Étang de la Balmette walks

Part of the long (9-day) itinerary around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Tour des Pérics and using various marked trails.

The first day of this route amongst the lakes. It will take you from Les Bouillouses to the En Beys refuge, passing from one valley to another.

Le Carlit is the highest peak in the Pyrénées-Orientales at 2,921 m. It’s a site visited by hundreds of people every summer, but generally most are content to do the Bouillouses–Carlit round trip. This first stage invites you to include this summit and to finish the stage in the area around the Cabane du Rouzet after walking alongside the large Étang de Lanoux. Classified as difficult due to the ascent of Puig Carlit and its steep descent on the Étang de Lanoux side.

Modification on 12 September 2022: addition of the Petit Péric ascent validated on Thursday 8 September 2022.This first stage of the Tour des Pérics is enhanced by beautiful landscapes.It offers a taste of the mountain scenery that will be encountered during these four days.Vehicles must be left in the free car park. See the practical information section*.In summer, you must take a paid shuttle bus to Lac des Bouillouses. See the practical information section **. Please note: from (8), you must have the GPX track or a very good sense of direction to attempt the ascent of Petit Peric.

An easy, two-thirds shaded route suggested by a Year 3 class. Superb views to help children from the countryside discover the mountains: lake, forests.

Second stage of the Tour Des Pérics.This stage should only be undertaken in good weather and when there is no fog.Otherwise, you must use the Visorando app or a GPS device to track your route. ⚠️ You are entering the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where certain regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Part of the long itinerary (9 days) around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.

Amendment on 12 September 2022: new route marked on the ground, approved on Saturday 10 September 2022.Third stage of the Tour des Pérics. Day classified as difficult. Short distance but difficult terrain.The climb from the refuge d'en Beys to the passage through the Orlu Reserve (2,400 m) is difficult.The balcony path from (6) to (8) is very beautiful. ⚠️ From (S/E) to (5)you are in the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Part of the long itinerary (9 days) around Carlit, travelling from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails. ⚠️ You are entering the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Fourth and final stage of the tour of the Orlu and Montagne d'Ax reserves.I have classified this stage as difficult because of the 1,650 m descent on a steep and sometimes damaged path.The view from the Couillade d'en Beys (3) to the dam (8) is magnificent.The stage begins by heading in the opposite direction to the previous day's route, taking theGR®®107and theGRP®® Tour des Pérics andGRP®® Tour des Montagnes d'Ax. At (2), be careful to turn right, west, onto theGRP®® Tour des Montagnes d'Ax, and continue until you reach the end of the four-day hike.The estimated time is underestimated: the descent is difficult on steep and degraded paths after the Couillade d'en Beys (3). ⚠️ From (S/E) to (10), you are on the edge of or within the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.