La Massana walks

Pic de la Coma Pedrosa is the highest peak in Andorra. This route takes you around it, allowing you to explore the valleys to the north on the Spanish side as well as the Estanys Forcats, far from the hordes of hikers heading for the summit. Please note: the descent from Portella de Baiau is not recommended for those who are not used to mountain terrain and are afraid of steep slopes. Part of the route is off-trail but presents no significant difficulty.

The fourth stage is in the high mountains, easier than the previous two, allowing you to reduce your effort. Many trails through forests and woodlands make for a more bucolic and enjoyable hike. This stage presents no technical difficulties, but orientation and following the route are complicated due to numerous crossings and intersections of hiking trails. It is essential to have a hiking app and the GPX track to avoid getting lost.

A different side of Andorra if you want to get away from the shopping centres! A demanding hike (it’s a tough climb) without being difficult, but offering sublime 360° views of the surrounding Pyrenean peaks and valleys. At the start and finish, in the shade of mountain pines, and if you’re hiking in late August, there are raspberries to enjoy all along the way.

You have to be curious enough to venture far south of the Principality of Andorra to have heard of the Monturull peak, the Tossal Bovinar or the Colilla peak; names that are not as famous as the great peaks of the West. However, these peaks are well over 2,700 metres, even reaching 2,800 metres, and are located in eastern Catalonia. The ridge on today's itinerary is located just south of the Principality of Andorra. It marks the southern border with Spain. The southern slope of this ridge is gentle and accessible, while the northern slope is made up of ravines and steep cliffs. Naturally, the southern route is the most popular, but I decided to tackle this journey by looping around the north. I will therefore start this loop from the Madriu Valley in Andorra.

A very short, easy hike to see a beautiful waterfall. There is only one path and it is very easy to follow.

The fifth and final stage of the high-mountain route passes by the iconic Pic de Tristagne, which towers over the many lakes in the surrounding area, and its short, fairly exposed ridge route, before returning to France via the magnificent Étangs Fourcat site.

Pic de l'Estanyo is the second highest peak in Andorra (2,915 m). The view of the other peaks in Andorra is magnificent. It is accessible from Sorteny or Ransol for the most well-known routes. It can also be accessed from Canillo, which is the subject of this guide. This is a long hike with a significant elevation gain. The trail is generally well marked up to Estany Gran, then you have to follow the cairns and the trail where it exists.

After our chairlift ride, we descend towards the Soulcem lake on the Ariège side. We enjoy the beauty of this glacial valley, the Soulcem lake, the Mérens horses grazing freely, not to mention the numerous orris that line the route. It is a wonderful but particularly challenging end to the hike between the Caraussans lake and the Soulcem trail.

A fairly demanding hike through mountain pines and rhododendrons to reach the refuge and then the Étangs d'Ensagents, set in a predominantly mineral environment. The calm, the omnipresent water and the beauty of the landscapes more than compensate for the considerable effort required to negotiate a few very steep passages. A breath of fresh air just a few kilometres from the consumer frenzy of Pas de la Case.

Set amongst forests and mountain pastures, this stage will take you to the Perafita Refuge, the perfect spot to rest.

Third stage passing through the highest point in Andorra: Pic de Comapedrosa. A high-mountain stage with no particular difficulties apart from the climb to Portella de Baiau over scree and the descent along the somewhat exposed ridge of Pic de Comapedrosa.

More magnificent lakes are on the agenda, with the added bonus of a short chairlift ride on the Andorran side to rest your legs before the descent to L'Étang de Soulcem, which is very challenging in the last section.

Accessible via a route that takes climbers to the Pointe de Roumazet, this little-known pond is well worth a visit due to the uniqueness of its setting. Overhung by two sloping peaks shaped like gigantic horns, it is surrounded by scree slopes laden with iron ore, which explains the red colour of its waters. The aquatic plants lining its banks are a vivid fluorescent green, and the white deposit left on the stones by the stream flowing out of it (thus justifying its name, Riou Blanc) completes the palette of bright colours in this landscape that is both wild and intimate. The route, starting from Soulcem, first takes you to the Étang de Roumazet. Just before reaching it, turn right onto the path leading to the Port de Roumazet; you must then leave this path to follow the Riou Blanc upstream to the pass that overlooks the small plateau where the Étang Rouge de Riou Blanc is nestled.

A beautiful walk in the heart of the Soulcem valley to discover the crystal-clear waters of the Étang de Médécourbe.

In the large glacial cirque of Soulcem, this hike allows you to discover several high-altitude lakes with crystal-clear waters and sumptuous mineral landscapes that make you forget the considerable effort required, both on the way up and down. On the way back, a few horses of the Mérens breed and the magnificent Orris du Carla provide a pleasant end to the day.

A day-long hike taking you to an altitude of almost 3,000 metres and offering splendid views of the French and Spanish Pyrenees. The hike starts in the valley at 1,926 m and gradually climbs to the peak at 2,902 m. Plan to spend the day with a picnic on the banks of the Soucarrane lake, which is very pleasant in good weather. Please note that some sections along the ridges are not recommended for people who are prone to vertigo.

This high-altitude walk through a high-mountain landscape can also be turned into a short educational outing. The short journey back in time takes you to the orris at the bottom of the Soulcem valley on the border with Andorra and Spain. The numerous small dry-stone summer dwellings bear witness to the intense pastoral activity in the valley.

This is the sixth and final stage of the Tour des Géants des Trois Nations, which has a steep descent (1,800 m of elevation loss, which will hurt your joints) to return to the starting point of this journey. This stage passes by the Fourcat Waterfall, the beautiful Izourt Pond and the forests of Goulier-Auzat and Montcalm.

This beautiful and demanding hike allows you to discover several high-altitude lakes in an exceptional environment, including Estany del Querol, Estany de la Cabana Sorda and Estany d'Anrodat, to name but the most important. Other small lakes, some of which are unfortunately drying up, dot the route. After a particularly challenging descent, the return journey takes you along the Chemin de l'Ubac d'Inclès, which allows you to discover this beautiful valley as you walk alongside the Riu d'Inclès, close to pastures where cows, donkeys and horses graze in the summer. However, you will need to save your strength for the climb back up to the car park, which can be very tiring at the end of the walk.

A beautiful hike in the Mounicou Valley (Soulcem) that invites you to contemplate four little-visited lakes.The goal of the day is to discover the four Picot lakes! While the first two are rather unremarkable, thethird andfourth have a charm that strikes you as soon as you see them and rewards you for your efforts.

A beautiful two-day route through magnificent mountain scenery. Thirteen lakes are on the itinerary, with the added bonus of a short chairlift ride on the second day. Enough to satisfy even the most demanding hikers.

A magnificent hike in the upper Ariège in a spectacular setting. On the agenda for the day are the Etangs du Picot and the two Etangs Fourcat, which quickly make you forget the intense effort required during the climb.

The second day is a high-mountain stage passing through the highest point of this itinerary: Pic d'Estats, as well as two other peaks over 3,000 m nearby, Pic du Montcalm and Pic de Verdaguer. The route is largely over scree and rocky terrain, which will greatly appeal to mineral enthusiasts. The trail largely follows the Porta del Cel hike and the GR®T61. Although not particularly technical, this stage should not be taken lightly due to its altitude (three peaks over 3,000 metres), its length, its elevation gain and its trails composed of loose stones that can make progress difficult.