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Massif du Carlit walks
Puig Carlit
Visorando Member
9.36 mi
+3,123 ft
-3,123 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Les Angles (Pyrénées-Orientales) (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A classic in the Eastern Pyrenees, this route takes you to the highest point in the department (2,921 metres), passing by more than a dozen small mountain lakes.
Les Bouillouses - lower lakes
3.82 mi
+371 ft
-367 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Angoustrine-Villeneuve-des-Escaldes (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Beautiful views of the Carlit. Three-quarters of the route is shaded near the lakes.
Rhododendrons, blueberries, etc.
The Pic de Tarbésou and Étangs de Rabassoles loop
8.00 mi
+2,661 ft
-2,631 ft
6h 00
Difficult
Departure from Ascou (Ariège)
A circular hike around the Étangs de Rabassoles lakes via the Pic de Tarbésou (2,364 metres), which offers magnificent views of the surrounding 2,000-metre peaks.
Tour of the lakes and ascent of Carlit (optional)
8.13 mi
+1,962 ft
-1,939 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Les Angles (Pyrénées-Orientales) (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Part of the long route (9 days) around Carlit, travelling from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.
From Ax-les-Thermes to Orgeix
5.29 mi
+1,043 ft
-1,024 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Ax-les-Thermes (Ariège)
This pleasant hike will take you to the charming village of Orgeix, where you can explore its castle on the shores of Lake Campauleil.
Lacs des Bouillouses and Carlit pond loop
6.13 mi
+1,148 ft
-1,138 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Angoustrine-Villeneuve-des-Escaldes (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A beautiful hike in the eastern Pyrenees, about thirty kilometres from Villefranche-sur-Conflent. The site is superb, nicknamed the "Canadian Pyrenees", and you can see horses roaming free. The main loop takes 2½ hours, but you can add an extra hour to see a few more ponds and pass by the foot of Pic Carlit. It's well worth it.
The Dent d'Orlu
2.84 mi
+2,257 ft
-2,257 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Ascou (Ariège)
The Dent d'Orlu or Pic de Brasseil is known to climbers for its south-east and south faces, the latter offering a vertical wall of over 1,000 metres. However, its north face, although very steep, is accessible for hiking, as described here. It offers an interesting viewpoint over the Ariège mountains as a whole due to its central position.
Lac d'Aygue Longue and Pic de l'Homme
5.83 mi
+3,409 ft
-3,409 ft
5h 40
Moderate
Departure from Orgeix (Ariège)
In the Orgeix Valley, this very varied hike on a well-marked trail to a beautiful glacial lake can be divided into three parts: a beech forest where you walk not far from the stream and its small waterfalls, meadows at the edge of the forest, and finally a series of small glacial locks leading to the lake's spillway.
You can then climb the Pic de l'Homme, which is easily accessible via the ridge from the Lac d'Aygue Longue, passing through the Col de la Parade.
The Camporells Lakes
9.66 mi
+2,612 ft
-2,598 ft
6h 45
Difficult
Departure from Formiguères (Pyrénées-Orientales)
The Camporells Lakes are magnificent. This loop is varied and avoids having to make a return trip. The outward journey is little known and you don't come across many people.
The Etang d'Esparver and Lac d'Aude around Lac des Bouillouses
8.09 mi
+1,516 ft
-1,493 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Angoustrine-Villeneuve-des-Escaldes (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A first pretty lake with a view of Carlit and a little less crowded than the surrounding lakes, then a return via Lac d'Aude with a beautiful view of Lac des Bouillouses and Carlit.
Les Airelles
3.73 mi
+479 ft
-502 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A pleasant, short and easy walk with little elevation gain.
Moderator's warning on 18/02/2021: It seems that this hike is impossible in winter; see the comments at the bottom of the page
Pic Dels Moros
7.79 mi
+919 ft
-942 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via (Pyrénées-Orientales)
This is an easy hike offering magnificent views of the Cerdagne plateau, the Carlit massif, the Pérics, the Cambre d'Aze, the Puigmal and the Sierra Del Caddi in Spain.
The Pic de Tarbésou loop
6.71 mi
+2,388 ft
-2,388 ft
5h 10
Moderate
Departure from Ascou (Ariège)
This summit is a magnificent viewpoint overlooking much of the Aude, the Pyrénées-Orientales and the Ariège. This ridge walk takes you to the Étang Noir and Étang Bleu lakes. These lakes are bordered by small pine groves where you can relax.
