The Biros Valley – Circular Tour from Sentein to the Refuge d’Eylie

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Two days, exploring both sides of the cool Biros Valley through which the River Lez flows, in a very mountainous setting.
One night’s stay in the hamlet of Eylie d’en Haut. The mountain refuge and dining area are separate and welcoming.
Both days are spent largely on marked trails, but these are challenging, sometimes steep and often very steep.
- The first day is challenging, with 1,200 metres of ascent and 900 metres of descent. Do not underestimate it. The descent from the Col des Cos is not straightforward due to the patous and the path being difficult to follow, despite the markings, as well as the crossing of the Ruisseau du Haurendech (torrent). The views make you forget these difficulties.
- The second day begins with a very steep climb (25 per cent gradient). Then, the beautiful balcony path requires great caution as it is not maintained and is very narrow. After the Col des Cassaings, conditions improve. The views make you forget these difficulties.

Details

n°100948103
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 19.11 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 6,572 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 6,558 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 5,492 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,316 ft

Photos

Cabane du Col des Cassaings
Anciennes installation minières
Ancienne cabane en pierre du berger
Le hameau d'Eylie d'en Haut

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S
    De Sentein au Refuge d'Eylie par la Vallée de l'Isard et le Col des Cos

    From Sentein to the Refuge d’Eylie via the Vallée de l’Isard and the Col des Cos

    ↔8.68 mi ↗3,747 ft ↘2,864 ft
    First day of this trip to the Refuge d’Eylie. A day not to be underestimated.Set off from Sentein along an old track, then take the small road up to Bencarrech, joining the GRP® Tour du Biros. The GRP® in the Isard Valley crosses to the other bank via the Illa Maria footbridge. It then passes the Passerelle du Pichès on the right and begins a steep climb. From there, a PR® trail leads to the Col des Cos (mountain hut, fountain). This is followed by a tricky descent due to fallen trees blocking the path (PR®). After at least 6 hours’ walking, including breaks, with 1,200 m of ascent and 900 m of descent, the Eylie restaurant and bar is a welcome sight.
    View the route
  2. E
    Du Refuge d'Eylie à Sentein par le Bois de Laspé et le Col des Cassaings

    From the Refuge d’Eylie to Sentein via the Bois de Laspé and the Col des Cassaings

    ↔10.40 mi ↗2,825 ft ↘3,684 ft
    Second day of this trip to the Refuge d’Eylie. A day not to be underestimated.Classified as difficult due to an average gradient (slope) of 24% from (1) to (3). Afterwards, the GR®10 access trail – GRP® Tour du Biros – is very narrow, poorly maintained and at times dangerous due to low-lying, slippery rhododendrons: it is a north-facing slope. There are moments of respite in the woods, where the path is fairly wide and very well signposted. From the Col des Cassaings onwards, conditions improve. The highlights of this balcony trail are the numerous viewpoints from (3) to (4) and from (4) to (6).After at least 6 hours’ walking, including breaks, with 900 m ascent and 1,150 m descent, the arrival at the Ostal du Biros in Bonac is a welcome relief. From there, it’s a 25-minute drive along a very quiet road back to Sentein (E).
    View the route

Notes

Don’t forget the essential kit for this multi-day route with an overnight stay in a mountain refuge: sleeping bag liner, a change of clothes, toiletries, first-aid kit, mobile phone, GPS, map, rain and sun protection, etc. Don’t forget to book your overnight stay at the Refuge d’Eylie, which only has 14 beds. Walking poles may be useful on certain sections of this route. Bring a cheque or cash for various expenses at the Eylie Lodge.

To get to the start of this circular route:
_ LiO Ariège public transport
_ From Saint-Girons, head towards Castillon-en-Conserans via the D618 then the D4. Continue along the D4. Pass Les Bordes-sur-Lez (follow the river). Cross the Pont de Bordes, pass through Bonac and arrive at Sentein. Park in the centre of the village in the large car park on the left.

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.

