Saturday, September 6, 2025 - Saturday, September 20, 2025
Pyrenees Mountains,
International,
Spain, France
The Pyrenees Mountains form the 310-mile frontier between France and Spain dividing the dry, baked landscape of Northern Spain from the green and fertile hillsides of Southern France. The weather and plant life are vastly different on opposite sides of the border. The Pyrenees are in many ways unexploited in terms of industry and are growing as a tourist destination. It is still easy to find rare wildflowers, elusive birds, and timid animals, and there are permanent glaciers on both sides of the border. Our trip starts in the very pretty, small city of Toulouse, France. After private transportation to the mountain village of St. Lary we will embark on our two-week trek. We will explore some of the best of the central French Pyrenees where the mountains rise to over 10,000 feet, the valleys are dotted with delightful villages, the hillsides covered in forests of beech and fir, and the high pastures allow magnificent views. Much of the hike follows well-defined "Grande Randonnée" routes - a network of long-distance paths. It includes sections of the GR10 - a 434-mile route that traverses the entire mountain range from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. We will also hike over into Spain to explore the magnificent Ordesa Canyon. Our journey will provide a visual feast as we hike through this captivating region. To facilitate our access to the most spectacular trails we will stay in six charming villages and at one authentic refuge or mountain hut. All breakfasts, most dinners, and all local transportation is included. Baggage transfer is included between hotels, but there will be no luggage for the night at the refuge as there is no road access. Excluding breaks, on the hiking days we will usually hike six hours per day, between nine and thirteen miles, with elevation gains up to 3,900 feet. We will hike at a moderate pace, allowing time for photos and rest breaks. Participants should be in excellent shape and be able to hike for most of the day, several days in a row. The trip will be guided locally by Malcolm Gregory, a Certified Mountain Leader who has been living and guiding in the Pyrenees for over 25 years.
