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Access by car
In Tarascon-sur-Ariège, head towards Vicdessos. In Vicdessos, continue towards Auzat and the Montcalm valley. About 2.5 km after Auzat, pull over at a large hairpin bend turning left where you can park, at a place called “Massada”. There is also a large car park with a picnic area a few metres further down. The path, signposted on the right-hand side of the road (as you ascend), starts right at the bend in the hairpin. It is also possible to join this route via the Pont de Gers a little further up.
(S/E) Starting point “Massada”: the path immediately crosses the Vicdessos stream via a footbridge and then climbs gently through the forest heading south-west. The gradient steepens and the path gradually turns westwards. You will reach the junction with the path coming from the Pont de Gers.
(1) Continue north-west, climbing. After numerous hairpin bends, you’ll cross the track leading to the power station.
(2) Cross this track and continue along the path that climbs steeply directly opposite, still heading north-west. You will then tackle the steepest section of this outbound route. There are a few views of Montcalm. The path joins theGR®®10(which comes from Marc via an old pipeline). The hairpin bends are tight and numerous. You’ll gradually find yourself on the southern flank of the Bassiès stream valley.
The very steep climb comes to an end; the path passes beneath majestic beech trees and descends very slightly before reaching a welcome spring! The forest thins out and the path opens onto a classic landscape leading up to a glacial gorge, winding between the rocks. Reach the penstock, which is very clearly marked on the map.
(3) Continue up a steeper slope and tackle the glacial barrier, above which lies the first lake (Escales).
Before reaching the dam at the Étang d’Escales, you’ll come to a very pretty little stone bridge spanning the stream.
(4) From there, it’s a stroll through the Bassiès lake cirque; the almost flat path winds its way over exposed rocks, scree, grass, heather, broom and a few rhododendrons. You’ll reach the far end of the Étang d’Escalès.
(5) Upstream from the Étang d’Escalès, you’ll reach the small Étang Long, then, a little further up, the majestic Étang Majeur.
(6) Begin the return journey along the same route to the Escalès Pond dam.
(4) Do not cross back over the stone bridge. Stay on the left bank of the Bassiès stream. You will easily find, heading south-east, the stony mule track which climbs very briefly over the rocks at first. Descend via switchbacks along a ledge, first over the rocks and then through a sparse birch forest which becomes denser as you descend. Although this path is very well maintained and clearly marked, it is nonetheless very tiring, as the descent is long and hard on the knees. You’re rewarded with a constant view of the Vicdessos valley and the peaks towering over it to the east.
Head for the top of the power station track.
(7) Follow this track southwards for a few minutes – the gradient is very gentle – to reach the junction with the outbound route.
(2) Follow the outbound route back to the starting car park (S/E).
A lovely walk with the snow-covered plateau and frozen lakes.
Hikers with dogs, beware of processionary caterpillars 
Visorando Member
Very difficult 
