The Étangs des Esquits

Park in the car park at the foot of the Barrage des Bouillouses dam

(S/E). From the car park, climb to the left to reach the start of the dam. Take it to the right and head to the Refuge des Bouillouses, where you will find a sign indicating various hikes.

(1) Take the path on the left, following the Esquits route marked with GRP®/GR®10 signs. Walk through the forest on a very pleasant path and, a few metres further on, leave the GRP® on the left to stay on the GR®10 and reach the D60 road.

(2) Cross the Têt and take the path on the right, then another on the left about ten metres further on, leaving the GR®10. Climb gently and, after a short descent, you will reach the Étang Long.

(3) Walk along the right-hand side of the lake and climb uphill, before briefly descending some beautiful slopes that lead to the Étang Noir lake.

(4) Walk along the right side of the lake and, at the next intersection, continue straight ahead. Walk through a pleasant forest once again and reach Étang de la Pradelle.

(5) Walk along the left side of the lake. Ignore a path that comes in from the left and continue to an intersection where you will find the GR®10.

(6) Follow it to the right, then leave it a few metres after the refuge, when it branches off to the right.

(7) Stay on the track and turn right. Further on, rejoin the GRP® marked trail.

(8) Stay on the track and continue to Lac des Bouillouses (S/E).

Be careful at the Étang Long, as there are some rocky sections almost on the lake.

At Étang de la Pradelle, there is a refuge, ideal for a picnic break.

Various other hiking trails start from Lac des Bouillouses.