GR 105

The GR 105 is a 56 km point-to-point trail in the Hautes-Pyrénées of France, climbing roughly 2,812 m of cumulative ascent to a high point of 2,390 m over about four days. Rated challenging, it follows an ancient pilgrimage route up the Aure Valley through beech and fir forest into the wild high pastures of the Rioumajou before crossing into Spain.

About the GR 105

The GR 105, also known as the Aure Valley Path, is part of France's National Walking Network (Grande Randonnée), the dense system of long-distance footpaths waymarked with the familiar red-and-white blazes and maintained under the FFRP (Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre). Running 56 km from Bazus-Neste in the lower Aure Valley to the Port d'Ourdissétou (Ourdissétou Pass) on the Franco-Spanish border, it is a point-to-point mountain route rather than a loop, ending high on the frontier ridge of the central Pyrenees.

What gives the GR 105 its character is history layered on top of scenery. The path traces an ancient pilgrimage and trade route linking Piedmont to Aragon, used for centuries as an alternative way south toward Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims and muleteers crossed the 2,390 m pass to reach the Spanish valleys beyond, and the route still passes Romanesque churches and traditional Pyrenean architecture in the valley villages before the trail leaves civilisation behind.

With 2,812 m of total climbing packed into 56 km, the GR 105 is a genuinely demanding hike. The low point sits at 557 m in the valley floor and the high point at 2,390 m on the border, so walkers gain serious altitude as the route progresses. The reward is a transition through every Pyrenean life zone — riverside meadows, mixed forest, summer grazing pastures (estives), and finally bare, rocky high country where bearded vultures and golden eagles patrol the thermals.

Route Overview & Stages

The GR 105 is most commonly walked over four stages, south-to-north gaining altitude all the way. Exact daily splits vary with where you find a bed; the breakdown below is a practical four-day plan totalling the full 56 km and 2,812 m of ascent. Distances are approximate and based on the published GR-infos route data.

Strong walkers occasionally compress the GR 105 into three long days, but the final climb to the pass is the hardest of the trail and is best tackled on fresh legs. Because the route ends at a remote 2,390 m col rather than a village, most hikers either continue down into Spain's Plan valley or arrange a pick-up — plan your exit before you set out.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Sarrancolin — a medieval village famous for the red-and-grey Sarrancolin marble quarried nearby, used in the Palace of Versailles and the Paris Opéra.
• Arreau — the historic capital of the four Aure valleys, with half-timbered houses, a covered market hall and a 16th-century château at the confluence of the Neste rivers.
• Saint-Lary-Soulan — a lively spa and ski town at around 830 m, the last major resupply point before the high mountains and a good base for a rest day.
• Rioumajou Valley — a deep, forested glen of beech and silver fir opening into expansive summer grazing pastures, one of the most pristine valleys in the Hautes-Pyrénées.
• Hospice de Rioumajou — a former pilgrim shelter (around 1,560 m) marking the old crossing point, now a mountain refuge surrounded by waterfalls and meadows.
• Port d'Ourdissétou (2,390 m) — the trail's climactic border pass, a rocky col with sweeping panoramas south into Spain toward the Posets massif, the second-highest peak in the Pyrenees.
• Batchimale and Posets massifs — the granite skyline that fills the horizon on the final ascent, often holding snow into early summer.
• Pyrenean raptors — the Rioumajou and the upper valley are reliable ground for spotting bearded vultures (gypaète barbu) and golden eagles riding the thermals.

Best Time to Hike the GR 105

The GR 105 is a high-mountain route, and its season is short. The crux is the Port d'Ourdissétou at 2,390 m, which can hold snow well into June and ices over again from late autumn. The reliable walking window runs from mid-June to late September.

In June, the valleys are green and the waterfalls are at full force from snowmelt, but lingering snowfields below the pass can make the final climb tricky — carry an ice axe and check conditions if you go early. July and August bring the warmest, most stable weather and the longest daylight, though valley villages like Saint-Lary-Soulan get busy and afternoon thunderstorms are common in the high country; start early and aim to be off the ridge by mid-afternoon. September offers cooler, clearer air, thinner crowds and the first touches of autumn colour in the beech forests.

For 2026, the single best month to hike the GR 105 is September: the snow is long gone from the pass, summer storms ease, temperatures are comfortable for the big climbing days, and the trail is at its quietest. As of 2026, always confirm refuge opening dates and current snow conditions before committing to an early-June or October crossing, as both shoulder periods can see the pass closed by weather.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Accommodation along the GR 105 ranges from comfortable valley lodging to basic mountain shelter. In Arreau and Saint-Lary-Soulan you'll find hotels and gîtes d'étape (walkers' hostels) typically costing €18–€25 per night for a dormitory bed, or €60–€90 for a hotel double. Half-board (dinner, bed and breakfast) at a gîte usually runs €40–€55 per person and is the most practical option in the mountains.

