Lac de l'Estagnol (2122m) walks

This second day is exceptional. Most of it takes place on ridges from which you can see the Ax 3 Domaines resort on one side and the Plateau de Beille on the other. And everywhere, there are lakes and breathtaking landscapes. This stage is long (nearly 18 km), but you'll never want it to end before you descend into the valley through the forest. It's best to have someone waiting for you in the valley, or else you can reach Ax-les-Thermes on foot or by bus. Be aware that as you will be taking photos and spending time admiring the landscape, you should allow 6½ to 7 hours for the whole trip.

From the start of the hike, pay attention to the common white and red GR® T66 and GR®10 markings, as there are several crossroads and forks in the trail. Please note: the hike is in open terrain until the descent into the forest, well after the Rieutort hut.From the refuge, via the Crête des Isards and up to the Col de la Didorte, what a view! Of course, you need to be very careful on this ridge, which is often steep and jagged. But as soon as you stop, you can enjoy a 360° panorama.The steep descent to the Rieutort hut is on a narrow but safe path, offering beautiful views. The return to the road is not easy, but the path (GR®T66), although steep in places, is well marked throughout the descent.

This third stage of the route linking Ax-les-Thermes to Latour de Carol takes you to Pas de la Case… and its hotels and refreshment stops; it is an easy, somewhat long stage that takes place at altitude, mainly along the gentle, grassy ridges of Andorra, but without any difficulty. It is best to tackle this stage in good weather, as landmarks can be misleading, especially if fog sets in.

Please note: the approach walk along the road is the only part of the hike that is in the shade if you set off early enough in the morning. This is the only way to complete this loop. It may seem tedious, but the landscape is very beautiful.The hike can be classified as quite difficult. After the footbridge over the Ruisseau de la Coume de Varilhes, the path is not easy: steep, with steps, a paved scree slope, a ledge to cross, etc. But once you reach the top, you will be rewarded. Then the GR®T66 from the largest of the Étang de Fontagente lakes to the refuge is more of the same. This is definitely a mountain hike.

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.

First day’s hike to the Refuge du Rulhe.With a 1,000 m elevation gain over 5.5 km, the average gradient of the climb to the Pyramide de Lherbés is 18%. IBP difficulty rating = 105 (“very difficult” for a hiker of average fitness).Allow 6½ hours with a light rucksack.This day takes place in the high mountains, far from any roads, tracks, etc.The landscapes and environments you’ll pass through are majestic.

A long hike in Haute Ariège to admire the lakes, ridges and magical landscapes with a stop at the ideally located Refuge de Rulhe, an opportunity to taste the local rataf'. On the second day, you can admire the whole area from the ridges.

This is a magnificent hike that starts from the Plateau du Saquet, and therefore the Ax 3 Domaines ski slopes, and ends at the Refuge de Rulhe, where a good local rataf will do you good. Once you reach the top of the resort, long desert plateaus await you before you descend into the austere scree slopes at the foot of Rulhe and finish sliding down to the Refuge de Rulhe. This first stage is wild and challenging, in the scree slopes. Be careful on the descent from the Col de Lhasse, which is very steep (but the GR® is well marked).

The fourth stage of the route linking Ax-les-Thermes to Latour-de-Carol. A beautiful high-mountain stage with no significant difficulties but featuring some elevation gain. This stage sets off from Pas de la Case, followed by two small passes and then, a little further down, the Portella Blanca – the ‘white gate’ – which opens onto the descent into the Engaït valley before a final pass. It ends with the descent to the Jhaquim Floch i Girona refuge, which is in poor condition but offers a safe shelter.

Part of the long (9-day) itinerary around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.