Cirque de Cagateille, Étang de La Hilette and Étang d'Alet from Ustou

A magnificent route in the mid- and high-mountain range, with water features in the first part, then vast horizons opening up before your eyes.
This circuit requires a good level of fitness but is well worth the effort.

N.B. Please take into account the difficult sections at (3) and (6).

Only to be attempted in very good weather: from (4) very difficult orientation in foggy weather and from (7) exposure to thunderstorms.

Details

n°3433714

Creation:
19 Jun 2020

Last update:
–

Last review:
21 Jul 2025

Activity: Walking
Distance: 10.92 km
Duration according to the author: 7 hrs
Difficulty: Very difficult
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 1,122 m
Descent: - 1,128 m
Highest point: 2,016 m
Lowest point: 971 m

Country: France
Areas: Pyrénées, Massif de Bassiès
District: Ustou (09140)
Start/End: N 42.756102° / E 1.287975°
IGN map(s): Ref. 2047ET, 2048OT
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Description of the walk

(S/E) From the Cirque de Cagateille car park, the path climbs briefly to the left above a shelter, then turns back up the valley. Follow the^GR® T59, which leads to Spain, to the Étang de la Hillette (white and red markings).

(1) After the footbridge over the Ruisseau des Cors, the trail crosses the meadow at the bottom of the cirque and then winds its way up through the forest.

(2) At the foot of a cliff, you cross a rocky pass equipped with metal steps. This is followed by a series of passages equipped with cables, but these are not dangerous.

(3) After a flat section, the trail climbs again.

(4) At the edge of the wooded area, the trail follows a series of gently sloping slabs separated by patches of vegetation. Pay attention to the markings.

(5) Leave the^GR® T trail on your left towards "Port de Couillac". The trail does not follow the IGN map and heads to the right, immediately overlooking the gorge where the stream from the Étang de la Hilette flows. The markings are now yellow until the end.

(6) As you approach the Hillette stream, you will find a prepared passage. A chain and hoops fixed into the rock allow you to descend a rocky face about ten metres high. There are numerous handholds available. Be careful and accompany anyone who is prone to vertigo.

(7) Walk along the north side of the Étang de la Hilette. Continue on and pass under the Pointe du Campet, then walk steadily uphill through the cirque below the Pic de Certescan. You will cross several areas of boulders where additional cairn markings are useful.

(8) You will cross the Crête des Plagnoles overlooking the Étang d'Alet. You will have a final, sweeping view of the Cirque de Cagateille. The trail descends to the Étang d'Alet. In the area near the lake, pay attention to the markings, which are not always obvious; beware of false trails!

(9) Cross the streams in two stages upstream from where they meet. Then the trail heads off to the right and continues almost level to Turon de la Piède.

(10) From there, you turn north-west into the valley that will take you back to your starting point.

(11) The trail turns right and descends for quite a long way to the Ruisseau des Cors. After crossing a footbridge, a wide track will take you back to the car park where you started (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,031 m - Cirque de Cagateille car park
1 : km 1.66 - alt. 1,163 m - Footbridge over the Ruisseau des Cors
2 : km 2.34 - alt. 1,349 m - Metal steps
3 : km 2.69 - alt. 1,519 m - Passages secured with cables.
4 : km 3.17 - alt. 1,653 m - Exit the wooded area
5 : km 3.67 - alt. 1,814 m - Leave the road towards Port de Couillac
6 : km 3.71 - alt. 1,797 m - The path has been cleared
7 : km 3.8 - alt. 1,798 m - Étang de la Hilette
8 : km 5.56 - alt. 2,009 m - Crête des Plagnoles
9 : km 6.29 - alt. 1,877 m - Crossing of two streams
10 : km 7.26 - alt. 1,865 m - Turon de la Piède
11 : km 7.88 - alt. 1,741 m - Final descent
S/E : km 10.92 - alt. 1,019 m - Cirque de Cagateille car park

Notes

Access: from Saint-Girons, head towards Oust via the D618 and D3; then towards Saint-Lizier/Ustou via the D8F and D38.
At the hamlet of Stillon, take the road on the left to the car park/rest area. Follow the signs for "Cirque de Cagateille".
Some steep sections.

In foggy weather, turn back: danger!

Worth a visit

The Cirque de Cagateille water tower, which you can admire from below.
The Hillette Pond, in the heart of the upper part of the cirque.
The Étang d'Alet lake in its polished granite setting.
The view, the view, the view...

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5

Based on 18 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5

Route interest
4.9 / 5

User 13734711

21 Jul 2025 at 12:46 7200 • Edited: 21 Jul 2025 at 13:15 7200

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Great ride above the Cirque de Cagateille indeed, the climb is not technically difficult.
Unfortunately for me, I got stuck on the wall during the 10-metre descent, and the chain didn't make me feel very safe. But I should point out that everyone else made it down without any problems and without getting vertigo. So we turned back and made our way down to the cirque... Well, it's very doable, even for a woman like me with weak knees.
I'll be back!
Never when it's rained, though, and always with waterproof clothing and proper footwear.

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MeT@lliK

09 Jun 2025 at 17:13 7200

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : May 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike. There are some tricky sections, so you mustn't be afraid of heights. The landscapes are varied and magnificent. Much of the route is over scree.
Be careful when navigating in certain areas.