The three ponds of Rabassoles
4.97 mi
+1,388 ft
-1,388 ft
3h 30
Moderate
Departure from Mijanès (Ariège)
A magnificent hike through forests and meadows to discover three lakes surrounded by peaks.
Roc Blanc via the Étang de Laurenti
6.43 mi
+2,963 ft
-2,963 ft
5h 30
Difficult
Departure from Le Pla (Ariège)
This climb in the sunny Pyrenees is a real classic, which means it can get quite busy in good weather. However, the magnificent Étang de Laurenti and the 360° view from the summit of Roc Blanc are well worth the effort required during the hike.
The Étang des Bésines and its refuge
7.95 mi
+2,037 ft
-2,024 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre (Ariège)
A high-altitude forest walk to one of the most famous lakes in the Haute-Ariège.
This walk through a very wooded and therefore very shady area takes you to a large lake before starting the climb to an ideally located refuge. From this refuge, you can then reach others, En Beys and Les Bouillouses.
Ruins of the Iglesieta and Lake Balcère
6.73 mi
+696 ft
-696 ft
3h 40
Moderate
Departure from Les Angles (Pyrénées-Orientales) (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Starting from Les Angles resort, discover the ruins of the Iglesieta and Lake Balcère on a hike that is mostly through the woods and not particularly difficult.
Lac des Bouillouses, Estany de la Pradella, Estany Negre
6.55 mi
+1,086 ft
-1,076 ft
4 hrs
Moderate
Departure from La Llagonne (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A very beautiful snowshoe hike at an altitude of 2,000 metres.It can certainly be done in summer. The only issue is the mandatory lower car park. The shuttle buses operating during this period can stop at this car park.The recorded and suggested winter route does not correspond exactly to the summer route shown on the various base maps.
Mont Llaret via Lac d'Aude
9.15 mi
+1,985 ft
-1,962 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Les Angles (Pyrénées-Orientales) (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A pleasant loop starting from the Angles Animal Park. A passage by the Lac d'Aude then a view of the Lac des Bouillousses. At Corrals del Lloret, a beautiful herd of cows with their calves. A few almost wild horses. Mont Llauret and Roc d'Aude at the end to see the surroundings.
Above Égat and Targassonne
4.72 mi
+968 ft
-948 ft
3h 00
Easy
Departure from Égat (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A circular walk for a family outing, yet offering a magnificent view of Cerdagne from La Solana (with marmots as a bonus).Allow a good hour for the climb and the same for the descent.
From Orlu to the Refuge d'en Beys
9.91 mi
+2,887 ft
-2,861 ft
7h 05
Difficult
Departure from Orlu (Ariège)
Hiking along the Oriège River to the Refuge d'En Beys.
⚠️ You are entering the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.
Pic de Tarbésou and Étang Noir from Col de Pailhères
5.24 mi
+2,087 ft
-2,073 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Ascou (Ariège)
An easy hike from the Col de Pailhères. Magnificent 360° panorama from the summit of Tarbésou (2,364 m), then descent into a slightly more mineral landscape towards the Étang Noir de Rabassoles. The climb up to the Col de la Coumeilles de l'Ours is fairly quick, then a gentle descent back to the Col de Pailhères through the mountain pines.
Puig del Pam loop via La Balmette
9.27 mi
+2,612 ft
-2,631 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Les Angles (Pyrénées-Orientales) (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A lovely loop offering 360° views and glimpses of the Capcir, Madres and Canigou peaks. Added to this are the two magnificent lakes you pass by.
Part of the hike is off-trail, so you need to know how to find your way.
Font Vive pond
3.25 mi
+663 ft
-673 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Porté-Puymorens (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A lovely little loop along the stream and through the forest.
The Col de Joux
7.20 mi
+2,201 ft
-2,198 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Mérens-les-Vals (Ariège)
The Col de Joux is the only crossing point between the Ariège and Orgeix valleys. This mid-mountain route starts in open terrain and then enters the Ax-les-Thermes communal forest. The ridge passages offer beautiful views of the surrounding peaks, the most iconic of which is undoubtedly the Dent d'Orlu, whose south face is clearly visible. Herds of cows and horses complete the picture.
