The Balmette Circular Loop

The hike starts on Rue de la Piste Verte, next to the municipal workshops, right at the top of the chalets in Les Angles (66).

Yellow markings

(S/E) Continue straight along the street, following the yellow-marked path, and pass the sign with the map of long-distance hiking routes.

(1) At the fork, take the track on the right which climbs steadily. You will see the Estany de Vallsera to the right of the path (you may also spot some deer). 

(2) At the 1850m mark, leave the marked path on your right which descends to the Estany de Vallsera. Continue along the track which climbs slightly. Pass a car park and, on your left, the Font Grossa. The track becomes a path and begins to climb a little more.

(3) At an altitude of around 1,920 m, leave another signposted path (equipped with a rope) on your right which descends to Estany de Vallsera. Continue now along a path that climbs and reach Estany de la Balmeta with its crystal-clear waters.

(4) Walk alongside it, following the yellow markings. The path climbs. You arrive at a tangle of rocks, then onto a plateau and at the Refuge de la Balmeta.

Yellow and red markings for the GRP® Tour des Pérics, Tour du Capcir and Tour du Carlit.

(5) Panoramic view of Puig Carlit, the two Pérics and the Camporells. This is marmot territory; fishing is permitted but catches must be released. Continue along the path, heading south-west.

(6) After 700 m, take a break to admire Lac des Bouillouses (La Bollosa), which was built to supply electricity to the Petit Train Jaune. Follow the signs for Mont Llaret where the slope becomes steeper.

(7) At the next fork, turn left and head uphill. You’ll reach a fork in a relatively flat grazing area (altitude 2175 m).

Yellow markings

(8) Follow the signs for Mont Llaret straight ahead. The path continues to climb steeply.

(9) Continue towards Mont Llaret, where the climb becomes gentler, and reach a plateau.

(10) Highest point: Mont Llaret at 2,370m, with its cross and 360° views. Continue to follow the yellow markings towards Roc d'Aude. Cross a fence at the designated spot (an unusual crossing, but functional and easy). 

(11) Roc d'Aude, with the ski lift arrival point; the lake opposite is Lake Matemale. Go round the building (with a wooden terrace) to the left and, at the end of the track, look for the start of a steep path that descends very sharply. Pass under the San Pere ski lift and arrive at the Bigorre resort.

(12) Take the ski run to the right of the small pond, then arrive at La Jasette after passing a reservoir supplying water to the snow cannons.

 (13) There are two options here to return to our starting point: 
- either continue along the marked path,
- or follow the ski run, passing the municipal workshops and returning to the original junction.

(1) Continue straight ahead and you’ll soon reach the car park (S/E).

The Refuge de la Balmette is open all year round. It is a summer mountain hut.

If you are setting off alone, let a friend or family member know your route and how long you expect to be away.

Hiking boots, walking poles, GPS, a map of the route, first-aid kit, etc.

Bring plenty of water and snacks (dried fruit, cereal bars, etc.).

Depending on the season: hat, gloves, warm clothing, cap, sunglasses, sun cream

Climb Carlit and the Pérics, or walk the 12 Lakes circuit.