Higher up, the Hospice de Rioumajou area offers a refuge and the option to camp; staffed Pyrenean refuges generally charge €20–€25 for a bunk and around €40–€50 for half-board. Wild camping (bivouac) is tolerated above the tree line if you pitch after sunset and strike camp at dawn, leaving no trace — a realistic plan for the exposed final stage where no village exists. Carry enough food, as resupply ends at Saint-Lary.

Getting There & Back

The nearest major airport is Tarbes–Lourdes–Pyrénées (LDE), about 70 km from the trailhead, with Toulouse–Blagnac (TLS) a larger alternative roughly 150 km away. By rail, the closest station is Lannemezan on the Toulouse–Tarbes line; from there a regional bus runs up the Aure Valley toward Bazus-Neste, Arreau and Saint-Lary-Soulan, a journey of about 45–60 minutes. Plan timetables in advance, as mountain bus services are infrequent. Because the GR 105 ends at the remote Port d'Ourdissétou, your return usually means descending into Spain's Plan valley or backtracking to Saint-Lary; arrange transport or a taxi before you finish.

Permits & Fees

No permit is required to walk the GR 105 — France's GR network is free and open to all on foot. There are no entry fees for the trail itself. You pay only for accommodation, refuges and any guided services. If you bivouac, follow standard French mountain rules (one-night pitches above the tree line, no fires). Travel insurance covering mountain rescue is strongly recommended, as the upper valley has no road access and rescue can be costly.

Gear & Packing List

The GR 105's 2,812 m of climbing and exposed border pass demand a well-judged kit. A capacity of 40–55 litres covers a self-sufficient multi-day crossing with food for the resupply gap above Saint-Lary. The Arc Haul Ultra 50L is a strong ultralight choice for hut-to-hut days, while the more structured Aircontact Lite 45+10 carries heavier camping loads comfortably on the long ascents. For a lighter, faster crossing without camping gear, the 2400 Windrider keeps weight down on the big climbing days.

Beyond the pack, bring three-season layers including a warm mid-layer and a waterproof shell, as weather on the pass changes fast. Pack sturdy boots with ankle support, trekking poles for the descents, and an early-season ice axe if attempting June. Carry at least two litres of water capacity and high-calorie trail food — the sustained climbing burns through energy quickly, so read up on how many calories you need hiking a full day before you plan your meals. If you're still choosing a pack, our roundup of the best ultralight backpacks of 2026 compares the leading options head to head.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the GR 105's mix of pilgrimage history and high Pyrenean scenery appeals, several other French long-distance routes deliver the same blend of culture and altitude. The Tour du Mont Blanc - Itinéraire principal circles Western Europe's highest massif through three countries, while the rugged GR 20 Principale in Corsica is widely considered the toughest trail in Europe. For a gentler, more contemplative walk, the Chemin de Stevenson - Liaison 1 follows a literary pilgrimage through the Cévennes, and the 325 km Sulle strade dei valdesi: GRV Glorioso Rimpatrio dei Valdesi traces a historic Alpine crossing rich in heritage. For an entirely different high-mountain experience, our guide to hiking the Theth to Valbona trail in Albania is well worth a read.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the GR 105?
The reliable season runs from mid-June to late September, once snow clears from the 2,390 m Port d'Ourdissétou. September is the single best month: the pass is snow-free, summer thunderstorms have eased, temperatures suit the big climbs, and the beech forests begin to turn while the trail is at its quietest. Always check snow conditions before an early-June crossing.

How difficult is the GR 105?
It is a challenging mountain route. Over just 56 km the trail accumulates roughly 2,812 m of climbing, finishing with a steep ascent to a remote 2,390 m border pass. There is no technical climbing, but the sustained altitude gain, exposed final stage and lack of road access in the upper valley make good fitness and mountain experience essential.

How many kilometres per day does the GR 105 involve?
Walked over four stages, daily distances range from about 13 to 16 km, averaging roughly 14 km per day. Distance alone understates the effort: the later stages pack 900 m or more of climbing into those kilometres, so expect six to eight hours of walking on the harder days through forest and high pasture.

What accommodation is available on the GR 105?
The valley towns of Arreau and Saint-Lary-Soulan offer hotels and gîtes d'étape, with dormitory beds around €18–€25 and half-board near €40–€55. Higher up, the Hospice de Rioumajou provides refuge lodging and camping. Above the tree line, low-impact bivouac is tolerated overnight, which is the practical option for the exposed final stage to the pass.

Do I need a permit to hike the GR 105?
No. Like all of France's GR (Grande Randonnée) network, the GR 105 is free to walk on foot with no permit or entry fee. You pay only for accommodation, refuges and transport. If you bivouac, follow standard French mountain rules — single-night pitches above the tree line and no open fires. Mountain-rescue travel insurance is strongly advised.

Authoritative sources: Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre (FFRandonnée) and GR-infos: GR 105 Aure Valley Path.