Étang de Naguille
6.34 mi
+3,353 ft
-3,353 ft
5h 50
Difficult
Departure from Orlu (Ariège)
A hike starting from Orlu to discover the largest lake in the Ariège Pyrenees!
Les Etangs des Esquits
7.96 mi
+1,421 ft
-1,417 ft
4 hrs
Difficult
Departure from Bolquère (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Snow hike. Snowshoes are recommended for this magnificent tour of the Esquits lakes. In winter, crossing the ski slopes can be tricky (steep slope and high speed of skiers: black run).
Around Balcère Lake
5.03 mi
+666 ft
-682 ft
2h 55
Easy
Departure from Les Angles (Pyrénées-Orientales) (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A beautiful family walk open to all around Lac de Balcère (Estany de Vallsera) with the opportunity to discover the ruins of the Church of Vallsera.
Refuge des Fornells and Coll del Pam from Pyrénées 2000
4.34 mi
+653 ft
-656 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A lovely circular walk in the forest, from Pyrénées 2000 to Coll del Pam (col du lopin de terre). Viewpoint over the mountains from Carlit to Canigou at the end.
Pic de Tarbesou and the Rabassoles Lakes
7.67 mi
+2,060 ft
-4,078 ft
5h 20
Difficult
Departure from Ascou (Ariège)
A beautiful hike not far from the Ascou-Pailhères resort. On the agenda are the magnificent Pic de Tarbesou viewpoint (2364m) and the three Rabassoles lakes. To spice things up, the last part requires good navigation skills to find your way.
Pic de Tarbesou from the Restanque car park
8.45 mi
+3,192 ft
-3,192 ft
6h 40
Difficult
Departure from Mijanès (Ariège)
Peak accessible from the car park before La Restanque, with a view of the Dent d'Orlu.See practical information ¹GPX track highly recommended.
Santa Maria de Belloc Chapel
3.16 mi
+748 ft
-745 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Dorres (Pyrénées-Orientales)
This route will take you to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Pyrénées Orientales, at the Santa Maria de Belloc Chapel, along a path that exudes well-being.
Roc de la Calma
7.33 mi
+1,027 ft
-1,027 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Short summer hike above Font-Romeu.
Option to take the Airelles cable car from Font-Romeu for the first part of the hike.
Tour of Donezan
10.74 mi
+1,726 ft
-1,703 ft
6h 25
Moderate
Departure from Rouze (Ariège)
This hike is best done at the end of October. If the weather is favourable, the "French Quebec" will dazzle you with its autumn colours. But there's nothing to stop you coming back in spring or summer. There are some beautiful views of the plateau and its villages: Rouze, Mijanes, Artigues, Le Pla, Le Puch, Quérigut and the peaks overlooking Donezan. The first half of the route follows the Vauban trail.
The Galbe Valley
8.05 mi
+883 ft
-860 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Fontrabiouse (Pyrénées-Orientales)
This route takes you through one of the most beautiful valleys in the Eastern Pyrenees, namely the Galbe Valley and its breathtaking landscapes in Capcir, starting from the typical and authentic village of Fontrabiouse.
Point S/E moved - Route modified on 02/03/2023.
The Carlit ponds
6.38 mi
+1,230 ft
-1,224 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Angoustrine-Villeneuve-des-Escaldes (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A wonderful, refreshing getaway, accessible to all, in the heart of unspoilt wilderness at the foot of the "roof" of the Pyrénées-Orientales. An ideal route for immersing yourself in the beauty of the high-altitude landscapes around the listed site of Les Bouillouses. A refreshing hike that I recommend doing at dawn.
⚠️ Restricted access: see practical information.
The Refuge de la Lladure
6.54 mi
+1,122 ft
-1,102 ft
4h 00
Moderate
Departure from Formiguères (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A beautiful getaway in the wild Lladure valley, starting from Lac de l'Olive, located on the road to the Formiguères ski resort.
Mont Llaret and Roc d'Aude
8.10 mi
+1,759 ft
-1,759 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Les Angles (Pyrénées-Orientales) (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A breathtaking hike with stunning landscapes and uninterrupted views, in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, starting from the Les Angles ski resort.
The three ponds of Rabassoles
4.49 mi
+1,352 ft
-1,352 ft
3h 15
Moderate
Departure from Mijanès (Ariège)
Wild and beautiful landscapes with blue ponds.
