L'Hospitalet near Andorra - Refuge des Bésines

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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.

This walk is part of a multi-day hike: Tour of Carlit

Details

n°710166
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.25 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 719 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 55 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,099 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,430 m
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Photos

Beach lake
On the way back
LAC DES BESINES
The lake at its lowest level as seen from the refuge

Description of the walk

Getting there and parking at L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre.

(S) The start is well signposted and located behind the lodge. The climb is very steep at first, then winds its way up with a gradual incline. The trail is well marked.
Note: there are numerous forks in the trail due to the many paths that leave the village, but they are always clearly marked with wooden signs. Follow theGR®107cto the refuge. It is marked in red and white.
The climb through the forest leads to the Crête du Tos Bessateil.

(1) Continue east and then turn into the Vallée des Bésines.
Climb up the hillside through the Bois Long forest to the Étang des Bésines lake.

(2) Follow its left bank and then begin a final steep climb to reach the refuge (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 1,430 m - Hospitality near Andorra
  2. 1 : km 2.68 - alt. 1,802 m - Crête du Tos Bessateil
  3. 2 : km 5.52 - alt. 1,973 m - Étang des Bésines
  4. E : km 7.25 - alt. 2,095 m - Refuge des Bésines

Notes

Time spent on the trail: 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.: 6 hours
Refuge des Bésines: very well designed despite its age, ideal location and beautiful views of the mountains, perfect welcome, good food.
Services: Hot shower for €3 for 4 minutes. Various drinks
Water (not drinkable) along the route.

Worth a visit

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Downloads
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Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 8 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.9 / 5
Plotine
Plotine

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A relatively easy hike for experienced walkers. The two of us carried our camping equipment up to pitch our tent near the pond. Very quiet and peaceful. We met a few hikers heading for the refuge and some families who had come fishing. Beautiful views. Drinking water available at the refuge.

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