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Please note: when there is heavy snow, the trail barriers, footbridges and bridges are barely visible. You must therefore follow the GPS route closely. Snow bridges should be avoided.
(S/E) Set off from a small car park on the D19 (1,030 m) just before Ardengost. Head towards the junction on the right and follow the track just above the road. Go through a barrier and leave the track that climbs steeply to the right. Follow the main track, keeping to the left bank of the Ruisseau d’Ardengost. Ignore the adjacent tracks on either side of this path, which climbs gently following the slope of the stream. You will reach a fork (1,150 m).
(1) Turn right, south-west, and climb up a wide track to the next junction (1,250 m).
(2) Turn sharply left, heading due east, and follow a wide track uphill for approximately 800m.
(3) At the fork (1,335 m), turn sharply right, south-west, climbing up a narrower track. Continue climbing in the same direction, leaving the tracks and paths on either side. The climb is steep for 1 km. You’ll reach a crossroads (elevation 1,448) on a mountain pasture where the view is exceptional.
(4) Turn left, heading due east, following the edge of the forest on your left. Simply follow the firing positions located at the edge of the forest. The route is almost entirely flat, running above the Chemin de la Serre. You’ll reach Plan Des Pins (1,480m).
(5) At the crossroads, carry on straight ahead, heading due east. At the edge of the forest, the path climbs steeply, following a wooded ridge. You’ll reach Cap du Cros (altitude 1,646 m). Please note: the path now turns south-east, climbing slightly, and reaches another fork (altitude 1,653 m).
(6) Turn right, heading due south. Head towards the open summer pasture area. Pass at an altitude of 1,658m. Now keep parallel to the Chemin de la Serre, on your left. Pass beneath Cap d’Artigue Couade (1,731m), on your right. You’ll reach the Col d’Artigue Couade (1,710m).
A well-deserved break is worth considering in this open and magnificent spot.
(7) Turn left, north-east, descending only slightly towards the Chemin de la Serre. Head right, north-east, along this small track which descends gently, entering the forest. Exit the forest. Cross the valley floor, heading due north. Marker posts and boundary stones indicate the direction to follow. You’ll need to climb a few metres. You’ll reach the top of a wide, open area. To the north-west, you’ll see the Cabanes de Jézeau (in very good condition but closed).
You can reach them by following the Chemin de la Serre, which leads to the huts.
(8) Alternatively, turn left (1,700 m) and descend into the valley, heading due south. Watch out for the stream and snow bridges. Pass the point at an altitude of 1,586 m. Stay in the open area and you’ll reach a large crossroads with numerous paths and tracks (1,471 m).
(9) Continue south-west for 100m, then veer to the right and follow the Ruisseau d’Ardengost, making a very wide right-hand bend (north-north-west). A track on the left bank of the stream also allows you to descend. Ignore the adjacent paths and tracks. Continue downwards, maintaining the same direction. Pass the altitudes of 1,411m and 1,372m. Continue following the main course of the stream, once again ignoring the adjacent paths and tracks.
(10) Pass the point with an altitude of 1270m. Continue along the track, which begins a wide left-hand bend and now heads west, alongside the Ruisseau d’Ardengost.
(1) Go straight on to descend via the same route as on the way up. When you reach the end of the track, go through the gate and return to the cars (S/E).
Visorando Member
Moderate 