Other walks in the area

Walking From Sentein to the Refuge d’Eylie via the Vallée de l’Isard and the Col des Cos

Visorando Member
De Sentein au Refuge d'Eylie par la Vallée de l'Isard et le Col des Cos
↔8.68 mi ↗+3,747 ft ↘-2,864 ft ◔7h 15 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Sentein (Ariège)
First day of this trip to the Refuge d’Eylie. A day not to be underestimated.Set off from Sentein along an old track, then take the small road up to Bencarrech, joining the GRP® Tour du Biros. The GRP® in the Isard Valley crosses to the other bank via the Illa Maria footbridge. It then passes the Passerelle du Pichès on the right and begins a steep climb. From there, a PR® trail leads to the Col des Cos (mountain hut, fountain). This is followed by a tricky descent due to fallen trees blocking the path (PR®). After at least 6 hours’ walking, including breaks, with 1,200 m of ascent and 900 m of descent, the Eylie restaurant and bar is a welcome sight.

Walking Pic de l'Arraing route

Visorando Member
Circuit du Pic de l'Arraing
↔9.94 mi ↗+3,678 ft ↘-3,688 ft ◔7h 45 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Sentein (Ariège)
A circular loop to climb Pic de l'Arraing via Pic de Sérau, following the pretty ridges.

Walking Tour du Mail des Morères

Association / Club / Walk leader
Tour du Mail des Morères
↔5.16 mi ↗+2,198 ft ↘-2,192 ft ◔4h 15 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Antras (Ariège)
The route is mainly in the shade. Only the summit is in full sun from the village of Antras. The climb up the Col de Mourères is not difficult. A beautiful walk on the Balcon du Biros

Walking The Étang d'Araing Refuge as seen from the Anglade car park

Visorando Member
Le Refuge de l'Étang d'Araing depuis le parking d'Anglade
↔6.20 mi ↗+4,065 ft ↘-305 ft ◔6h 25 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Sentein (Ariège)
First stage of the Petit Tour du Biros.From the Anglade car park, a steady climb along theGRP®® Tour du Biros to the Passerelle des Pichès, then a detour via the Chapel and the Cabane Forestière de l'Isard.Then, after returning to theGRP®®, you arrive at the Cabane d'Illau.This is followed by a steep climb up to just below the Étang d’Araing dam and finally the arrival at the Refuge Jacques Husson de l’Étang d’Araing.This stage is only feasible when there is no snow, from late May until the huts close or the first snowfall begins.

Walking The short Tour du Biros

Visorando Member
Le petit Tour du Biros
↔19.78 mi ↗+8,130 ft ↘-8,127 ft ◔3 days ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Sentein (Ariège)
Suggestion for a shorter Tour du Biros with alternative routes.Start from the Anglade car park (Frechendech).A fairly challenging first stage with an alternative route via La Chapelle and the Maison Forestière de l'Isard.A second stage exploring an old lead and zinc mine, preceded by the ascent of the Pic de l’Har.A third, more leisurely stage, but over rough terrain, on a path damaged by fallen trees and the absence of a footbridge over a torrent.This route is only feasible when there is no snow, from late May until the mountain huts close or the first snowfall begins.

Walking Pic de Crabère via the Étang d'Araing

Visorando Member
↔15.99 mi ↗+6,365 ft ↘-6,378 ft ◔12h 55 ▲Very difficult
⚑Departure from Sentein (Ariège)
This large circular takes us through varied landscapes, discovering the riches of the Couserans. The Pic de Crabère is the remarkable highlight of this beautiful journey. From its height of 2,630 metres, you can see the high peaks of the Ariège and Luchonnais on either side, while to the south, the Aneto massif dominates the landscape. To fully enjoy this long hike, don't hesitate to stop for the night at the Étang d'Araing refuge. You'll have a front-row seat to watch the magical spectacle of the sunset over the Pic de Crabère.

Walking Illau Cabin and Isard Chapel

Visorando Member
Cabane d'Illau et Chapelle de l'Isard
↔8.75 mi ↗+2,618 ft ↘-2,625 ft ◔6h 20 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Sentein (Ariège)
Torrential streams, forests, mountain pastures, panoramic views, huts and chapels await you on this hike at the bottom of the Biros valley.

Walking Pics of the Arraing and Serau in a circular loop from Balacet

Visorando Member
↔7.36 mi ↗+3,087 ft ↘-3,074 ft ◔6h 05 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Balacet (Ariège)
A beautiful ridge walk offering magnificent views of the Pyrenean mountains, including Mont Valier and the Piedmont. Moderately challenging, it is fairly easy to complete. It is possible to stay overnight at the Cabane de l'Arraing: maximum four to five places.

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