GR10 self-guided Section 2 : From Saint Jean Pied de Port to Etsaut
The first part of the itinerary is in the Pays Basque. The GR10 weaves its way from village to village, without reaching Spanish soil. An opportunity to discover typical villages of the region such as Estérençuby or the hamlet of Logibar.
After Logibar, Sainte-Engrace, the most eastern basque mountain village. From here the GR10 goes into a typically Pyrenean, high mountain setting. In gaining altitude you will reach Saint-Martin before descending upon the village of Lescun, renowned for its famous glacial cirque.
The first Pyrenean peaks of more than 2000m altitude like Pic d'Anie will appear. Before that, you will also discover the Iraty forest, the Haute Soule, the Holzarté gorges and its famous footbridge. The best part of the walk awaits you at the end of this section at the village of Estaut, in the Aspe valley, gateway to the famous Pyrenean National park.
Departures
Every days from mid-May to the end of September (According to availabilities).
Booking from 2 people (solitary traveller: consult us).
From 15/05/2025 to 30/09/2025 :
Prices with luggage transfer :
- Price per person for a group of 2 persons : 715€
- Price per person for a group of 3 persons : 645€
- Price per person for a group of 4 persons : 610€
- Price per person for a group of 5 persons : 595€
- Price per person for a group of 6 persons : 580€
Prices without luggage transfer :
- Price per person for a group of 2 persons : 530€
- Price per person for a group of 3 persons : 510€
- Price per person for a group of 4 persons : 500€
- Price per person for a group of 5 persons : 495€
- Price per person for a group of 6 persons : 490€
Extras :
- Comfort Version (4 nights in room) : 125€/pers
- Extra for a single room (if comfort version) : 180€/pers
- Extra 5 picnics (not possible in St Jean Pied de Port) : 65€/pers
- Transfer back from Etsaut to St Jean Pied de Port on week days : 235€/transfer
- Transfer back from Etsaut to St Jean Pied de Port on Sundays and public holidays : 250€/transfer
- Extra night in St Jean Pied de Port Bed & Breakfast double room : 75€/pers
- Extra night in St Jean Pied de Port Bed & Breakfast single room : 115€/pers
- Extra night in St Jean Pied de Port Bed & Breakfast shared dormitory : 45€/pers
- Extra night in Etsaut half board double room : 75€/pers
- Extra night in Etsaut half board single room : 115€/pers
- Extra night in Etsaut half board shared dormitory : 50€/pers
- Half-board except day 1 in BB
- Transfer day 6
- Transfer day 3 for comfort version
- Luggage transfers depending on the option chosen
- 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
- Holiday and travel insurance
- Evening meal day 1
- 15€ for booking fees
- Drinks and picnics
Day 1 : Start of holiday in Saint Jean Pied de Port
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is the capital of the Pays Basque region. It lies in a circle of hills at the foot of the Roncevaux pass into Spain. After checking into your hotel you may choose to do a walk in the surrounding area. A chance to discover the many delights of this seductive region.
Explore St Jean and its surroundings
Walk through the Irouléguy vineyards and the village of Ispoure, in the surroundings of the capital of the Basse Navarre - a region with many touristic assets.
Distance : 9km, duration : around 3h, altitude gain : +300m, descent : -300m
Kurutxamendi loop
The Kurutxamendi is a small hill dominating Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. This pedestrian loop can be the object of a pleasant short and easy stroll at the side of the pilgrims who go to St Jacques de Compostelle. Despite the low altitude, however, you will have good visibility on the peaks of Navarre, and even Labourd.
Distance : 5km, duration : around 1h30, altitude gain : +150m, descent : -150m
Day 2 : from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Phagalcette
The GR10 stays in the Pays Basque for approximately 170km of walking, winding its way through tiny villages but keeping to the French side. The trail heads out in an Easterly direction from St Jean towards the nearby hills. Following the deepening valley past small, isolated farms, sparkling mountain streams and steep green slopes. You get glimpses of the higher Pyrenean peaks to the East. The culture is rural and distinctly Basque. As you pass through the villages, such as Caro and Estérencuby, you can soak up the ambience. Stop at Estérençuby for the comfort version, otherwise continue the hike to Phagalcette.
Distance : 16km, duration : around 6h, altitude gain : +900m, descent : -450m (To Phagalcette)
OR Distance : 12km, duration : around 4h, altitude gain : +500m, descent ; -500m (To Esterençuby, comfort version)
Day 3 : from Phagalcette to Iraty
In the morning, short transfer from Estérençuby to Phagalcette for the comfort version. The day's stage has a sporting character due to its distance, combined with the hike's rugged topography. Through beautiful, vast pasture plateaus with clear views, you'll reach the magnificent site of the Cromlechs d'Occabé, a prehistoric monument of stones planted in the earth and arranged in a circle. From here, you'll enter the Iraty forest, Europe's largest beech forest, straddling the border between France and Spain. Then you'll reach the Iraty chalets at the Col de Bagargui.
