Two-day route via the Bassiès Refuge

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Do not underestimate these two days, which pack in significant gradients over a relatively short distance.
The first day is interesting for the discoveries it offers and a section with virtually no signposting. The arrival at the refuge is magnificent.
Spending the night at the Refuge de Bassiès allows you to look forward to the return journey on the second day with greater peace of mind.
A visit to the Étangs de Bassiès can be planned for the second day from the refuge, leaving some of your kit there. You can then collect all your kit for the challenging return walk to the Port de Lers car park.

Details

n°101915027
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.43 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 4,810 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 4,806 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 6,831 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4,649 ft

Photos

Changement de cap
Croisée de chemins
Sommet du Mont ceint
Paysage

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S
    Port de Lers-Refuge de Bassiès par Pas du Roc, Étang de Labant, Col Fouzès

    Port de Lers–Bassiès Refuge via Pas du Roc, Étang de Labant, Col Fouzès

    ↔7.46 mi ↗2,927 ft ↘2,493 ft
    The first day takes you to the Refuge de Bassiès, passing huts, a valley, mountain passes, an old mine, a pond, and various cols and mountain passes. The stretch from the Col de las Fouzès to the Port de Bassiès is particularly beautiful.The route follows paths and tracks that are difficult due to their terrain (rock, scree, unmarked).See practical information * From (3) to (6) an unmarked path with gradients of 15% and 25%, with the presence of Patou dogs from (4). From (12) to (18) a marked path with gradients of 16% to 30%.The GPX track is necessary in places to avoid any confusion, as the route does not necessarily follow GR®, GRP® or PR® trails.Allow around 6 hours for the walk.
    View the route
  2. E
    Refuge de Bassiès-Port de Lers par l'Étang d'Alate et le Mont Ceint

    Bassiès-Port de Lers mountain hut via the Étang d’Alate and Mont Ceint

    ↔3.97 mi ↗1,883 ft ↘2,313 ft
    Before heading back, there is the option of a return trip to the Étang de Bassiès from the refuge, leaving some of your luggage at the refuge.A fairly short second stage, with two steep ascents (19% to 38%): one from the Refuge de Bassiès to the Port de Bassiès, and the even more challenging one from the Port de Saleix to the Pic de Girantès or Mont Ceint. In fact, it is a rather gruelling, up-and-down stage, classified as difficult. The ascents and descents are on challenging trails (pebbles, rocks, scree). The whole day is spent in open country with stunning panoramic views. The route passes the beautiful Étang d’Alate.The relative altitude, between 1,520 m and 2,100 m, means this day’s walk is feasible even in the height of summer.
    View the route

Notes

Étangs de Bassiès Mountain Hut

Essential kit for an overnight stay in a refuge: sheet, toiletries, first-aid kit, a change of clothes, food, water and all the compulsory and necessary equipment for a two-day hike.
The GPX track is necessary in places to avoid any confusion, as the route does not necessarily follow GR®, GRP® or PR® trails.

Take careful note of the sawtooth-shaped elevation profile, featuring a long, steep climb to the Port de Bassiès on the first day. Then there are two further steep climbs on the second day. The landscapes and panoramic views you’ll encounter are well worth the effort.

Worth a visit

The Étang de Bassiès seen from the refuge on the outward and return journeys.

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

4.3 / 5
Based on 1 review
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
3 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
lemarcheur65
lemarcheur65 ★

Hello

It clearly states:
Practical information
Étangs de Bassiès Mountain Hut

Essential kit for an overnight stay at the refuge...
The GPX track is required in some places to avoid any confusion, as the route does not necessarily follow GR®, GRP® or PR® trails.

So!

Machine-translated

marc24
marc24

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 09, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I can confirm… there’s a section where, if you don’t have GPS guidance – like this app or a smartwatch – it’s incredibly easy to get lost and end up going round in circles… I had both, and even so I struggled a bit on the section from route 3 to 6… After that, it’s no problem… On the way back, make sure you take plenty of water, especially if it’s hot, as there’s no water between the pond and the car park… The mountain hut is superb, as is their local beer
You can camp behind the hut without any issues, but remember to follow the ‘Leave No Trace’ principle when you leave.

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Port de Lers–Bassiès Refuge via Pas du Roc, Étang de Labant, Col Fouzès

Visorando Member
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↔7.46 mi ↗+2,927 ft ↘-2,493 ft ◔6h 00 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Suc-et-Sentenac (Ariège)
The first day takes you to the Refuge de Bassiès, passing huts, a valley, mountain passes, an old mine, a pond, and various cols and mountain passes. The stretch from the Col de las Fouzès to the Port de Bassiès is particularly beautiful.The route follows paths and tracks that are difficult due to their terrain (rock, scree, unmarked).See practical information * From (3) to (6) an unmarked path with gradients of 15% and 25%, with the presence of Patou dogs from (4). From (12) to (18) a marked path with gradients of 16% to 30%.The GPX track is necessary in places to avoid any confusion, as the route does not necessarily follow GR®, GRP® or PR® trails.Allow around 6 hours for the walk.

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↔7.04 mi ↗+3,540 ft ↘-3,507 ft ◔6h 20 ▲Difficult
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A beautiful circular starting from Port de Lers, passing by Pic de Girantes (or Mont Ceint) with magnificent 360° views, then descending to Port de Saleix and climbing back up to Port de Bassiès with superb views of the refuge and the Bassiès lakes. Return via Pas de la Portère via a difficult climb.

Walking Mont Ceint or Pic de Gérentos

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↔5.59 mi ↗+2,234 ft ↘-2,234 ft ◔4h 30 ▲Moderate
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↔5.51 mi ↗+1,926 ft ↘-1,919 ft ◔4h 15 ▲Moderate
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Walking Alate pond

Visorando Member
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↔4.28 mi ↗+1,650 ft ↘-1,631 ft ◔3h 25 ▲Moderate
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Walking Refuge de Bassiès via Port de Saleix

Visorando Member
↔7.09 mi ↗+2,677 ft ↘-2,657 ft ◔5h 35 ▲Moderate
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A magnificent hike through varied landscapes along the entire route. The climb to Port de Bassiès is steady and not too difficult. Unfortunately, there is a 280 m descent to the refuge, which you will have to climb back up. Take advantage of the view of the lakes and the Pique Rouge cirque to rest for a while.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.