Hiking in the Pyrenees: GR10, GR11, HRP & Best Day Hikes

GR10Hendaye to Banyuls
GR11Atlantic to Cap de Creus
SeasonJun–Sep
Emergency112

The Pyrenees are one of Europe's finest hiking ranges: wilder and less developed than the Alps, with a network of mountain refuges, shepherds' huts and village gîtes.

The big three

Trail	Route	Typical time
GR10	Hendaye to Banyuls-sur-Mer, French side, via valleys and villages	~50–60 days
GR11	Cap de Higuer to Cap de Creus, Spanish side, higher and drier	~45–50 days
HRP	Haute Randonnée Pyrénéenne, high-level route close to the border, partly unmarked	~45 days

Most people walk them in sections of a week or two. Popular choices include the GR10 through the Basque Country, the GR10 from Cauterets to Luz via Gavarnie, and the GR11 through Ordesa and Aigüestortes.

Great day hikes

The Cirque de Gavarnie and Grande Cascade.
Pont d'Espagne to Lac de Gaube and the Vignemale.
The Cola de Caballo in Ordesa.
The lakes of Aigüestortes.
The Tour of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau from the Lac de Bious-Artigues.
The Lac d'Oô near Luchon.

When to go

Mid-June to late September for high routes; snow can linger on north-facing passes into July. The foothills and Basque hills are walkable in spring and autumn.

Refuges

Staffed refuges offer dormitory beds and half-board from June to September. Book ahead in July and August, often through the refuges' online booking platforms.

Safety: afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. Start early, check the mountain forecast (Météo-France or AEMET), carry a map and enough water, and make sure your insurance covers hiking. In an emergency dial 112.