The GR10 long-distance trail crosses the French Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. The Basque and Béarn section through the Vallée d'Aspe offers wild mountain scenery, Pyrenean brown bear habitat, and traditional pastoral villages.
The GR10 is France's premier long-distance mountain trail, crossing the entire Pyrenean chain from Hendaye on the Atlantic coast to Banyuls-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean. The Vallée d'Aspe section in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine covers approximately 25 kilometres between the medieval fortified village of Borce and the hamlet of Gabas at the foot of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, requiring 8 to 10 hours for a single continuous stage. The trailhead at Borce is reached by car on the D239 via Etsaut, approximately 60 kilometres south of Pau. The GR10 is waymarked throughout in red and white paint; signage at major junctions is clear. The trail immediately gains height from the valley floor, climbing through oak and beech forest on the valley's western flank before reaching high pastures that lie within Pyrenean brown bear territory—one of only a handful of areas in France where wild bears are present. Hikers are advised to make noise on approach and store food securely at overnight stops. The section crosses the Col d'Hourataté (1,693 m) before descending toward the Refuge d'Arlet area and continuing through remote pastoral terrain. The surface alternates between packed earth paths, rocky ridgelines, and open meadow. Elevation gain of approximately 1,400 metres per stage makes this one of the most demanding sections of the GR10; navigation in poor visibility requires a 1:25,000 IGN map (sheet 1547OT) and a compass or GPS. Overnight accommodation is available at CAF-managed Refuge d'Arlet (staffed June to September), which must be reserved in advance during summer. Self-catering campsites operate at Borce and Etsaut in the valley. Water is available at refuges and from streams at altitude; treatment before drinking is recommended. The section is typically snow-free from late June to mid-October; the cols may hold snow requiring crampons or ice axes earlier in the season.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Pyrénées-Atlantiques
- Best season
- Late June to mid-October
Highlights
- Wild Pyrenees landscapes
- Pyrenean brown bear territory
- Mountain refuges
- Aspe Valley views
Tips for visiting
- Carry a 1:25,000 IGN map (sheet 1547OT – Ossau Valley); GPS signal can be intermittent in the deep valley sections.
- Make noise on the trail to avoid surprising Pyrenean brown bears; calling out or striking trekking poles on rock is sufficient.
- Book mountain refuges well in advance for July and August; unplanned overnight stops on this remote section are very difficult to arrange.
- Start early to clear the high ground at Col d'Hourataté before afternoon thunderstorms build in summer.
- Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the steep eroded descents on the Gabas side.
When to visit
Late June to mid-September provides snow-free cols and staffed refuges; September offers quieter trails and often more stable weather compared to the busy July–August period.
Accessibility
The GR10 Vallée d'Aspe section involves sustained high-altitude terrain with 1,400 metres of elevation gain, rocky paths, and remote stretches far from road access. It is not suitable for wheelchair users or strollers under any circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Is a permit required to walk the GR10?
No permit is required for the GR10 or its sub-sections. The trail crosses private pastoral land and national park territory; camping outside designated areas within the Parc National des Pyrénées boundary requires permission.
Can the Borce–Gabas section be split into two days?
Yes, and this is the recommended approach for most hikers. Spending a night at the Refuge d'Arlet allows the section to be completed in two more manageable stages with full appreciation of the wild scenery.
Are Pyrenean brown bears actually dangerous to hikers?
Wild bears in the Pyrenees are very shy and typically flee on detecting humans. The main precaution is making noise to avoid surprising a bear at close range. Fatal encounters are essentially unknown on the GR10.
What gear is essential for this section?
Stout waterproof hiking boots, a 1:25,000 IGN map, warm and waterproof layers, trekking poles, and at least 2.5 litres of water are essential. From October onwards and in early season, crampons may be required on the cols.