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Deborah.brdn

19 Nov 2024 at 09:40 3600

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 16, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent route, which fully deserves its very difficult rating. I would not recommend it for beginners, and it should not be underestimated. It involves climbing and trails with very varied terrain, including a very rocky section. We did it in mid-November, and I would not recommend doing it later than that, as there is already a lot of snow and, above all, ice, making some sections relatively dangerous.
Despite everything, the scenery is breathtaking, and it is a stunning hike.
I recommend it for those who feel up to it.

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Nadou63

07 Oct 2024 at 09:35 7200

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 : No

We did the hike on 3 October 2024, in the opposite direction. We first passed by the Alet pond and then the Hilette pond. We didn't meet anyone. It had rained heavily the day before and the weather was overcast. A magnificent hike, with lots of izards.

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famille zinedine biscotte

26 Aug 2024 at 16:05 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A truly beautiful hike!
After reaching Hillette Pond fairly quickly (2 hours), we began the loop towards Alet Pond and then Lacarde Pond. These last two offered us some delightful swimming spots.
It took us 7 hours in total to complete this loop.
The landscapes are varied and spectacular.
No ibex, but vultures!

I should point out that we set off at 7.30am, which allowed us to make a fairly leisurely ascent in terms of both the heat and the number of people around. The car park was absolutely packed when we got back...

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Vi.Outdoor

28 Nov 2023 at 11:52 3600

Hello! I wrote an article about a wonderful two-day hike I did starting from Ustou! If you're interested, here's the link to check it out: https://vu.fr/qdbRl
Thank you in advance

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jeanpaulbernard

06 Sep 2023 at 20:59 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Superb hike

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tinoambre

16 Aug 2023 at 15:07 7200

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 15, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This hike should be done early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat between La Hilette and Alet (we set off at 7am in August with a friend from Ariège). The cairns are helpful for the climb through the forest; after point 5, the markers are yellow and clearly visible. There are a few tricky and challenging sections with cables, chains and steps. As mentioned before, between the two ponds there are many sections on scree that can be challenging. The descent is consistent given the elevation difference but can be slippery at times when you reach the forest, and yes, it seems endless. Take a quick dip in the cool water at the footbridge before heading back up to the car park. We climbed in light mist, which quickly lifted to reveal superb views. Few hikers complete the entire loop in August, but a minimum of preparation is still necessary for this hike.

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RAND19

29 Oct 2022 at 18:25 7200

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 25, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Nice loop, but we only went as far as Lake Hilette because it was very windy that day. No worries, though, as the cairns in the woods guided us well.

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b.piat

11 Sep 2022 at 22:45 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 06, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike completed in 8 hours, including breaks. There were a few difficulties along the way, however. There are no landmarks on the climb through the forest after the Cirque de Cagateille. Fortunately, the cairns are very useful. There are some tricky sections with handrails (uphill and downhill...). Between La Hillette and Alet, there are numerous sections with rocky scree. The descent into the forest seems endless. At the bottom, do not turn right (Cagateille sign... otherwise you will have to turn back!). The ponds are superb. Very few hikers... serene atmosphere. Be well prepared nonetheless.
Definitely worth doing...👍👍👍

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rictou

08 Aug 2022 at 12:01 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 08, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent route, despite a few patches of mist.

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Philippe Garcelon

05 Oct 2021 at 11:52 7200

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 01, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike at the start of autumn with a variety of interesting landscapes. The route is fairly easy as long as you take a few precautions, particularly on the numerous large slabs which can be slippery in wet weather. The few tricky sections are properly secured. However, be careful as some of the steel cables are damaged and could cause injury. A nice surprise: at the Alet pond spillway, I passed within about fifteen metres of two izards, who did not seem to be very disturbed by my presence.

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flo2364

29 Aug 2021 at 23:13 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 20, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb route.
We had the IGN map and made our way back via Lacarde Lake.
To do this, you need to take a fork in the path just after the Lake Alet spillway (the fork that leads back up to the lake) and then carefully follow the red markings (small metal plates that are more or less visible).
Lacarde Lake is suitable for swimming and very pleasant.

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Atlanticus

26 Jul 2021 at 09:45 7200 • Edited: 26 Jul 2021 at 09:46 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 21, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike with a very steep climb to the Hilette lake in the forest. The trail is often unclear, but cairns help to guide the way. There is a short section of steps with a handrail.
Then head to the Alete lake (following the path from La Hilette), a difficult section with a 15-20 metre vertical descent (assisted by a handrail) followed by a long descent to the car park.
Not to be attempted in foggy conditions.

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my46

23 Jun 2021 at 21:58 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 19, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful and quite physically demanding hike. I only encountered five people in total during the entire hike, which was perfect for me! I was surprised not to see any animals...
The descent is more difficult than the ascent and seems to go on forever! I find it rather uninteresting, unless you're particularly fond of undergrowth (which isn't unpleasant either). As mentioned in a previous post, I can confirm that as you approach the end point, you should not follow the wooden sign for "Cagateille" on the right... no, no... it doesn't lead to the car park, but takes you back to the cirque! You need to continue straight ahead for a few metres and then turn right towards the footbridge.
Be careful because even if it's not raining, the stones in the undergrowth remain slippery.

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Author

Petit Michel
3 Walks

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District: Balma (31130)

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