 and from 15h to 18h. - Return to bus station in Luz St Sauveur to Lourdes - arrival in Lourdes.

- By car: From Tarbes follow Lourdes, Argeles- Gazost, then Cauterets. Location: Paris 894km, Bordeaux 278km, Toulouse 204km, Nantes 602km. - To join Cauterets from L uz : Corresponding SNCF bus from Luz to Pierrefitte, and then another bus from Pierrefitte to Cauterets. Information on www.voyages-sncf.com 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. PARKING : - Parking in Cauterets : Free : Bus station, Place de la gare, Thermes César (town centre). Parking: Parking Municipal souterrain, Rue de Belfort - Tel : 0033 562925557, or 0033 562925034 (Mairie), or 0033 562925050 (tourist office). - Parking in Luchon : Free : Behind the post office, from the phone box, in front of the train station, Luchon exit. Public transports Informations SNCF: https://uk.voyages-sncf.com/en Practical information - Pyrenean National Park : At Pau, 59 route de Pau, 65000 Pau - Tel : 0033 562443660 At Cauterets, Park office - Tel : 0033 562925256 - Cauterets tourist office - Tel : 0033 562925050 - www.cauterets.com - Information SNCF : www.ter-sncf.com - High Montagne police : Tel : 0033 562927507 - Local weather: 0033 892680265 (Bigorre)

•WHAT TO BRING AND PACK

Bags:

A small day pack for your water bottle, camera, picnic and waterproof. A bag, rucksack or suitcase for your main luggage weighing a maximum of 12kg per person. The size of your bag varies upon the type of activity. For a walker without portage: 30L minimum For a walker with partial portage: 50L minimum For a walker with portage: 60L minimum Day Bag

Whatever activity you participate in, you should always carry in your rucksack waterproof clothing, a picnic, a bottle of water aswell as a small first aid kit and personal belongings, a camera, a hat, binoculars etc. Walking Boots

The type of boot depends upon the activities you take part in however they are one of your most important items. They should be confortable, waterproof and breatheable. For the best protection we advise ankle boots. We recommend our young walkers to wear flexible walking boots with a good sole and back. For mountain walking for more than 4 hours long we recommend a boot with a fairly ridged sole. If you need to buy a new pair of boots we advise you wear them in before the start of your holiday. Don't wear boots that are too small because feet have a tendance to swell up. Clothes:

- A wind and rainproof jacket - A thick jumper or a fleece - Comfortable walking trousers

- Shorts, t shirts.. aswell as breathable base layers - Spare clothes - Swimwear and towel - For the start and end of season, hat and gloves suitable for GR20 walks at altitude. For Sleeping

- Sleeping bag for all nights spent in the gites and mountain shelters (sheets are provided) - Earplugs For Picnics

- Sealed plastic box (0.5L) to carry salads - Cutlery (folding knife and fork) - A 1L minimum flask For Walking:

- Good walking shoes or boots with a good grip sole - Walking socks. - Warm fleece - Shorts and T shirts. - Swimming costume or trunks - Towel - 2 Walking poles (optional) - Water bottle (one litre minimum) - Personal first aid kit with good blister protection - Sunglasses and sun cream - Sun hat - Wind and waterproof jacket (Gore-tex style) Other little things

- A pair of trainers or sandals for a night - Glasses and suncream - Walking poles - Hats - Camera - Small toiletry bag and towel - Torch or headlight - A first aid kit with personal medication, blister plasters (compeed), aspirin and survival blanket.