The walk around Étang du Laurenti

Discover the Étang de Laurenti, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Ariège region, which reveals all the magic of the Donezan, a mountain range rightly nicknamed ‘the little Quebec of the Ariège’.
On arrival, after passing through a beautiful forest of beech and fir trees, you’ll discover, in an enchanting and majestic setting, a lake fringed with pine trees, nestled at the foot of the Roc Blanc.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.39 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 344 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 336 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,952 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,617 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the designated car park, near the Refuge Forestier du Laurenti. See the important note in the ‘Practical Information’ section regarding access to the car park.

Yellow and red markings

(S/E) Head south, following the bend in the forest road until it ends.

(1) Turn left into the forest onto the GRP® du Tour du Pays du Donezan. Follow this path as it climbs due south, alongside the stream. The path turns right towards the south-west and passes near the Cabane de Counc.

(2) Continue along the path until you 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, as the signposting is very sparse.

No further signposting

(4) Leave theGRP® here and continue around the lake. Cross the Ruisseau de Laurenti, then continue slightly away from the shore, before reaching the junction at the lake.

Yellow and red markings

(3) Retrace your steps along the route you took on the way out to return to the Refuge Forestier car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 1,617 m - Car park at - Refuge Forestier du Laurenti
  2. 1 : km 0.15 - alt. 1,620 m - Junction
  3. 2 : km 1.78 - alt. 1,851 m - Counc Hut
  4. 3 : km 2.61 - alt. 1,935 m - Étang de Laurenti
  5. 4 : km 3.08 - alt. 1,940 m - GRP junction – footpath
  6. S/E : km 6.39 - alt. 1,617 m - Car park at - Refuge Forestier du Laurenti

Notes

Please note: The Laurenti forest road, which you must take from the hamlet of Pla, off the D16, is in very poor condition. Allow 45 minutes to cover it, driving carefully.

There are no water points on the route. You must therefore bring sufficient supplies.

Most of the ascent is in the shade, sheltered by trees, except for the final section of the route before reaching the pond, which is exposed.

There are a few rocky sections, particularly towards the end. Good hiking boots that provide good ankle support are therefore essential. Take great care on the descent.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
mainbrise
mainbrise

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An easy hike to reach the beautiful Lake Laurenti.
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful sites in the Capcir Donezan area
The climb is quite steep but not difficult.
To reach the car park, the forest road from Pla is suitable for all types of vehicle.
However, avoid the alternative route that leaves from Mas near Querigut at all costs. This section of road is completely ruined.

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Rémi-
Rémi-

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 13, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A brilliant camping trip with my 6-year-old son. He caught his first trout!

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KATELINE1976
KATELINE1976

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I first did this hike in July 2017 and did it again in early August 2023. Pure bliss!
Not many people on the trail, a few more around the lake.
A very pleasant, shaded and easy climb, though it may seem a bit steep to some people.
You need to be careful as there are large stones that can be slippery, and watch out for tripping over the pine roots.
The arrival at the lake is splendid; the lake itself is simply magnificent.
As mentioned, the forest track leading to the car park is in very, very poor condition... avoid coming in a car with low ground clearance...
A hike I recommend 100%

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mc39
mc39

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hello
I went on this hike in June 2017 and wouldn’t hesitate to do it again given how beautiful the area is
The approach is fairly easy and pleasant, with the stream running alongside the path, then the arrival at the lake, surrounded by mountains reflected in its waters
A hike to recommend
Best regards

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