Col d'Ayens and Col de Bès

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Easy walk with beautiful views of the Pyrenees.

Details

n°33387551
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.56 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 15 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 93 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 90 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,048 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 954 m
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Photos

Col de Bès

Description of the walk

Departure from Col d'Ayens. Access by car is via the Boussan road.

(S/E) Departure from the pass car park. Admire the view of the Pyrenees before taking the path that climbs into the forest along the mountain bike trail. You will come to a fork.

(1) Continue straight ahead on the path that climbs uphill. The slope is a little steep but does not last long. You will reach a crossroads.

(2) Turn left to see the viewpoint.

(3) Turn around and return to the previous crossroads.

(2) Turn left onto the path that descends to Col de Bès.

(4) Turn right onto the path. This section is fairly flat and shaded. Continue straight ahead on this path until you reach the initial fork.

(1) Turn left towards Col d'Ayens (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 958 m - Col d'Ayens
  2. 1 : km 0.12 - alt. 963 m - Crossroads of the circular loop
  3. 2 : km 1.39 - alt. 1,048 m - T-junction at the viewpoint
  4. 3 : km 1.51 - alt. 1,045 m - Viewpoint
  5. 4 : km 2.02 - alt. 968 m - Col de Bès
  6. S/E : km 3.55 - alt. 958 m - Col d'Ayens

Notes

Picnic tables at Col d'Ayens and Col de Bès.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 5 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.4 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
User 17701943

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A short, easy walk, ideal for a family outing or a stroll after lunch.
The car park is easy to access and close to a superb picnic spot with unobstructed views of the mountains.
Halfway along the route, there are also tables where you can sit and enjoy the view.

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Randosy
Randosy

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 24, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Walk with beautiful views
Balcony trail with views of Mont Valier
Great picnic spot at the Col de Bes
It's a shame that the return journey is by road
Next time, we'll go via Cap des Espinassieres

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Lauralee
Lauralee
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

So, it's a great hike, but to say it's easy for families... yes, if it's just adults and they can walk a minimum, but not for children in my opinion. It's quite a climb and the descent is even worse. It's doable for adults, but I wouldn't attempt it with a child given the elevation difference. The point between 2 and 3 doesn't offer a view because various plants have grown up and hide the landscape, but this route is still very pleasant for those discovering the area as there are some nice viewpoints.

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pierre 78
pierre 78

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 05, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Easy hike with beautiful views. Ideal for warming up. The starting point is very pleasant, located in a pine forest, ideal for a picnic.

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DalilaMezzi
DalilaMezzi

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very easy walk, ideal for families with young children.
Picnic tables at the pass, superb view of Le Valier.
A bike park for those who wish to bring their bikes.

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