Grand Raid des Pyrénées – Ultra Tour Solo 2023 off

The Grand Raid des Pyrénées (GRP) is one of the most emblematic trails in France and certainly the most legendary in the French Pyrenees. Every August since 2008, this trail has brought together 6,000 participants who compete on 5 courses:

- Tour des Cirques, 120 kilometres (74 mi) from Piau-Engaly to Vielle-Aure;
- Tour des Lacs, 80 kilometres (49 mi) in a loop from Vielle-Aure;
- Tour du Moudang, 60 kilometres (37 mi) in a loop from Vielle-Aure;
- Tour de la Gela, 40 kilometres (24 mi) in a loop from Piau-Engaly;
- Tour du Néouvielle, 40 kilometres (24 mi) from Saint-Lary-Soulan to Vielle-Aure.

This Collection gives you to a taste of the race over several stages. Each stage has many wonders to discover, as well as places to refuel and accommodation options too.

The 165-kilometre (102 mi) trail begins with the Néouvielle nature reserve and its many high altitude lakes. Then, you climb to the emblematic Pic du Midi de Bigorre before crossing the Pyrenees National Park and returning to Vielle-Aure. In total, you clock up 10,000 metres (32,800 ft) of elevation gain over numerous mountain passes with breathtaking panoramas.

You start and finish in the authentic Pyrenean village of Vielle-Aure, located in a valley surrounded by remarkable natural sites. It’s 5 kilometres (3 mi) from Saint-Lary-Soulan, which is accessible by bus.

You can shorten the itinerary by doing one stage at a time. The towns en route are accessible by bus, so you can choose where you start and finish. Whether you are preparing for a race or simply want to discover the magnificent landscapes of the Pyrenees, this Collection is made for you.

The route exceeds 2,000 metres (6,500 ft) in altitude many times and reaches its highest point at about 2,800 metres (9,200 ft). Therefore, I recommend doing this adventure from late May until early October. By then, the snow should be completely gone and won’t hinder your progress. The terrain of the GRP is known for its technicality, so I recommend wearing trail shoes designed for rocky ground, as there’s plenty of this along the way. A warm layer and waterproof jacket are strongly recommended for the rapid and frequent changes in weather conditions. Finally, bring a comfortable change of clothes for the evening.

Now it's up to you. Be careful and have fun!