The Fontargente and Joclar ponds in a loop through the Incles Valley

On the N20 at the village of Les Cabannes, take the exit towards the Beille plateau (D522). Leave this road to pass through the village of Aston (D520a) and follow the road (D520a) that leads to Pla de las Peyres (Plat des pierres). Pass the car park and Laparan dam. The car park is further on, at the bottom of the Aston valley, where the road is very narrow, although in good condition. Remember to pull over to let vehicles coming down pass (and vice versa on the way down). The car park is very busy in summer but a delight in autumn when only a few brave souls are around.

(S/E) Start by crossing the stream via the bridge on the right. The path is marked and runs along the left bank of the stream, gradually climbing up the valley.

(1) Turn left to cross the bridge over the stream (Ruisseau de la Coume de Varilhes) and climb gradually, following the contours. After a final steep climb, you will reach the Étangs de Fontargente.

(2) The two superb lakes follow one after the other. Pass between them, following the larger one along a well-marked path (GRT66). The view is magnificent and you can see the Port de Fontargente (or Port d'Incles) in the distance, which you reach after an easy climb to the France-Andorra border.

(3) Then descend towards the Val d'Inclès, following the GRT (white and red markings) on the Andorra side, after enjoying the scenery on both sides of the pass. Ignore the first fork on the left, even if a sign indicates "Refuge de Juclar" and "Alt Juclar", and continue to the next one, located at approximately 2000 metres.

(4) The path that branches off to the left is marked HRP. It is well marked and signposted in red and white (GRT) and red and yellow (^GRP®® La Volta a Andorra). It climbs steeply and directly up the slope (it's a tough climb!) and is always very well signposted. After this steep climb and a few flat sections, the trail winds between the mountains, alternating ascents and descents until it joins the^GR®® that climbs up from the Val d'Inclès.

(5) Continue to the left and, after a final climb, you will reach the Estany Primer de Juclar. You can then go to the refuge if it is open.

(6) At this point, you have two options. Either follow the official GR® trail, which is well marked and corresponds to the GPS track, but is technical and involves ascents and descents, or follow the path that runs alongside the lake, if the water level allows. The latter is much easier to walk on and flatter, and joins the GR® between the two ponds.

(7) Turn left between the two ponds and a final climb will take you to Collada de Juclar, located on the ridge border. This is the last big climb of the loop!

(8) The descent is still well marked and winds its way through scree. Always pay attention to the red and white GRT markings. Return to Pla de las Peyres and the car park (S/E).

On the climb up the Aston Valley, in the upper section, you will find yourself surrounded by herds of cows, which sometimes stand in the middle of the road... so be patient, drive slowly and don't scare them! They are at home here!

The loop is very long and technical! Don't be fooled by the Andorran section, which is much longer and more technical than it looks. However, overall the trail is well marked with cairns, GRT (French or Andorran) markings and yellow PR® markings.

There are many water points along the route with all these lakes! Remember to bring water purification tablets as there are many herds everywhere that can contaminate the water.

Between the points (3) and (4) at the bottom of the valley, you can see El Tarter, part of the Envalira ski area.

All the ponds are beautiful and will make you want to come back and camp there!

From the Juclar ponds, between points (7) and (8), you will find the Pic and Cylindre d'Escobe, which are more to be admired than climbed.