Book details

Book description

Guide to walking the long-distance GR10 across the Pyrenees from Atlantic to Mediterranean. This classic walk takes a lower route than the more arduous Pyrenean High Route. Nevertheless it passes through striking mountain country and gorge scenery. The easy ascent of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau is described as an excursion. The route takes about 50 days to complete, but the author divides it into sections conveniently tackled in a fortnight's holiday, with details of accommodation and transport. There is also invaluable practical information included for British walkers visiting France for the first time. The GR10 is one of a number of official long-distance paths (Grandes Randonnées) in France. The GR system is very extensive and some 25,000+ miles (40,250+km) of footpath have been designated and waymarked. Each GR route has been allocated a number. The GR10 runs from Hendaye on the west coast through the mountains of the Pays Basque, Béarn and Hautes Pyrénées to Luchon. From here it continues generally in an easterly direction to pass the sparsely populated Ariège, then across the Pyrénées Orientales to end on the Mediterranean coast at Banyuls-sur-Mer. The total distance is some 538 miles (866km). Paul Lucia's lifelong love of the Pyrenees led to two Cicerone guides to the GR11 and this GR10 guide. He explored the range extensively with many visits. Paul passed away on 6th July 2007, a few weeks after visiting the Pyrenees for the last time.