GR10 – Pyrenees Traverse (Section 1)
~5 days · 64.3 mi · hard · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the GR10 – Pyrenees Traverse (Section 1) is known for
The opening section of France's GR10, the long-distance trail that traverses the French Pyrenees coast to coast. This eastern end begins at the Mediterranean in Banyuls-sur-Mer and climbs into the Albères and eastern Pyrenean foothills through Catalan vineyards and villages. The full GR10 is a waymarked point-to-point running the length of the range to the Atlantic.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 10 ft to 6,847 ft over 64.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 17.6 mi · 27%
- Downhill 34.8 mi · 54%
- Flat 11.9 mi · 18%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the GR10 – Pyrenees Traverse (Section 1)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the GR10 – Pyrenees Traverse (Section 1) scores 42/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best from June to September, when high passes further west are snow-free; this low coastal first section is walkable earlier and later in the year given its modest elevation.
Permits: No permit is needed to walk the GR10; accommodation is in gîtes d'étape, refuges, and village lodging that should be booked ahead in peak summer.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the GR10 – Pyrenees Traverse (Section 1) take?
Most backpackers hike the GR10 – Pyrenees Traverse (Section 1) in about 5 days (4 nights out) over its 64.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the GR10 – Pyrenees Traverse (Section 1)?
The GR10 – Pyrenees Traverse (Section 1) climbs roughly 14,672 ft total — about 228 ft per mile, topping out near 6,847 ft.
When is the best time to hike the GR10 – Pyrenees Traverse (Section 1)?
Best from June to September, when high passes further west are snow-free; this low coastal first section is walkable earlier and later in the year given its modest elevation.
Do you need a permit for the GR10 – Pyrenees Traverse (Section 1)?
No permit is needed to walk the GR10; accommodation is in gîtes d'étape, refuges, and village lodging that should be booked ahead in peak summer.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.