5-Day Hike of the Freedom Trail in the Alt Pirineu Natural Park
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Spend five days with UIMLA-certified mountain leader Miguel trekking through the historic Freedom trail in the Pyrenees of Spain and France.
Group
Pyrenees
5 Days
Jul - Oct
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Follow the historic path travelled by 2 Jewish families escaping the Nazis
- Learn about the region's rich history in the company of an expert in the area
- Enjoy the Pyrenees' magnificent scenery: its mountains, lakes and beech forests
Description
Delve into the rich culture of the Pyrenees by hiking the Freedom Trail with me! Come to the Alt Pirineu Natural Park and learn about the role this region played in WWII while also having the hike of your life!
The Freedom Trail across the Pyrenees was a path used by Jewish families fleeing the Nazis in December of 1942. Escaping from occupied France, Holland, and Poland, families formed in two different groups met while crossing the mountain range on their way to Spain.
This perilous journey was quite a feat, and ultimately led to one of the people assisting the families, Jeanne Agouau (who lived on the French side of the Pyrenees and led one of the groups) receiving the French Legion d'Honneur. She even met her future husband on this trail!
You will be able to follow in their footsteps for a duration of their route, exploring the beautiful countryside of the Pyrenees. Along mountain ridges and through valleys, you will learn about the history of the region and the role it played during WWII.
There are few ways to better understand and appreciate history, particularly one as compelling as that of the Jewish experience during WWII. I will show you the beauty of a landscape that is as incredible aesthetically as it is culturally important.
Book this rare five-day opportunity to put yourself into an enriching hands-on experience of history and scenery unlike any other in the world!
If you are interested in a longer trek of the region, I have the perfect 7-day program of Pica d´Estats and the Alt Pirineu Natural Park! Or we can head to Catalan wine country for a special 3-day hike and tour of Montsant!
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 1: Meet in Barcelona
We will fly to Barcelona to meet and organize our group. We will leave Barcelona BY 3:00PM as to arrive promptly in Tavascan (4-5 hours drive), where we will stay our first night.
Day 2: Tavascan Pass
Our journey today will take us past the Estany del Port and through the Tavascan Pass (2,216m) into France. This was a critical path during the Spanish Civil War, as well, used by Republican soldiers and citizens fleeing from General Franco.
After descending roughly 1,620 meters to Bidous, we will stay the night. We will cover 17.3km today, with a total increase in elevation of 1,025 meters and a duration of 9.5 hours.
Day 3: Aulus-Les-Bains
This is a moderate day, and it includes a charming walk through the deciduous forest of the Parc Naturel Regional des Pyrenees Ariegoises in France.
Aulus-les-Bains will provide us an opportunity to visit the Memoire et Histoire Vivante d´Aulus-les-Bains and further learn about and discuss the circumstances of WWII, the fates of the Jewish families in Aulus who attempted to flee to Spain, and the German impact on the isolated village.
We will remain in Aulus-les-Bains for the night after a 16.6km journey over about 8 hours.
Day 4: Trek to Catalonia
This is the most challenging part of the trip. We won´t walk all the way to Tavascan like the Henle family did because there is nowhere to stay overnight before getting to Tavascan.
During the first part of the day, we will cross an awesome beech forest and then arrive to the Ars Cascade at 1340m. The cascada has 3 waterfalls (the highest is 110m high!). From there, we will reach Catalonia at the Port de Guilló pass and enjoy the stunning views of mountain and lakes.
After a 45 minute drive we will reach Tavascan where we will stay for the night.
Day 5: Return to Barcelona
After eating breakfast, we will head back to Barcelona and go our separate ways after an incredible trip!
Details
More info
There is a minimum of five (5) participants to guarantee a program departure.
If necessary, I will advise you on what personal items / gear that you should prepare and have with you for the trip.
FAQs
What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?
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