Tour of the Angoustrine Valley
6.39 mi
+1,368 ft
-1,345 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Angoustrine-Villeneuve-des-Escaldes (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A hike accessible to all, allowing you to discover the Angoustrine valley, which offers beautiful views throughout the route.
L'Hospitalet near Andorra - Refuge des Bésines
4.50 mi
+2,359 ft
-180 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre (Ariège)
Part of the long route (9 stages) around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Tour des Pérics and using various marked trails,GRP® andGR® in the area.
Initial stage designed to ease you gently into the hike.
Hamlets of Enveitg
6.30 mi
+1,115 ft
-1,112 ft
3h 50
Moderate
Departure from Enveitg (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A beautiful, unspoilt getaway that will allow you to discover three hamlets belonging to Enveitg.
The walk around Étang du Laurenti
3.97 mi
+1,129 ft
-1,102 ft
2h 50
Moderate
Departure from Le Pla (Ariège)
Discover the Étang de Laurenti, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Ariège region, which reveals all the magic of the Donezan, a mountain range rightly nicknamed ‘the little Quebec of the Ariège’.
On arrival, after passing through a beautiful forest of beech and fir trees, you’ll discover, in an enchanting and majestic setting, a lake fringed with pine trees, nestled at the foot of the Roc Blanc.
Pic de Tarbésou from the Mijanès ski resort
9.49 mi
+2,999 ft
-2,982 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Mijanès (Ariège)
The Pic de Tarbésou circular route, starting from the Mijanès ski resort, passing by:Étang de Rabassoles,Étang Noir,Étang Bleu,the Col de la Coumeille de l'Ours,Pic de TarbésouReturn via the Crête de Mounégou.
Le Roc Blanc via the Étang du Laurenti then the Porteille de Barbouillère
7.93 mi
+3,058 ft
-3,058 ft
6h 20
Difficult
Departure from Le Pla (Ariège)
A refuge, a large pond, a pass, a legendary peak and a small pass during this mountain hike.
The route is accurate. Do not cut corners. Natura 2000 site: specific rules apply.
Signposting in good condition (17 July 2021). There are very few directional posts.
Allow at least 5 hours’ walking time. Marked in yellow / red and yellow / unmarked sections.
The Balmette Circular Loop
8.33 mi
+1,867 ft
-1,837 ft
5h 25
Moderate
Departure from Les Angles (Pyrénées-Orientales) (Pyrénées-Orientales)
This hike takes us to Lac de la Balmette with its crystal-clear waters, then to the Refuge de la Balmette with a panoramic view of the Pyrenees; we continue our ascent to Mont Llaret, the highest point, and descend towards Les Angles via the Roc d’Aude and the ski resort facilities.
Pic de Brasseil, known as Dent d'Orlu, starting from La Forge
9.68 mi
+3,665 ft
-3,694 ft
7h 40
Difficult
Departure from Ascou (Ariège)
Ascent of Pic de Brasseil, known as Dent d'Orlu, starting from La Forge.
The Dent d'Orlu is usually accessed from the Poêle à Frire car park at Jasse de Cabane Longue. It is a half-day hike.
This itinerary suggests using the access track to this car park as an approach walk. This allows for a day's hiking and, what's more, a good warm-up before thefirst climb in the forest, which is quite steep.
Portella d'Orlu
7.21 mi
+2,172 ft
-2,139 ft
5h 15
Moderate
Departure from Fontrabiouse (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A very pretty, fairly gradual hike with a superb view at La Porteille.
Circular Camporells route via the Lladure Valley
8.81 mi
+2,638 ft
-2,621 ft
6h 20
Difficult
Departure from Formiguères (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A challenging hike taking you to one of the most beautiful sites in the Pyrénées-Orientales: the Camporells, with their breathtaking scenery.
Pic de Mortiers - Les Camporells from Formiguères station
12.48 mi
+3,855 ft
-3,848 ft
9h 05
Difficult
Departure from Formiguères (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Fairly long route with a significant elevation gain.
It is possible to shorten this hike at two points.
It can be done in two days with an overnight stay at the Camporells refuge.
Torrential streams, huts, lakes, peaks, mountain huts, animals and spectacular landscapes await you.
Camporells protected area: see the regulations in force; dogs must be kept on a lead. Free car parks.
The hike is fully marked. Except for the option that avoids the bends on the track from (10) to (13).