Distance : 20,5km, duration : around 7h45, altitude gain : +1400m, descent : -700m
Day 4 : from Iraty to Logibar
Starting from the chalets d'Iraty, we pass the Pic des Escaliers, culminating at 1472m, before beginning the descent via the Ugatzé ridge, then reaching Logibar. Crossing ridges and passes, the route offers remarkable views to the east towards the first high peaks of the Pyrenees: Pic d'Anie (2504m), Pic d'Ansabère (2360m), Table des 3 rois (2421m), Visaurin (2669m)... Not forgetting the nearby Pic d'Orhy (2017m), the top of the Basque Country.
Distance : 16km, duration : around 6h30, altitude gain : +450m, descent : -1400m
OR Distance : 11km, duration : around 3h30, altitude gain : +200m, descent : -1150m (bad weather variant)
Day 5 : from Logibar to Senta
From the hamlet of Logibar, the GR10 passes the canyon of Holzarté with its famous bridge. The GR progresses in the direction of the plateau of Ardakhotchia before arriving at the ‘cayolar de Saratzé’, altitude 1205m. Cayolars are the traditional shepherd’s cabins. To arrive at the hamlet of Senta, you will penetrate the valley of Barétous, this is part of the second region you will discover called the Béarn. It is a region that functions to the rhythm of nature’s calendar and rural pastoral life.
Distance : 25,5km, duration : around 8h30, altitude gain : +1300m, descent : -1100m
OR Distance : 22km, duration : around 7h45, altitude gain : +1250m, descent : -1050m (variant)
Day 6 : from La Pierre-Saint-Martin to Lescun
In the morning, short transfer organized from Senta to La Pierre-Saint-Martin. It's also possible to walk this part, adding a night in La Pierre St Martin or with a long hike from Senta to Lescun : Consult us). The GR10 makes its way to the Arres de Camplong and on to the massif of L’Anie. There are superb views of the Pas d’Azuns mountains in the direction of the Pic d’Anie at 2504m, one of the first really high summits in the mountain chain. The trail continues into the famous glacier cirque at Lescun. The views are awesome, the summit of Camplong, le Pic Billare and the nearby plateau of Sanchèse.
Distance : 15,5km, duration : around 5h45, altitude gain : +500m, descent : -1200m
Day 7 : from Lescun to Etsaut
This is the last day’s walking for this stage of the GR10 between Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port and Etsaut. The trail comes out of Lescun glacier cirque and progresses towards a series of small charming mountain villages. After passing by the plateau de Lhers and the Col de Barancq, the itinerary arrives at the village of Etsaut in the famous Aspe valley . This is the gateway to the Pyrenean National park.
Distance : 16km, duration : around 6h15, altitude gain : +850m, descent : -1150m
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.
Welcome
Day 1 at your accommodation in Saint Jean Pied de Port, according your time of arrival.
Dispersion
Day 7 in Etsaut, after your walk.
Level
Level 4/5
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. Be aware that there are 2 challenging stages with a climb of 1200m/1400m. You need to be used to walking and take regular exercise to enjoy this holiday.
Accommodation
Half board in gites except day 1 in bed and breakfast
6 nights in gite in shared dormitory. Bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets are provided).
COMFORT VERSION (with extra) :
2 nights in a hotel** in room on days 1 and 2
1 night in guest rooms in room on day 6
1 night in a mountain chalet in room on day 3
2 nights in shared dormitory on days 4 and 5
For nights in shared dormitory, bring a sleeping bag liner (blankets are provided)
Food
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam)
- Evening meals in gites, often based on local specialities, include a starter, a main course and a dessert. Except day 1 : restaurants available.
- Pic-nics not included. They can be reserved in advance (with extra). Or you can buy them directly at your accommodation or at the grocery stores, mini-markets and bakeries listed in the roadbook.
- Drinks not included.
Luggage porterage
You will need to carry a day sack only. Our bag-moving service means you can travel light during your walks. Your main luggage (that should please be easily transportable) will be transported by vehicle between the different night stops, unless you have chosen the version without luggage transport.
Supervision
Self-guided walking, without guide.
Stay reviews
GR10 St Jean Pied de Port - Cauterets June/July 2024
GR10 Self Guided section 2 : St Jean Pied de Port - Etsaut
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