HRP (Haute Route Pyrenees)

Starting from the beachfront at Hendaye, the HRP immediately begins its journey inland, traversing rolling Basque hills and woodlands. The day is characterized by gentle ascents and descents through rural scenery, ending at Olhette with views of the first Pyrenean summits.

Continue over grassy hills and through eucalyptus forests, weaving between traditional Basque villages, before concluding at the historic and picturesque village of Ainhoa.

Ascend steadily through patchwork fields and forests, gaining elevation as the route leaves the lowlands behind. The section finishes at Col des Veaux, with wide views across the valleys below.

Traverse undulating ridges and quiet footpaths, then descend towards the vibrant Basque town of Saint-Étienne-de-Baïgorry, nestled in the heart of the foothills.

The trail heads deeper into the highlands, entering wilder country and ascending the first significant mountain passes. The day ends in the charming mountain village of Lescun, surrounded by limestone peaks.

Climb from Lescun through steep valleys, following trails above tree-line with panoramic Pyrenean views. Finish at the lakeside Refuge d’Arlet, a welcome hut amid alpine scenery.

Traverse rocky passes and meadows, descending gradually with impressive vistas dominated by Pic du Midi d’Ossau as you arrive in the valley village of Gabas.

A direct ascent brings you into high-mountain terrain, passing clear streams and alpine meadows before reaching Refuge de Pombie, nestled below the imposing Pic du Midi d’Ossau.

Cross several high cols and traverse past glittering mountain lakes before a long descent into the green Arrens-Marsous valley, rich with traditional Pyrenean hamlets.

Climb through upper valleys and glacial cirques, skirting the edges of the Pyrenees National Park, then descend to the historic spa town of Cauterets.

A major ascent into high alpine terrain, with waterfalls, dramatic valleys, and proximity to the Vignemale massif. The day ends at Refuge Bayssellance, the highest mountain hut in the French Pyrenees.

Descend through glacial and rocky landscapes as you make your way to Cirque de Gavarnie, a natural amphitheater and one of the Pyrenees’ most iconic features.

Follow valley trails and then ascend steeply, staying well above the tree line, with panoramic mountain views en route to the remote Refuge Barroude.

A rugged traverse across wild ridges and rocky slopes before a descent into Parzan, offering a resupply opportunity on the Spanish side of the border.

Climb through green valleys and forest before reaching the high and historic Hospital de Viella, an old traveler’s refuge surrounded by panoramic summits.

After a high mountain pass, enter the lush Val d’Aran and descend toward Salardu, a traditional Catalan village with unique character and local amenities.

A challenging day with several cols, offering dramatic ridge views before dropping down to the remote lakeside Refuge de Certascan.

Navigate through rugged high-mountain terrain and over sharp ridges, staying deep within the most isolated part of the central Pyrenees and arriving at Refuge du Pinet.

Descend from the high ridges, through tranquil forests and riverside paths, arriving in the village of Mérens-les-Vals at the heart of the Ariège.

Trek through remote valleys and over challenging terrain, eventually reaching the isolated Refuge d’Araing perched beside a mountain lake.

Make the high and scenic crossing of Col de Serre d’Araing before a rocky descent into the hamlet of Eylie, with reminders of its mining past.

Follow forested and riverside trails as you leave the rugged mining landscape behind and make your way toward the spa village of Aulus-les-Bains.

Ascend steeply above Aulus-les-Bains, walking high ridges and passing ancient stone barns before an atmospheric evening at Gîte d’Etape de Certamière.

Enjoy a varied day through wildflower meadows and gentle scrambles, ending at the enchanting Refuge de Bassiès beside a string of small lakes.

A generally downhill route with views over the Ariège region, following rivers and cattle trails to reach the mountain village of Goulier.

Cross low passes through tranquil forests and open fields to the quiet valley settlement of Siguer, surrounded by rolling hills.

Long hikes through a mix of forested and alpine terrain, ascending above tree line to the scenic lakeside Refuge des Bésines.

A shorter but high-elevation segment, with glacial lakes and granite ridges en route to L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre on the edge of Andorra.

Skirt the Andorran border while moving across granite slopes, passing old smuggler trails toward the isolated Refuge du Rhule.

Descend from high Andorran ridges back into the Ariège, following wild and rarely used trails into Mérens-les-Vals.

A mix of river paths and alpine landscapes, ascending once again to a tranquil night at the lakeside Refuge d’en Beys.

Traverse remote granite ridges and forested slopes, entering the Pic Carlit area and ending at the mountain lakes of Refuge de Camporells.

Descend from high lakes and granite terrain to mixed forests, crossing the famous Yellow Train railway and reaching the village of Bolquère.

Travel through pine woods and open pastures, catching early sight of the Mediterranean foothills before a night at Refuge de l’Orri.

A long descent into lower, warmer elevations, passing through Catalan villages and chestnut groves on the way to Amélie-les-Bains.

Ascend again into Mediterranean pine forests and sunny hillsides, ending at the rustic Refuge des Salines near the Spanish border.

Traverse through open meadows and historic border posts with panoramic views as you move east toward Las Illas.

A scenic section through rolling uplands and pine groves leads to Col de l’Ouillat, a popular viewpoint overlooking the Mediterranean.

The final descent crosses vineyards and sunbaked hills, ending at the blue waters and beaches of Banyuls-sur-Mer on the Mediterranean.