Ars waterfall and Guzet lake

Loop starting from Alus-Les-Bains with varied landscapes. Hike to be undertaken after the snow has completely disappeared (check in advance). Several passages through peat, in the middle of streams and avalanche corridors.
Please note: look carefully for markings and signposts, which are not always very visible.

Details

154768
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.20 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 912 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 920 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,586 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 737 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Head to Aulus-Les-Bains via the D32. At the roundabout in the village, continue straight ahead. You are now on the D8f. The road curves sharply to the left. Park your vehicle at the crossroads with a memorial stone.

(S/E) Start from the crossroads. Follow the D8f uphill for a few metres. After the wooden signpost, turn right (south-east) onto a wide path that descends. At the start of this path, there is an old red and white marker on a scrap metal post. Follow this path, which remains parallel to and below the D8f.

(1) At a crossroads, turn right onto a narrower road that climbs uphill. Now follow the red and white markings forthe GR®®10.

(2) Cross the Pont de La Mouline bridge and follow the path. Stay on the left bank of the Ars river. At an altitude of 816 m, the path heads south. After passing another footbridge on your left, continue climbing; the path turns southwest. After the Pas d'Enfer, the path climbs very steeply towards the Route Forestière d'Artigous. You will arrive at this forest road.

(3) Turn left and follow the Route Forestière d'Artigous heading south-south-east. Stay on the left bank of the Ars river. Continue to follow the red and white markings ofthe GR®®10. At an altitude of around 1,060 m, cross the Artigous bridge, then turn right and pass to the right bank of the Ars river, continuing south-east. You will arrive at a clearing at an altitude of 1,200 m. You will see the Ars waterfall in the distance on your right. Continue climbing towards the waterfall.
You will arrive at another clearing and continue climbing via numerous hairpin bends. At the Ars waterfall, a path on your right allows you to get a little closer to the waterfall; take care!

Please note that the rest of this hike is only suitable in good weather, without snow or heavy rain

(4) The path branches off to the left, heading due west, and continues to climb steeply with numerous hairpin bends. You must pass this natural barrier. At around 1,481 m, the path branches off to the right, heading due west. You will arrive at the highest point, near Cap de Pich.

(5) Continue straight ahead towards the Ars footbridge (altitude 1,565 m), which you must cross.
Caution: the descent has some rocks and slabs; you can always turn back and descend via the "Cascade d'Ars".
After the footbridge, turn right and head north for 100 m. The path then heads west. Keep following the red and white markings forthe GR®®10. As you leave the forest at an altitude of 1,600 m, the path turns right and heads north-northwest. Cross the "Ruisseau de Fontarech" stream. You will arrive at a flat, open area. This is the Guzettou plateau with its small, welcoming and perfectly restored hut.

(6) The path turns right towards the east (altitude 1,540 m) and re-enters the forest. The path then turns left, north-northwest, to pass above the Étang de Guzet (altitude 1,459 m). It descends into the forest. (A sign on the left indicates a path that leads down to the Étang de Guzet). Continue down the path that passes, at an altitude of 1,400 m, on the left bank of the stream coming from the Étang de Guzet. Continue downhill.

(7) At a crossroads, continue straight ahead. Leave the signposts and theGR®®10at around 1280 m and continue towards the Souliou plateau. When you reach the forest, descend northwards, following the yellow signposts.

  • An alternative route suggested by the VR "Petit Michel" is possible at this waypoint:

Turn left onto theGR®® 10 until you reach the fork. Turn right onto theGRP®® until you reach the Bazets footbridge.
however, you can continue for 800 m on the GR®10 to admire the Fouillet waterfall: 1 hour round trip
TheGRP®® follows the lower Fouillet valley above and descends to join the D8f at (10).

(8) After numerous hairpin bends, turn left heading north-west. Continue downhill through the forest.

(9) After more hairpin bends, join the Fouillet forest road and turn right for a few metres. Find a path on the left that descends into the forest heading due north.
After a spring protected by a wire fence, the path turns left to the north-west and joins the D8f. Turn left onto this road which climbs uphill.

(10) After a few metres, find a path on the right with a few concrete steps that descends into the forest. The path heads east towards Aulus-Les-Bains. Join the D8f again.

(11) Turn left, follow the D8f, and cross the bridge over the Ars River.

(12) Arrive at the roundabout you passed earlier and turn right, following the D8f road to rejoin your vehicle at the crossroads 600 m further on.

