Le Roc Blanc via the Étang du Laurenti then the Porteille de Barbouillère

A refuge, a large pond, a pass, a legendary peak and a small pass during this mountain hike.
The route is accurate. Do not cut corners. Natura 2000 site: specific rules apply.
Signposting in good condition (17 July 2021). There are very few directional posts.
Allow at least 5 hours’ walking time. Marked in yellow / red and yellow / unmarked sections.

Details

11970856
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 12.77 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 932 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 932 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,526 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,618 m

Photos

Description of the walk

From Quérigut: to reach the Laurenti car park. See § Practical Information.

Yellow and red markings ofthe GR® de Pays Tour du Donnezan

(S/E) With the refuge on your right, from the Laurenti car park continue due south along the track until you reach a picnic area after crossing the Ruisseau du Laurenti.

(1) Turn immediately left into the forest, heading due south along a path beside the stream. The path turns right towards the south-west and passes near the Cabane de Counc.

(2) Continue along the path to reach the Étang de Laurenti, overlooking it. Descend to the lake by crossing the footbridge that provides access, which requires you to cross the Ruisseau du Laurenti again.

(3) Walk along the right-hand side of the pond until you reach a large marshy area. Take care: the signposting is very basic.

(4) Turn south-west towards the rocky area you need to cross. Look out for the markings to make your way through the rocks more easily. The path straightens out with a steep gradient, continuing in the same direction.

(5) Head right, overlooking the small lake on your right below. Follow the markings carefully. The path steepens again, turning north-west towards the Col de Laurenti.

Yellow markings

(6) ‘'If you encounter any difficulties, do not proceed to the summit; instead, continue towards the Porteille de Barbouille.''
- Otherwise, from this pass, turn right heading due east along a well-marked path that climbs steadily.
You’ll reach a lovely open area with a magnificent view.

(7) ‘If you suffer from vertigo, stop here to enjoy the view and return to the Col du Laurenti.’
- Otherwise, head left and climb towards the Roc Blanc. Take care on the final few metres. *

(8) Enjoy the magnificent 360° panorama. Return to the Col du Laurenti.

Yellow and red markings ofthe GR® de Pays Tour du Donnezan

(6) Continue to the right along a path that is not very distinct but fairly well marked. Descend gently. *
Reach a rocky area to cross and arrive at the Porteille de Barbouillère after a gentle climb.
TheGR® 7A and theGR® de Pays Tour du Donnezan cross at this point. Leave the GRP®.

Red and white markings ofthe GR® 7A (and green dots)

(9) Turn right, now following oldGR® markings. The markings are unclear and could do with a refresh, but a good path leads easily to the Ruisseau de Barbouillère. Follow the GPX track, which matches the actual route and is a combination of IGN and OSM data.

(10) Continue along the stream, using the old red and white markings for guidance.

(11) Pass the Bousadus du Haut grazing area. Cross the Ruisseau du Fournet. Pass the other grazing area, Bousadus du Bas. Leave theGR® 7A.

No markings

(12) Alternative route: if in doubt, continue along theGR®, reaching the Plaine d’Artigues junction (elevation 1622m). Turn right onto the Bruyante forest track and return to the original fork.
- Otherwise, head right into the forest, cut across a small track and join the track further down.

(13) Turn right onto this track and head for the fork from the outward journey.

Yellow and red markings ofthe GR® de Pays Tour du Donnezan

(1) Continue straight ahead along the track and reach the (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,622 m - Car park - Refuge Forestier du Laurenti
  2. 1 : km 0.16 - alt. 1,620 m - Common junction A/R
  3. 2 : km 1.78 - alt. 1,851 m - Counc Hut
  4. 3 : km 2.61 - alt. 1,935 m - To the right. GRP - Étang de Laurenti
  5. 4 : km 3.07 - alt. 1,939 m - To the right. GRP
  6. 5 : km 4.28 - alt. 2,205 m - To the right. GRP
  7. 6 : km 5.02 - alt. 2,427 m - GRP junction for a return trip to the summit - Col de Laurenti
  8. 7 : km 5.35 - alt. 2,499 m - Viewpoint
  9. 8 : km 5.41 - alt. 2,526 m - Le Roc Blanc
  10. 9 : km 6.45 - alt. 2,261 m - Porteille de Barbouillère. Turn right. GR7A
  11. 10 : km 7.16 - alt. 2,057 m - GR 7A
  12. 11 : km 10.01 - alt. 1,746 m - Bousadus du Haut
  13. 12 : km 11.21 - alt. 1,658 m - Bousadus du Bas
  14. 13 : km 11.53 - alt. 1,645 m - To the right. Track suitable for vehicles
  15. S/E : km 12.77 - alt. 1,618 m - Car park - Refuge Forestier du Laurenti

Notes

From Quérigut, head towards Mont-Louis on the D16 for 3.5 km until you reach a yellow silo on the left (elevation 1469).
At this clear junction, turn right onto the track. Pass the Lac de Quérigut car park (elevation 1713 m) and arrive at the Laurenti car park (elevation 1617 m). Large car park, three tracks and a refuge.
- The access track is suitable for vehicles, but do take care if your vehicle has a low ground clearance...

This is a mountainous area. You will need: rain gear, water, snacks, GPX track, route description, map, GPS or Visorando app, camera, good walking boots, a walking stick.

Laurenti Forest Refuge (S/E) and Counc Hut (2).

I strongly recommend using the GPX track due to the lack of signposting.

  • From (6) to (8) and from (6) to 9:: although the paths are well marked, you’ll need to take extra care in wet conditions.

Worth a visit

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.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
apierre 34
apierre 34

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 26, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The start of the hike to the refuge isn't particularly interesting, but after that, the view of the white rock reflecting on the lake is magnificent. The 360° view from the summit is stunning, and the return trip is pleasant. A very beautiful hike!

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GAEL11
GAEL11

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 11, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello, everyone.
I did this yesterday, and I just wanted to clarify how to get to the car park at the starting point for Laurenti.
Contrary to what is indicated, you should not take the forest track that leads to the car park at the Querigut pond because there is a barrier there and you cannot go any further...
Enjoy your hike.

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nathy1
nathy1

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 10, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely walk; it was very busy up to Lake Laurenti, but after that, all the way to Roc Blanc, we didn’t see a soul. The track leading to the car park at the Laurenti refuge is in very poor condition.

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Gazoulette
Gazoulette

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 11, 2010
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent route I completed quite a few years ago, though in the opposite direction. The path leading up to the Porteille de Barbouillère was already rather unclear back then...I found the climb between the pass and the Col du Laurenti (between 6 and 9) quite demanding, as the presence of scree requires you to be very careful. But what a reward, both in terms of the scenery and the wildlife (marmots in the Barbouillère valley). A truly beautiful mountain route!

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