Étangs Rond and Long loop via the Ribérot and Peyralade valleys

From the D4, at a place called Bacher, head towards Ayer / Maison du Valier. Pass the hamlet of Ayer and continue along the road running alongside the Ribérot stream for about 6 km until you reach the Pla de la Lau car park.

(S/E) From the back of the car park, take the track leading to the Maison du Valier lodge, on the GR®T55.

(1) Go behind the Maison du Valier and continue on the GR®T55, heading south-east, along the Ribérot stream.

(2) At the Pistolet footbridge, do not cross the stream but continue straight ahead on the GR®T55. The path heads south until it reaches another footbridge.

(3) Cross the Ribérot via the Masouères footbridge, turning left, and stay on the GR®T55. The trail continues south-southeast.

(4) Pass in front of the Cabane de Nerech, then arrive at the Cascade de Nerech.

(5) At the waterfall, cross another footbridge to climb up to the left and go around a cliff, then continue climbing up the eastern side of the valley. You will arrive at the Lauze waterfall, before climbing up a series of small switchbacks to the Cabane des Caussis.

(6) At the Cabane des Caussis, continue straight on the GR®T55 trail down a slight descent, before climbing back up to reach the Étang Rond lake.

(7) Walk along the eastern shore of Étang Rond, ignoring the path leading off to the left towards the middle of the lake. Upstream from the lake, the path climbs steeply to reach the weir.

(8) Shortly before the spillway, turn right, heading west, onto the GR®T54. Cross the spillway and walk along the northern shore of Étang Long, staying slightly above the lake. Handrails have been installed on the tricky sections along this part of the lake. Pass Étang Long and continue westwards, climbing towards Port de Barlonguère.

(9) At Port de Barlonguère, continue straight ahead and descend on the GR®T54 variant, heading west-northwest into the Barlonguère stream valley.

(10) At the GR®T54 fork, leave the GR® (leading to the Cabane de la Trinque visible high up on the left) and take the path on the right heading north, marked in yellow. This path descends into the Peyralade valley to the hut of the same name.

(11) Cross the Peyralade stream and continue straight ahead after the hut, heading north-east. The path enters the Bois de Peyralade forest via a steep descent. The most exposed sections are secured by guardrails.

(12) Pass the Cascades des Échelles waterfalls before turning north towards the Masouères footbridge.

(3) Back at the Masouères footbridge, continue straight ahead on the left bank of the Ribérot and return to the car park via the same path you took on the way there, in the opposite direction (S/E).

The trail is clearly visible and marked in red and white (GR® T54 and T55) and yellow outside the GR®.

Difficult hike due to its length and elevation gain. The most difficult sections are equipped with handrails.