Читать книгу The GR10 Trail. Through the French Pyrenees: Le Sentier des Pyrenees онлайн

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As the GR10 leaves the border town of Hendaye on the Atlantic coast it follows ridges over the steep, grassy and wooded rolling hills of the Basque Country. After nine stages there is a rapid transition to the steep limestone peaks at the western end of the High Pyrenees. Section totals: 221km; 11,300m; 68 hours.

Section 2: Etsaut to Bagnères-de-Luchon (Stages 13–26)

This is the most spectacular section of the GR10, passing through the High Pyrenees, which rise to over 3000m, crossing high passes that may be snow-covered well into summer. The fantastic scenery in this section means that you will be passing a number of tourist hot-spots, including the Pic du Midi d’Ossau, Vignemale and Gavarnie. Section totals: 253km; 14,400m ascent; 85 hours.

Section 3: Bagnères-de-Luchon to Mérens-les-Vals (Stages 27–43)

In this section, the border between France and Spain (or Andorra) is well north of the watershed and the GR10 passes through the Ariège. These mountains aren’t quite as high as the High Pyrenees, but the route crosses a succession of deep valleys cut out by the huge glaciers that flowed north from the Pyrenees in the last Ice Age, meaning that there is a lot of climb. The Ariège has never been as popular as the High Pyrenees so there is often a feeling of remoteness, and facilities for walkers are harder to find. Section totals: 265km; 17,600m ascent; 98 hours.