by durks » Thu 13 May, 2010 5:16 pm
In the course of two trips, I have walked the western half of the GR10; in total, from Hendaye to Bagneres de Luchon.
For general info, I would recommend you look at the guidebook 'Trekking In The Pyrenees' by Douglas Streatfeild-James, published by Trailblazer Publications.
For mapping, the best things to get are the French 'TopoGuides' which cover the entire GR10 in a couple of volumes. (These guides are easily obtainable from shops in the area; whether you can get hold of them for reference before you go is another question.)
The GR10 is routed so that nights are most naturally spent in valley bases - and often in small villages. I think you might struggle to wild camp in such places, but if you're discreet (and strict with yourself to set up camp late, and leave early) no doubt you could manage it. On our trips, we've used a combination of camping in recognised camping areas, and the occasional nights in mountain huts.
For me, one of the things I like about walking in France (or Spain for that matter) is the chance to eat the local food, and drink the local wine (*). Staying overnight in (or near) a village is the best way to do that; a too spartan approach might miss out on some of the fun.
Hope that helps a bit.
(* There is some great regional wine down there that isn't easy to find outside of the area. Look out for Madiran and Jurancon, for a start.)