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 762 m - Parking: D8f
  2. 1 : km 0.48 - alt. 779 m - On the right
  3. 2 : km 0.66 - alt. 782 m - Cross the Pont de la Mouline bridge - Garbet (rivière)
  4. 3 : km 2.3 - alt. 966 m - On the left
  5. 4 : km 4.92 - alt. 1,387 m - Cascade d'Ars (Ars Waterfall)
  6. 5 : km 5.57 - alt. 1,487 m - Go straight ahead at the footbridge - Ars (rivière) - Affluent du Garbet
  7. 6 : km 7.97 - alt. 1,539 m - On the right - Cabanes de Guzet (1580m)
  8. 7 : km 9.56 - alt. 1,284 m - Variation
  9. 8 : km 10.39 - alt. 1,186 m - On the left
  10. 9 : km 10.91 - alt. 1,081 m - Turn right and then very quickly left
  11. 10 : km 12.26 - alt. 807 m - On the right, cross the D8f
  12. 11 : km 12.56 - alt. 747 m - On the left, follow the D8f
  13. 12 : km 12.7 - alt. 738 m - Turn right onto the D8f
  14. S/E : km 13.2 - alt. 762 m - Parking: D8f

Notes

The Guzettou plateau with its small, welcoming hut.
There are a few springs along the way. You will need to find them yourself as they are not marked. Check the map.
Serious equipment is essential.
This is high mountain terrain and the weather can change very quickly. You will therefore need clothing to protect you from the rain and cold, as well as 2 litres of water and a snack for lunch.

This hike continues after the waterfall only in good weather without snow or heavy rain.
Be careful in certain areas with slabs and steep paths.
There are plenty of signposts until the Ars footbridge, then they become less frequent. Bring a 1:25,000 map and a GPX track.

Worth a visit

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 73 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.7 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
Silvano CLD
Silvano CLD

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 19, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike, but be careful as the ground is either wet or icy . Otherwise, the scenery is superb and it's a very pleasant route, relatively busy between the base and the Ars waterfall, but at the top you're almost alone in the world.

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Mirepoix09500
Mirepoix09500

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike, best done in spring to see the waterfall. Lake Guzet is very bucolic and the descent is picture-perfect. A hike to do again and again without hesitation. Important: 90% of the route is in the shade, making it ideal in hot weather.

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Mirepoix09500
Mirepoix09500

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A magnificent hike on 17 August with less water at the waterfalls (normal in summer)
90% of the trail is shaded, which is very pleasant in summer, and the trail is well marked throughout.
It is best to start the circuit by going uphill to make it easier to get over the rocks.
That is, go straight ahead from the car park and follow the sign for the Ars waterfall

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jean-yves blanchard
jean-yves blanchard

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very beautiful hike. Only the passage above the waterfall is a little more physically demanding, but it's worth it.

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Bourdaire
Bourdaire

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 05, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The crossing between the footbridge at the top of the waterfall (P1488m) to the hut and the Guzet hut (P1560m) is often cluttered with logs and boulders and a little tiring.
The hut is a superb shelter, very clean and well respected.
I recommend starting the hike at the very bottom in the village along the torrent so as not to have to climb back up at the end of the day.

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Doris31210
Doris31210

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 07, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb hike on Saturday 5/10/2024 in superb weather.
At this time of year there were very few people, so it was very pleasant.
After the plain, be careful not to take the wrong path to the pond.
The path is not easy, fortunately there is a cross on the ground so you don't have to continue.

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vosinh31
vosinh31

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very nice walk. Lots of people up to the waterfall but after that it's much less busy.
Beautiful scenery. Most of the route is shaded, which is nice on a hot day. We went up in a light mist, so it was cool on a hot day, but it cleared up very quickly and we were able to enjoy the magnificent scenery. It's not particularly difficult, a bit sporty in places but not insurmountable, but poles are welcome for the descent. Be careful with the waymarks, though, as I had downloaded the trail and so the quality of the guidance rang when I strayed from the route. Thank you Visorando!

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Adba
Adba

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very nice walk, even in hot weather, as 90% of the route is well shaded. Less popular after the waterfall.

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Adba
Adba

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very nice walk, even in hot weather, as 90% of the route is well shaded. Less popular after the waterfall.

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Consul31
Consul31

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 15, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A walk in glorious sunshine, with the Ars and Fouillet waterfalls full of water, not forgetting the Lac de Guzet, an ideal spot for a picnic!
A varied route, often shaded, along torrents with sensational views.
I recommend this hike when the flow is high.
Thank you visorando.

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Momo 31
Momo 31

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

An interesting walk, especially for nature lovers. The Ars waterfalls are sublimely beautiful, and the route is almost shaded, ideal for very sunny weather. I would recommend it.
Thank you visorando

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Michel MALPAUX
Michel MALPAUX

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 01, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very nice and magnificent waterfall

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MeT@lliK
MeT@lliK

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Magnificent hike! 90% shady.
There is a lot of traffic, though. Leaving early obviously helps to reduce this, especially for the section up to the Ars waterfall.
And just for me, the hike was 17km...

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jonathan.darty
jonathan.darty

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 04, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Done at the end of May, the route is a faithful one, and the waterfall had a very good flow, which is normal at this time of year. The paths were muddy on some sections, adding to the difficulty. To be repeated

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Valeser
Valeser

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very pleasant hike in these hot weather conditions, as it is almost always in the shade, and what's more, you can take a dip in the Etang de Guzet to cool off before the descent. The only downside is that it's a little too busy.

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