Ready for an adventure? Call +44 (0)2381 449447 or email info@different-travel.com Your Account

Follow us

France: Trek the Freedom Trail 2028

16th Jun 2028 - 21st Jun 2028

6 days/France /Challenging

Overview

Trip Summary | Freedom Trail Adventure

Follow in the footsteps of those who risked everything for freedom on this stunning but demanding trek through the Pyrenees. Beginning in France, the route follows the Chemin de la Liberté, one of the most challenging escape routes used during the Second World War.

You will walk in the footsteps of Allied servicemen and Jewish refugees who crossed the mountains to escape Nazi-occupied France and reach safety in Spain. Along the way, you will also encounter memorials dedicated to the courageous local people who risked their own lives to guide and protect those making the dangerous journey.

The trail leads through peaceful forests, remote valleys and dramatic mountain landscapes before climbing towards rugged peaks and high passes at more than 2,500 metres. You will stay in simple mountain accommodation and experience the beauty and isolation of the Pyrenees while learning more about the remarkable history connected to the route.

Supported by experienced guides and your fellow trekkers, you will take on a challenge that is both physically demanding and deeply meaningful. Combining powerful history with spectacular scenery, the Freedom Trail is an unforgettable journey that honours the courage, sacrifice and resilience of everyone who once crossed these mountains in search of liberty.

First time trekking?

Fitness Requirements

The Freedom Trail Adventure is rated challenging for someone already at a good fitness level.

You must be fit enough to trek for 4 consecutive days for up to 9 hours each day over exposed, rough, rocky mountain terrain with some steep inclines and descents, and requiring a small amount of scrambling. You must be fit enough to carry all your own kit (including sleeping bag, clothes, water, snacks etc.) which is likely to weigh at least 9-10kg. You cannot be too fit for this challenge so you should train well before your departure.

Open All | Close All

The Freedom Trail (Chemin de la Liberté) across the Pyrenees is now an official way-marked route commemorating one of the escape routes of WW2. Several such trails were used by RAF and American Airmen who were shot down or crashed over Nazi-occupied Europe, as well as hundreds of Jews and refugees desperate to flee from German oppression. A range of routes across Europe were developed, often assisted by local people, leading to safety elsewhere.

This route from France crosses the high mountain passes of the Pyrenees to reach the safety of the Spanish border. As Spain was a neutral country, Allied forces could safely travel to Gibraltar to journey home to rejoin the fight, whilst other refugees found safety there. It is estimated that there were some 782 successful escapes around the ‘Chemin de la Liberté, and it is thought that some 33,000 people followed such trails of escape across Europe during the Second World War.

The terrain will vary throughout the 5 days but in general you will trek on mountainouse terrain with lots of uphill and downhill areas. There are some steep sections so trekking poles are recommended, particularly for those with knee issues. Underfoot you will find rocky or grassy trails, uneven and muddy forests, scree slopes and possibly some stream crossings. You may walk over some snow or ice covered ground depending on the weather conditions at the time. Each day you will trek for approximately 7-8 hours (variable depending on group pace) and you will cover approximately 10-19km. It is critical that your training includes hill walking and trekking up and down gradients while carrying a heavy backpack. Each day you will experience undulating terrain, so it is important that your training includes hill walking and trekking up and down gradients.

You will stay in 3* hotels while in St Girons and Vielha on a twin or triple-share basis.

During the trek you will stay at auberges and mountain refuges in a mixed dormitory, with up to 15 people per room.

Subera hut (night 3) is a very primitive mountain hut with space for only 10 people to sleep inside. This cannot be reserved and groups often prefer to camp outside; you will need your own camping mat for this but tents are provided. The hut has a cold water sink, occasionally light via a generator and a fire place. There are no toilet facilities here so a toilet area is created near camp. Facilities at the other refuges vary but are slightly more comfortable, e.g. there are hot showers at Estagnous refuge (€2) and refreshments can be purchased from the refuge store (payable locally).

Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included throughout the trip. A variety of bread, cheese, meats and fruits are generally available for breakfast in hotels but the options are more limited in the auberges and refuges. Lunch will be packed with bread, fruit, cheese, bars etc. or will be ingredients to form a buffet lunch, which will be shared. Dinner will be hot and include dishes such as soup, salad, potatoes and meat followed by a dessert depending on location.

The majority of special diets, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc., can be catered for if we are notified in advance,

The climate in the Pyrenees region can be unpredictable so it is vital to be prepared for all weather conditions and temperatures by packing technical non-cotton layers and waterproofs. In general, the temperature each day will be dependent upon the weather but will range between 15-25°C during the day and could be as low as 5-8°C at night. Weather conditions will vary but in general you will experience sunny, clear days with some rain. As you ascend into the mountains there may be very cold winds so having a suitable shell or warm layer is important even in mid-summer. Snowfall is unlikely but possible.

It’s important to be prepared for all weather conditions and temperatures by packing non-cotton trek layers and waterproofs. It’s better to have waterproofs and not need them, than to not have any when you need them!

Although the temperatures and conditions above are historically accurate, climate change can impact the seasons so you may experience uncharacteristic conditions during the trip which are out of our control. Should this happen the guide will assess the situation and make decisions to ensure the best enjoyment and ultimately safety of the group as a whole.

Your kit list can be found here

Itinerary

Freedom Trail 2028

Day 1 (Friday 16 June 2028):

UK – Toulouse – Saint-Girons
We depart London for Toulouse, where we are met by our local team before transferring to the charming town of St Girons (approximately 1.5 hours).
This evening, we enjoy a welcome dinner and trip briefing, allowing you to meet your fellow trekkers and learn more about the adventure ahead.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Hotel

Day 2 (Saturday 17 June 2028):

Saint-Girons – Aunac
This morning, we begin with a visit to the Chemin de la Liberté Museum, where we learn about the remarkable history of the escape route before setting off on our trek from La Soumere to the village of Aunac.
Today’s walk is completed with just a daypack, as your main luggage is transported ahead to the auberge ready for your arrival.
This evening, we stay in a traditional auberge offering simple mixed dormitory-style accommodation and enjoy a hearty evening meal.
Trekking: Approx. 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Auberge

Day 3 (Sunday 18 June 2028):

Aunac – Subera (1,499m)
From today onwards, you will carry everything you need until the end of the trek, including your sleeping bag, camping mat, clothing, wash kit and any personal items. We won’t meet our support vehicles again until the trek is complete, so packing carefully is essential. Before setting off, your guides will advise you on exactly what to take to help keep your backpack as light as possible.
Entering true wilderness terrain, today’s trek begins through beautiful forest before a long, steady climb to the Col de la Core (1,395m), where we stop for lunch. From there, the route becomes more gradual as we continue to Subera (1,499m), set in a stunning valley beneath towering cliffs.
Tonight, we stay at a simple mountain hut. Facilities are very basic, with a cold water sink, limited electricity provided by a generator when available, and a welcoming wood-burning fire. Dinner is usually served inside the hut, while overnight accommodation is either in the hut itself or in tents pitched outside, depending on the size of the group. Our tents are stored at the hut and will be ready for our arrival.Trekking: Approx. 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Mountain hut

Day 4 (Monday 19 June 2028):

Subera – Estagnous (2,241m)

Today is the most demanding day of the trek, with around 1,500m of ascent as we venture deeper into the high mountains. The route takes us over two mountain cols at approximately 2,400m, with increasingly spectacular alpine scenery unfolding as we gain height.
Along the way, we pass the wreckage of a Halifax bomber, which crashed on the mountainside at around 2,100m during the Second World War. We then continue over the steep Col de Crabérous before descending for a well-earned lunch break.
After lunch, the trail leads down to a beautiful mountain lake before one final ascent to the day’s second col. From here, we make our descent to the Estagnous Mountain Refuge (2,241m), where we spend the night in mixed dormitory-style accommodation. The refuge provides hot showers (approximately €2, payable locally) and serves a hearty evening meal.
Trekking: Approx. 9 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Overnight: Mountain refuge

Day 5 (Tuesday 20 June 2028):

Estagnous – Vielha
Our final day of trekking takes us across the border into Spain, reaching the route’s highest point at 2,522m before beginning our descent to Borde de Perosa. There is one short section of rocky path (around 150m) where a fixed wire runs alongside the trail to provide additional reassurance. Your guides will be on hand to assist anyone who would appreciate a little extra support.
At Borde de Perosa, we are met by our vehicles for the approximately one-hour transfer to Vielha. After checking into our hotel, we celebrate the completion of our adventure with a well-deserved celebration dinner.
Trekking: Approx. 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 6 (Wednesday 21 June 2028):

Vielha – Toulouse – UK
Depending on our flight schedule, there may be time to explore Vielha at your leisure this morning or pick up a few last-minute souvenirs before we begin the approximately 2.5-hour transfer to Toulouse Airport for our return flight to London, bringing our adventure to a close.
Meals: Breakfast

This itinerary may change due to weather, the ability of the group and so on. We will do our best to keep to the itinerary, but we cannot be held responsible for changes outside of our control. In all circumstances, your guide and tour leader will have the final say in the interest of health and safety.

Costs & How to pay

Non-refundable registration fee: £395
and then either…

Self-funded: £1,550

or

Sponsorship: £3,100

or

Flexi: £1,550 trip costs and £1,550 sponsorship for a charity of your choice

SELF-FUNDED

This option is for those who choose to pay the trip costs (flights, accommodation, food, guides, etc.) themselves. There is no sponsorship required, although if you wish to raise sponsorship for a charity, you are welcome to do so.

  • A non-refundable registration fee is payable at the time of booking.
  • Trip cost balance is payable to Different Travel 10 weeks before departure.
  • You are welcome to fundraise separately for any charity of your choice, but this is not mandatory. Any fundraising undertaken cannot be used for your trip costs.

SPONSORSHIP

This option is for those who wish to raise sponsorship to cover both the costs of the trip (flights, accommodation, food, guides, etc.) and a donation to their chosen charity. There is a minimum sponsorship amount for each trip that you are required to raise in order to participate.

  • A non-refundable registration fee is payable at the time of booking.
  • The minimum sponsorship must be paid to the charity 12 weeks before departure.
  • The amount the charity receives is at least 50% of the minimum sponsorship total.

FLEXI

This option is for those who choose to pay the trip costs (flights, accommodation, food, guides, etc.) themselves while still raising some funds for the charity.

  • A non-refundable registration fee is payable at the time of booking.
  • Trip cost balance is payable to Different Travel 10 weeks before departure.
  • Your fundraising is payable directly to the charity. Any fundraising undertaken cannot be used for your trip costs.
  • Any fundraising undertaken cannot be used for your trip costs.

*If your chosen charity is not on this list, please seek permission to fundraise for them by taking part in this challenge before making your booking.

 

What's included

  • Return flights from London
  • Airport taxes and charges
  • Local transfers and transport in France and Spain
  • All accommodation as per itinerary
  • All meals as per itinerary
  • English-speaking local guides and support crew
  • Different Travel UK tour manager

What's not included

  • Any necessary vaccinations
  • Spending money (tips, drinks, souvenirs)
  • Transport to/from UK airports
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal trek kit
  • Visa or travel permit depending on EU regulations at the time of departure

Have a question?

If you’ve a question about this challenge that you can’t find the answer to within the given information then complete this quick form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.