GR 10

Understand

Moving from west to east, the trail begins in Hendaye on the Atlantic Ocean, and finishes on the Mediterranean, in the small town of Banyuls sur Mer. Hikers will usually be able to make it to a gîte or small town every other night, and quite frequently every night. Expected time to complete the trail is around 6-7 weeks, though the majority of people only hike sections of it.

Prepare

The GR 10 is a demanding mountain trek requiring a good level of physical fitness and preparation for steep, rocky terrain. Unlike flatter trails, this route is entirely unsuitable for baby carriages or wheelchairs due to narrow paths, sharp rocks, and significant elevation changes. Most hikers carry their own gear in a 40–60 liter backpack, though luggage transport services are available between certain villages for those staying in hotels or gîtes.

The trail is fairly well marked with painted marks on rocks, trees, telephone poles, and even houses, walls, and street signs. If you haven’t seen a waymark for 100 metres, you’ve likely strayed off the trail. Retrace your steps to the last marker and check your route. It is not realistic to navigate using the markers alone. A trail guide, at minimum, or a topologic map is required.

Eat One of the trail's highlights is the ability to eat at gîtes d’étape and mountain refuges, which typically serve hearty, multi-course dinners and breakfasts. If you plan to eat at these establishments, you can carry minimal food. However, many refuges require advance booking for meals. In lower-altitude villages, you will find supermarkets and bakeries to restock on trail snacks or picnic supplies. If you prefer autonomy or plan to skip the gîtes, you must carry a camping stove and lightweight dehydrated meals, especially for the more remote sections in the High Pyrenees.

Drink Hydration is critical, and you should carry containers for at least two to three liters of water. While the trail passes through many villages with potable taps, you will frequently need to source water from mountain streams. Always use a purification method—such as a filter, UV light, or iodine tablets—to treat wild water, as livestock grazing at higher altitudes can contaminate even the clearest-looking brooks. In the peak of summer, some water sources may dry up, so fill your bottles at every reliable opportunity.

Sleep Accommodation ranges from hotels and staffed gîtes with dormitories to remote, unstaffed shepherd shelters (cabanes). If staying in gîtes, you do not need to carry a heavy sleeping bag; a silk or cotton sleep sheet (liner) is often

Get in

Accessing the start and end points is straightforward via public transport. The GR 10 begins at Hendaye Plage, the main beach in Hendaye. Hendaye is well-connected by the French railway network. 1 Hendaye station is the main international train station, with services from major French cities including Paris by TGV. From here, you can take a local bus to the start of the trail. Buses run from the main train station to the beach area where the trail begins. 2 Gare des Deux-Jumeaux is a smaller station closer to the beach and the official starting point of the GR 10. It is served by local TER trains. From here, it is a short walk to the trailhead. The GR 10 concludes in the Mediterranean town of Banyuls-sur-Mer. 3 Banyuls-sur-Mer railway station is located in the center of the town and is served by TER regional trains, which connect to major hubs like Perpignan. From the station, it is a short walk to the town center and the seafront where the trail officially ends.

Walk

Western Pyrenees: Basque Country

The GR 10 begins at 1 Résidence Croisière on Hendaye beach. A 1 Decathlon near the start is useful for last-minute supplies, especially watersports and camping items such as gas canisters. The route leaves Hendaye and climbs into the hills above 1 Biriatou, where public toilets are available. After about 3 hr, the trail reaches 2 Xoldokogaina, then continues toward Mandale on the Spanish border, the high point of the stage at 530 m. From Mandale, the path descends past 3 Redoute de la Baïonette, near modern border marker 9, and reaches Col d'Ibardin after about 4 hr 15 min of walking. The col is a busy shopping spot, especially for French visitors buying cheaper alcohol and tobacco. The final stretch follows the cols des Poiriers and des Joncs before dropping into 2 Olhette.

This stage starts with its steepest climb, then settles into forest trails and quiet country roads. From Olhette, the path climbs steadily to Col des Trois Fontaines, reached after about 1 hr 30 min. A shelter stands about 300 m from the col. The route then descends to Col de St-Ignace, where the rack railway to La Rhune starts, and continues to 3 Sare. By Sare, the total walking time is about 2 hr 45 min. Sare has local transport, an outdoor swimming pool, and is listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. From Sare, the stage continues on easier terrain to 4 Ainhoa, another of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. The village is a pleasant end point, with traditional Basque architecture and a compact centre. From Col des Trois Fontaines, you can make a side trip to La Rhune, whose summit is 905 m. The ascent can be made on foot or by rack railway from Col de St-Ignace. The prehistoric 4 Grottes de Sare can also be visited, but capacity is limited and advance booking is normally required. This stage also forms part of the European long-distance trail E9.

This is a demanding stage, with little shade at the start and a steep, rocky descent near the end. From Ainhoa, the trail climbs to the old cemetery beside 5 Chapelle Notre Dame de l'Aubépine, reached after about 40 min at 389 m. Traditional Basque hilarri gravestones can be seen here. The path then co

Stay safe

The GR 10 is a demanding high-mountain route that requires careful preparation and self-sufficiency. A primary consideration is the weather in the Pyrenees, which can change with extreme speed, bringing thunderstorms, high winds, and dense fog, often in the afternoon. Furthermore, snow can linger on high cols well into July, obscuring the path and making navigation difficult. Therefore, carrying a map, compass, and a GPS device is essential, as official waymarking can be inconsistent or hidden by snow. Hikers must also manage their resources carefully. Water can be scarce on some long stages or at high elevation, particularly in the eastern section, so it is wise to carry more than you expect to need. All water from natural sources should be treated, especially in pastoral areas with livestock. Encounters with wildlife also require awareness. The most common issue involves Patous, the large Pyrenean Mountain Dogs used to guard sheep. These are working animals, not pets, so it is crucial to give them and their flocks a wide berth, walking calmly to avoid provoking a defensive reaction. Vipers are also present, so watch your step in rocky, sunny areas, while the reintroduced brown bears are elusive and pose a negligible risk. In case of an emergency, the pan-European number is ☏ 112. However, mobile phone coverage is unreliable in many parts of the mountains. For this reason, carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) is recommended for safety. As a basic precaution, always inform someone of your daily itinerary before you set out.

Go next

Pyrenean High Route: Crosses the Pyrenees along the mountain crests, staying higher than both the GR 10 and GR 11. GR 11 This footpath stays on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees.