Forges d'Orlu - Refuge d'en Beys via Naguille and La Couillade d'en Beys

- Access is possible by public transport for £1 with liO. A shuttle service will be running this summer 2025!

- From Ax-les-Thermes, take the D22 towards Orlu, then Les Forges d'Orlu via the D22. Park on the right, just before the restaurant area, in the large shaded car park.

Follow the yellow and red markings of the GR® de Pays Tour des Montagnes d'Ax. Stay on the marked path, as you are on the edge of or within the National Reserve.

(S/E) From the car park, follow the track to cross a large footbridge over the Orriège.

(1) Just after the footbridge, keep left towards the Étang de Naguille (3½ hours). The path immediately climbs very steeply into the forest. There is a constant 950 m elevation gain until you reach the dam. Pass under the EDF cable car. A few clear views reward your efforts.

(2) You will arrive at a cool spring at the Fontaine des Amarels (a nice place to stop for a break). Continue climbing. Skirt the EDF cable car and you will come to a flat area with old mines and new EDF installations. Cross this impressive area under the concrete arch of the dam.

(3) Cross the lake's spillway via a footbridge. There are some signs indicating the precautions to take in this area. Continue by climbing the very steep final section that leads to the dam. Access to the dam is prohibited.
There is an impressive view of this expanse of water and the mountains in the distance.

(4) Continue along the Étang de Naguille, following the old railway line. When the old railway line ends, a damaged path takes over, turning east.

(5) Cross the footbridge and continue climbing along the lake. You will arrive at the southern end of the lake at a footbridge (magnificent view).

(6) Cross it and head south-east, continuing uphill.
If you need water or shelter from the sun or bad weather, you can reach the Cabane d'Eychouzé, which is very dilapidated and dirty.

(7) From this hut, the slope becomes steeper but the path is clearly visible and fairly easy to follow. The path joins the Coume d'Eychouzé, turns south and climbs very steeply parallel to it.
You will reach an area of rocks and scree. This is the most difficult part. Continue up this steep climb.
Don't hesitate to stop and admire the magnificent high mountain landscape and the Étangs des Peyrisses.
With one last effort, you will reach the Couillade d'en Beys, the highest point of the day.

(8) "Don't hesitate to take a restorative break in this beautiful spot, as the descent to the first lake is very difficult."
The path heads east and descends very steeply. The tone is set.
Much further on, you will reach a fork near the Étang de la Couillade.

The white and red markings of the GR®7 trail replace the GR® de Pays Tour des Montagnes d'Ax trail.

(9) Continue left towards the Étangs d'en Beys. After a series of ascents and descents, leaving all adjacent paths and heading northeast, you will finally reach the beautiful Refuge d'en Beys (E).

There is no mobile phone network or data at the refuge and very few places with network coverage during the day.

(3) Shelter under the eaves.
(7) Eychouzé hut.
(E) Refuge d'en Beys: drinking water, drinks, meals, overnight stay.

(2) Font des Amarels (marked on the IGN map).
Plenty of water but needs to be filtered or disinfected.

Mountain environment: you will therefore need the right equipment, including warm clothing and rain gear, two litres of water, walking sticks, a compass, GPS or Visorando, a 1:25,000 map, a GPX track and a description.

National reserve: rules to follow

A national reserve is a protected natural area. Its regulations, adapted to the local context, aim to preserve this exceptional territory in a sustainable manner. They are based on common sense and good citizenship.

It is prohibited to:

• leave the marked trails,

• light fires,

• litter,

• fly drones,

• pick plants,

• camping (only bivouacking is permitted between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m.),

• walking with dogs, even on a leash,

• hunting (prohibited),

• fishing (strictly regulated).

All these prohibitions are set out inthe prefectural decree of 1 September 2020.
👉 Failure to comply is punishable by a fine of €135 (4th class offence).

Refuge d'en Beys. Online booking. Telephone for meals and cancellations.
Spacious, good sanitary facilities and general comfort.