GR10 Pyrenees day 24, to Luchon and on to Toulouse

Sometimes the best is saved for the last. This was a very good day.

It didn’t look good first thing in the morning, cold and the mist was hanging in the mountains, but by 8:00 when I set off it started to clear. A lot of climbing. Up from Lac d’Oô to a quick look at Lac d’Espingo which has another hostel (a few minutes off the GR10, but well worth the detour). Then a long climb to the first col, followed by several more cols before a descent.

The views were spectacular. This was high country with little grazing and no track walking. It felt like some of the best alpine we walked in the Alps. Photos below.

I didn’t walk as far as Luchon. The trail gradually descends to a ski resort above Luchon, then makes a steep two-hour descent to Luchon. After lunch and a beer at the resort, I took the cable car down, saving most of the two hour walk and letting me get an earlier bus and then train to Toulouse, arriving in Toulouse at 6 rather than 8.

Luchon is a busy town. It was like entering a different world when I stepped off the cable car. Busy streets and restaurants full of the lunch crowd. It was good preparation for arriving in Toulouse.

Toulouse has a great feel. Lots of pedestrian streets in the town centre and busy but pretty and laid back. I arrived on a warm sunny evening before a holiday Friday and everyone was out walking or dining.

I have two full days in Toulouse then head to Paris on Sunday. I have four full days in Paris before going to Holland to meet Inge on Friday. I’ll post a few photos from both cities.

It feels odd to switch from alpine walking to suddenly being a city tourist. I plan to walk in both cities, but the cities are so easy and have no destination. I’ll miss the solitude and nature, but I’ll enjoy the comforts and the ease of wandering with a cafe always nearby and a Metro station to get me back to my hotel.

Lac d'Espingo above Lac d'Oô, with new French Alpine Club hostel.
Lac d’Espingo above Lac d’Oô, with new French Alpine Club hostel.
Two climbers heading to the rock wall above Lac d'Espingo.
Two climbers heading to the rock wall above Lac d’Espingo.
Trail heading to the  col top left.
Trail heading to the col top left.
Over the col and into the next valley. Heading up to another col.
Over the col and into the next valley. Heading up to another col.

BIRU-WP-135.jpeg

Starting down into yet another valley. Nasty bit of trail that required some scrambling.
Starting down into yet another valley. Nasty bit of trail that required some scrambling.
Looking back on the valley before the last col. The trail comes from the col in the upper right.
Looking back on the valley before the last col. The trail comes from the col in the upper right.
Descending 1150m to Luchon
Descending 1150m to Luchon

7 thoughts on “GR10 Pyrenees day 24, to Luchon and on to Toulouse”

  1. See you in Amsterdam Roy! Perhaps a nice bottle of red and some shared stories?
    Gail

  2. Thanks for all the photos and the notes Roy. It’s been a pleasure! Enjoy the rest of your trip.

  3. Roy,
    I am a parachuting/triathlete friend of Inge’s and a recent cycling accident has laid me up over the last weeks with a broken clavicle – your journal and pictures have been a lovely diversion for me – thank you, safe travels and hugs to Inge – enjoy the rest of your travels

    • Hi Anne,

      I love how you make it sound like I’m a triathlete too! I hope you’re on the mend and will be back to cycling, running and swimming again soon.

      Take care,
      Inge

  4. Ever so enjoyable to travel with you Roy. I’ve been enchanted every step of the way. Would love to see some pictures of YOU on the trail or in the city!

    Cathrine

  5. have enjoyed “watching” this trip very much….. will miss the countryside as well! Hugs to you and Inge and enjoy your last bit of time there, as well as your time in Paris & Holland!

  6. Thanks Roy for sharing your trip with us. Look forward to your pictures from Toulouse and Paris .. and your accounts of what you will encounter. Enjoy the comfort :-).

    love,
    Nienke

Comments are closed.