Étang d’Areau and Tuc de Fourmiguet

Park at Col de Pause.

(S/E) Take the track leading uphill, go through a gate; at the^first hairpin bend, leave the track and cut across the mountain pasture. A steep climb takes you back onto the track. Follow it to the right.

(1) At the Cabane d’Areau (a sheepfold inhabited in season), stay on the track; at the bend, cut across the summer pasture to rejoin the track at the next bend. At this same bend, cut across the mountain pasture. The path climbs to bypass a series of hairpin bends on the track, which it eventually rejoins after a final steep climb up a small valley. Take the track to the left for about 10 metres to rejoin the path that climbs up a small valley. You’ll rejoin the track below the forest warden’s house and then catch sight of the Étang d’Areau on your left.

(2) Take the track to the right which passes just above the house and turns into a path. Follow this path as it climbs up a small valley, then across a sharp limestone pavement (take care to follow the markings closely in this area). Continue along this path until you reach the pass.

(3) At the pass (there are no further signposts from the pass onwards), take the path furthest to the right; once you reach the ridge, veer completely to the left.

(4) Pass through a grassy area (the path is less visible), then cross over a chasm (with a wire fence and a small hut nearby). Head for the ridge to reach the small pass.

(5) At this small pass, choose the highest track heading towards the summit and follow it as best you can (caution: the area is slippery due to the grass and is steep, with barely visible tracks). A final climb takes you to the summit of the Tuc de Fourmiguet. Descend to a small flat area.

The path descends straight down the slope before veering to the left. Follow it to the pass (barely visible).

(7) At the pass, turn right (yellow markings) and follow this path. Cross a ridge and return to the Cabane d’Areau.

(1) Return along the same route as on the way there: take the track on the left, then the path on the left. rejoin the track heading towards the Col de Pause (S/E).

^GR® and^PR® trails, with a large section unmarked on a barely visible path featuring a steep and slippery slope. Only to be attempted in good, dry weather.

Access to the car park is via a 2 km track; take care if you have a low-slung car. There are around a dozen parking spaces.

Summer pasture area: dogs must be kept on a lead.

Port d’Aula and its view of the Spanish Pyrenees.
Vultures are a regular sight.
The Étang d’Areau and the Col Couret together make for a lovely hike with a beautiful view over the Vallier if you do not wish to venture off the marked trail (approximately 1 hour 20 minutes’ climb).