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Carcanières walks
Tour of the villages of Donezan
Visorando Member
12.58 mi
+2,356 ft
-2,372 ft
7h 50
Difficult
Departure from Quérigut (Ariège)
A fantastic hike in the Donezan, allowing you to discover all of its villages and rich heritage.The main difficulty of this route is its length, covering nearly 20 km.Best enjoyed in autumn, when the flamboyant colours of Donezan offer landscapes of exceptional beauty.
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.
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 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.
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 Heights of Puyvalador
4.32 mi
+1,230 ft
-1,230 ft
3h 05
Easy
Departure from Puyvalador (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Here is a lovely hiking route open to all that will immerse you in the Hauts de Puyvalador amidst the stunning Capcinoise vegetation.
The Sentier d’Émilie starting from Puyvalador Station
1.47 mi
+469 ft
-469 ft
1h 05
Easy
Departure from Puyvalador (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A short circular loop starting from Puyvalador Station, taking about 1 hour at a leisurely pace. The route is signposted and can be completed on foot or in snowshoes, depending on the weather. Most of the route is in the shade of the trees in the forest.
From the Puyvalador ski resort to the Pic de Ginèvre
5.60 mi
+2,156 ft
-2,156 ft
4h 25
Moderate
Departure from Puyvalador (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A fairly wild hike away from the crowds, taking you to the Pic de Ginevre and its magnificent 360° views.
Please note, three-quarters of the hike is off-trail.
From Puyvalador to the Quérigut Pond
10.67 mi
+1,650 ft
-1,627 ft
6h 20
Moderate
Departure from Puyvalador (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A beautiful border getaway between the Pyrénées Orientales and Ariège that will take you to the wild Étang de Quérigut in Donezan.
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.
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.
The Étang de Balbonne
3.33 mi
+1,073 ft
-1,056 ft
2h 30
Moderate
Departure from Mijanès (Ariège)
A superb getaway in the ‘Little Quebec’ of the Ariège, taking you to one of the countless ponds in the Donezan region, namely the Étang de Balbonne.
Loop via the Étang de l'Estagnet, the Étang Bleu and the Étang de Rabassoles
5.70 mi
+1,732 ft
-1,722 ft
4h 10
Moderate
Departure from Mijanès (Ariège)
This little loop is a lovely surprise. You'll discover ponds away from the crowds and various small lakes, as well as two of the three Rabassoles ponds, including the famous Étang Bleu... which is green!
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.
Balbonne Pond
7.18 mi
+2,257 ft
-2,251 ft
5h 15
Difficult
Departure from Mijanès (Ariège)
This demanding hike requires a good sense of direction. It first leads to the Étang de Balbonne lake and then continues off-trail to join theGR®7B. The return journey is on the Vallée d'Orlu side to reach the Col de l'Egue and then descend to the Estagnet. Magnificent landscapes where water is omnipresent, but you will have to work hard to reach them, sparing no effort to cross the steepest sections such as the aptly named Échelle de Balbonne.
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.
Pic de l'Ourtiset
4.02 mi
+1,509 ft
-1,506 ft
3h 10
Moderate
Departure from Mazuby (Aude)
This route takes you through an exceptional site with its mountain landscapes, fauna and flora. From the summit, you can see the whole of the Pays de Sault, the Ariège and Catalan Pyrenees and, if visibility is good, the Pic de Bugarach above the Carcassonne plain and the Montagne Noire.
Lake Puyvalador
4.38 mi
+180 ft
-197 ft
2h 10
Easy
Departure from Pyrénées-Orientales
A beautiful route accessible to all, running alongside Lake Puyvalador with an interpretive trail at the start of the walk.
Pic de Baxouillade
8.44 mi
+3,005 ft
-3,005 ft
6h 30
Difficult
Departure from Fontrabiouse (Pyrénées-Orientales)
The Pic de Baxouillade dominates the Galbe, Laurenti and Orlu valleys. The access path through the Galbe valley, which is fairly quiet, climbs gradually through wide mountain pastures and passes close to two lakes, including the Portella d'Orlu.
The only difficulty on the hike is a steep section in a couloir at 2,450 metres, where you will need to use your hands on the rock to help you climb, but it is not rock climbing.
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.
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 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 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.
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 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.
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).
L’Estany del Diable from Formiguères
10.77 mi
+2,717 ft
-2,723 ft
7h 20
Difficult
Departure from Formiguères (Pyrénées-Orientales)
This ascent to the Étang du Diable is off the marked trails. You’ll need a good sense of direction, or follow this route using the app or a GPS. As a result, the hike is classified as difficult. The return journey will largely follow the GRP®.
The landscape is very rocky, the temperature is cool, and it’s often windy.
This lake is situated below the Pic des Mortiers. See my hike
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.
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.
The Pic de Mortiers from the Calmasella car park
8.58 mi
+2,516 ft
-2,513 ft
6h 10
Moderate
Departure from Formiguères (Pyrénées-Orientales)
An easier ascent to the Pic de Mortiers than my route: the Pic de Mortiers – Les Camporells from the Formiguères resort. This walk can be a simple out-and-back route, without passing the Camporells Refuge and its ponds. Alternative routes are described for the return leg. Much of the walk is in open country and the scenery is magnificent.
Please note: this is a protected area and part of the Natura 2000 network.
Circular snowshoe loop above Formiguères
3.03 mi
+453 ft
-453 ft
2.5 hrs
Easy
Departure from Formiguères (Pyrénées-Orientales)
A simple and enjoyable circular snowshoe loop above the village of Formiguères. There was a lot of snow when we did it. The ridge offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
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.
Camporells Refuge - Lac des Bouillouses via Petit Peric
7.14 mi
+1,503 ft
-2,267 ft
6 hrs
Very difficult
Departure from Formiguères (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Part of the long itinerary (9 days) around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.
Camporells Refuge - En Beys Refuge
6.82 mi
+1,562 ft
-2,490 ft
4h 30
Moderate
Departure from Formiguères (Pyrénées-Orientales)
Second stage of the Tour Des Pérics.This stage should only be undertaken in good weather and when there is no fog.Otherwise, you must use the Visorando app or a GPS device to track your route.
⚠️ You are entering the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where certain regulations must be observed. See practical information.
More walks in Carcanières
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