Laparan - La Peyre - Passerelle - Fontargente - Aston - Refuge du Rulhe

From Aston, take the D520a towards the Laparan dam. Pass the Riète dam and after 15 km of winding, narrow road, pass the Laparan dam and park in the car park on the left (information and directional signs).

Yellow markings

(S) Continue on the small road towards the bottom of the valley. Enjoy the scenery and the shade on a summer's day. Continue to the end of the road and the numerous cars parked along the road and the terminal car park.

(1) When you reach the flat section, with the car park above on the left, turn right and look for the footbridge below. Cross it, then continue along the left bank of the Ruisseau d'Aston. Climb up this very good path, enjoying the scenery to the full. Continue climbing, now following the Ruisseau de la Coume de Varilhes. Much higher up, the path curves to the left and arrives at a footbridge. This is a beautiful spot for a break.

Off the marked trail ( even though the route is shown on the IGN map)

(2) Cross the Ruisseau de la Coume de Varilhes via the footbridge and climb eastwards along a slightly more difficult path. Make a right turn to the south-east and begin a more difficult climb over rocks until you reach a relatively flat area (altitude 1,990 m).

(3) Continue climbing steeply southwards until you reach a rock face.

(4) Ignore the path leading off to the left (dead end). Continue to the right and climb steeply up a fairly wide path through scree. After a few switchbacks, pass a ledge and come out at a small pond. This is a very beautiful spot. Continue climbing and you will come out at the first of the Étangs de Fontargente. This is also a very beautiful spot.

(5) Follow it on the left and join a fork between the other two Étangs de Fontargente. Unfortunately, in August in particular, this place has become a beach with all that that entails...

Red and white markings for the GR® T66

(6) Follow the large Étang de Fontagente on the left and head towards its northern tip. Take care.

(7) Continue along the left side of the pond until you reach its spillway. Turn left just before it and cross the stream a little further down to continue on the right bank. There is no one here, but you will then begin a steep mountain path with rocky areas and natural steps to climb, etc. The landscape is very beautiful. Much further on and lower down, join the Aston stream (signpost).

(8) Cross it as best you can and head left on the right bank. Pass a rocky area and arrive at a faint fork. There is a small wooden sign on the right: follow it towards Refuge du Ruhle.

(9) Climb up to the right along a steep mountain path, which is eroded in places. Enjoy the beautiful scenery on this path as it climbs up the mountainside. You will come to a fresh spring on the right. The refuge is not far away! After one last climb, the refuge (E) comes into view. A very beautiful spot. End of the day's walk .

(!) Very important: there is no mobile phone reception at the start of the hike or at the refuge. Remember to download the map and GPX track in advance.

1:25,000 map or the Visorando PDF map, GPX track, snacks, etc., at least 2 litres of water. The only source of drinking water is 10 minutes from the refuge!

See the equipment required for the night at the refuge on the hike combining the two stages.

Allow 6 hours, possibly including a foot bath at the Étangs de Fontagente in L'Aston.

Pic du Rulhe.

The Refuge du Rulhe