Way of St James Pyrenees · South-West · Ways of St James
GR78GR78 Pyrenean Piedmont route
A little-known route to Santiago that runs along the Pyrenees from east to west, from Cathar country to the Basque Country, via the Couserans, the Comminges, Bigorre and Béarn.
504 km24 stages11,400 m ascentHigh point 1,194 mCarcassonne → Saint-Jean-le-Vieux
From Carcassonne to Saint-Jean-le-Vieux, over 504 km.
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Elevation profile: from 104 m to 1,170 m over 503.5 km.
The GR78 at a glance
The GR78 follows the Pyrenean Piedmont route, one of the least-walked routes to Santiago de Compostela in France. According to MonGR, it starts in Carcassonne and crosses five departments, Aude, Ariège, Haute-Garonne, Hautes-Pyrénées and Pyrénées-Atlantiques, as far as Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, where it joins the GR65, which crosses the border towards Roncesvalles. The pilgrim route itself begins further east: the Agence des chemins de Compostelle starts it in Montpellier, with GR78 waymarks from Capestang, the section before that being in the process of official approval.
The path runs from east to west at the foot of the range, with balcony views over the Pyrenees. It crosses the Lauragais and Cathar country around Montréal, Fanjeaux and Mirepoix, the hills of the Ariège and the Pyrénées Ariégeoises Regional Nature Park, goes over the Col de Portet-d’Aspet, then reaches the Comminges, the Baronnies and Bigorre, before Béarn, the Soule and the Basque Country.
History is everywhere: the medieval city of Carcassonne, Saint-Lizier, Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges and the basilica of Valcabrère, Lourdes, then L’Hôpital-Saint-Blaise and its Romanesque church. According to the Agence des chemins de Compostelle, old land registers in the Aude mention a “camin de Sanct Jaume” and a “camin romieu”, from which the path took its name.
As it sees few walkers, it is a peaceful path, for self-sufficient walkers ready to string together the climbs and descents of the foothills. It can be walked in one go or in sections of a few days, and gives access to several valleys leading across to Spain.
Highlights
The start in Carcassonne, whose medieval city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The villages of the Lauragais and Cathar country: Montréal, Fanjeaux and the bastide town of Mirepoix.
Saint-Lizier and its former Hôtel-Dieu, then Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges and the basilica of Valcabrère.
Balcony views over the Pyrenees range, from the Couserans to the Basque Country.
Lourdes, then the crossing of Béarn and the Soule to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
A little-walked route to Santiago, ideal for calm and reflection.
Practical information
Start
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is served by Intercités trains and by liO regional trains. Other stations line the route, such as Gourdan-Polignan, near Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges, or Lourdes, which makes it possible to walk in sections.
Finish
Saint-Jean-le-Vieux
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is linked to Bayonne by regional train, from where you can reach the national network. Check the timetables before setting off.
When to go
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MonGR considers June to October the most pleasant period; the Agence des chemins de Compostelle advises March to October. To continue towards Roncesvalles by the Route Napoléon, bear in mind that it is closed from 1 November to 31 March.
Difficulty
Challenging
No technical sections, but a very long route over rolling terrain, with foothill passes such as the Col de Portet-d’Aspet and tough climbs, like the one up the Pic d’Elaudy after Mauléon, flagged by MonGR.
Accommodation
2 refuges, 17 gîtes, 1 unstaffed hut and 28 B&Bs
Gîtes, pilgrim hosts, B&Bs, hotels and campsites line the path; the Agence des chemins de Compostelle keeps a directory of partner accommodation and places with the “Accueil” label. As the path sees few walkers, it is best to call ahead to book and make sure the accommodation is open.
Rules to know
The pilgrim passport, recommended in France, is requested by accommodation reserved for pilgrims. Beyond Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the crossing of the Pyrenees on the GR65 (Route Napoléon, Bentarte and Lepoeder passes) is closed from 1 November to 31 March; MonGR then recommends the historic route via Arnéguy and Valcarlos.
Water and supplies
The path passes through well-equipped towns such as Carcassonne, Mirepoix, Pamiers, Lourdes or Oloron-Sainte-Marie, but also through stretches of hills and ridges between two villages: set off with water and a picnic. MonGR names fog and storms as the main dangers.
The GR78 on the map
The 24 stages
TrekGR stage plan: each stage ends where you can sleep. Actual walking time excluding breaks (DIN 33466 standard).
No current alerts for this GR (checked on 12 November 2026). All live updates →
Our advice
Get your pilgrim passport before setting off and have it stamped at every stage.
Check the weather every morning and avoid the ridges in stormy or foggy weather.
Split the path into sections of a few days, like those suggested by MonGR (Carcassonne to Mirepoix, Lourdes to Oloron-Sainte-Marie…).
In Carcassonne, follow the studs set in the ground, then the white-and-red waymarks of the GR78.
To continue towards Roncesvalles between November and March, plan to take the route via Arnéguy and Valcarlos.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the GR78 start?
The GR78 starts in Carcassonne according to MonGR. The Pyrenean Piedmont pilgrim route begins further east, in Montpellier: the GR78 waymarks start at Capestang, as the section from Montpellier is in the process of official approval.
Where does the Pyrenean Piedmont route end?
At Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the crossroads of the routes to Santiago before Spain. The FFRandonnée topoguide places the junction with the GR65 at Saint-Jean-le-Vieux, just before the town; pilgrims then follow the GR65 to Roncesvalles.
What is the difference between the GR78 and the Arles route (GR653)?
Both routes link Languedoc to the Pyrenees. The Arles route goes via Toulouse and crosses the border at the Col du Somport; the Piedmont route runs along the range further south, via Saint-Lizier, Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges and Lourdes, to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The Carcassonne tourist office presents it as an alternative to the Arles route.
Do you need a pilgrim passport on the GR78?
It is recommended in France and gives access to accommodation reserved for pilgrims; it becomes compulsory in Spain. You can get it from a St James association or from the Agence des chemins de Compostelle, which sells it online.
Can you reach the Pyrenean passes from the GR78?
Yes. According to the Agence des chemins de Compostelle, the path gives access to several valleys leading across to Spain: the Aure valley via the GR105, the Ossau valley via the GR108 and the Aspe valley via the GR653.
When should you set off on the Pyrenean Piedmont route?
MonGR recommends June to October, the Agence des chemins de Compostelle March to October. To then cross the Pyrenees by the Route Napoléon, avoid the period from 1 November to 31 March, when it is closed.
Route: OpenStreetMap contributors. Elevation: IGN’s RGE ALTI®, one point every 50 m. Text checked on 12 November 2026.
