Country:
District:
The start is from the car park near the Refuge Forestier du Laurenti, on the forest road in very poor condition that we took from the hamlet of Le Pla on the D16.
(S/E) Head south towards the bend in the forest road and turn left into the forest onto theGRP® du Tour du Pays du Donezan. Follow the yellow and red markings for most of the hike.
The path climbs steeply southwards, then heads south-west and levels out at the Cabane de Counc meadow.
(1) Continue climbing until you reach a small ledge that blocks the basin where the Étang de Laurenti is located.
(2) Take the time to linger on the banks, sheltered by pine trees, while keeping an eye on the Roc Blanc, which dominates the valley floor on the right.
Walk along the right side of the lake and continue on theGRP®, which is almost flat at first, then climbs to follow the base of the Roc Blanc. The pretty Ruisseau de Laurenti flows below on the left.
(3) At a small pond, turn right at a 90° angle and continue to follow theGRP®, which then heads north-west and climbs quite steeply to the Col de Laurenti. This is the most challenging part and a break at the pass is welcome.
(4) Leave theGRP®, which descends, and continue towards the Porteille de Barbouillère. Turn right onto a very steep climb heading northeast, where cairns mark the path. The route is obvious.
(5) At the ridge, which offers an impressive view of the north face of Roc Blanc, turn right and quickly reach the peak.
(6). We are at an altitude of 2,542 metres and the view is breathtaking. The return journey is via the same route, from which you can enjoy a long, uninterrupted view of the Étang de Laurenti, which you passed on the way up.
After the lake, follow the same route back to the car park at the Laurenti forest refuge (S/E).
Visorando member
Moderate 
