Étang des Bésines walks

Modification on 12 September 2022: validated on Sunday 11 September 2022. Fourth and final stage of the Tour Des Pérics. The scenery is consistently stunning. This is a fairly long stage, with cars being collected by shuttle buses. See practical information on the Tour des Pérics.

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

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

The third stage takes you through Cerdagne, in the Eastern Pyrenees.The return trip along the ridge (3) to (4) should be done in the absence of fog, rain or frost.I have classified this hike as difficult due to the ridge crossing from (4) to (5) and the descent through the rocks from the Faury pond (10) to the En Beys refuge (E).There are numerous places to stop for a break at the lakes along the way.Be careful of the multiple marked trails:GR®®10-GR®®107-GR®®107-GR®®107(variant) andGRP®® Tour des Pérics -GRP®® Tour des Montagnes d'Ax. Follow the description, the GPX track and the signs on the ground carefully. ⚠️ From (8) to (E)you are in the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Part of the long route (9 stages) around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Tour des Pérics and using various marked trails,GRP® andGR® in the area. Initial stage designed to ease you gently into the hike.

It is part of the long (9-day) itinerary around the Carlit, travelling from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.

Second stage of the tour of the Orlu nature reserves and the Montagne d’Ax. A challenging stage due to its 1,350-metre elevation gain. The ascent is, however, steady. The scenery is magnificent. This itinerary details the route taking in the magnificent Étang Soula Couloumé. This stage follows theGR®10, apart from the short detour (5), (6), (7) off the marked trail at the lake.

First day’s hike to the Refuge du Rulhe.With a 1,000 m elevation gain over 5.5 km, the average gradient of the climb to the Pyramide de Lherbés is 18%. IBP difficulty rating = 105 (“very difficult” for a hiker of average fitness).Allow 6½ hours with a light rucksack.This day takes place in the high mountains, far from any roads, tracks, etc.The landscapes and environments you’ll pass through are majestic.

The first stage of the journey! We leave the village of Mérens-les-Vals to reach Étang de Pédourès via the rugged slopes of the Ariège mountains; the scenery is magnificent and very wild. The main difficulty lies between the Étang de Comte and the Étang de Couard, where the well-marked path follows a very long and at times arduous scree slope; once you reach the Étang de Couard, the beauty of the scenery makes up for the hard work.

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.