Massif de Bassiès walks

This hike, accessible to all, offers a taste of the high mountains. After the Étang de Labant, the route leads to the Pic de Cabanatous, a marvellous lookout point over the Étangs de Bassiès and beyond to the great summits of the Ariège. On the way back, the Étang d'Alate is the perfect place to stop for a break before heading back to the Port de Saleix, a very important ancient communication route that facilitated trade between the Couserans and Vicdessos regions.

The granite cirque of Bassiès, near the Montcalm massif, is impressive for its size and its lakes. It is accessed from the right bank of the steeply-sided Bassiès stream via a comfortable but steep path that passes through a beautiful forest before coming out onto a rocky outcrop that marks the first lake. The descent is on the other bank, which is just as steep, following a well-maintained stony mule track.

A gentle walk to the Artigue waterfalls.

Loop starting from Alus-Les-Bains with varied landscapes. Hike to be undertaken after the snow has completely disappeared (check in advance). Several passages through peat, in the middle of streams and avalanche corridors.Please note: look carefully for markings and signposts, which are not always very visible.

The ascent is divided into two sections: the Cirque de Garbettou, which is easy to access, with its waterfall and streams, and the steeper, rockier climb towards the Étang du Garbet, with its turquoise-blue reflections, waterfall and occasional snowfields. 26/08/2024: According to reviews, allow a good 4 hours on average to complete this hike.

A fantastic getaway leading to one of the most beautiful and largest waterfalls in the Pyrenees.

A beautiful blue pond at the foot of the granite Mont Garias with a beautiful view of Mont Valier during the ascent

A magnificent route in the mid- and high-mountain range, with water features in the first part, then vast horizons opening up before your eyes. This circuit requires a good level of fitness but is well worth the effort. N.B. Please take into account the difficult sections at (3) and (6). Only to be attempted in very good weather: from (4) very difficult orientation in foggy weather and from (7) exposure to thunderstorms.

This hike, which presents no difficulty until you reach the foot of the Cirque de Cagateille, will make you sweat to reach the Étang de la Hillette. But it's well worth the effort to discover this little Pyrenean fjord!

Nice hike from the Cirque de Gérac with views of the valley and Mont Valier in the background. Two passages with iron steps and a succession of two ponds before arriving at the summer hut and the Étang de la Réglisse nestled at the foot of the cliffs.

Circular around Coumebière with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. It will allow you to discover the Étang de Labant, an old mine and the Girantes plateau, which is not as flat as its name might suggest, all at the foot of the 1,975 m Mont Ceint.

Boucle au départ d'Aulus-Les-Bains vers la cascade d'Ars et retour par la cascade du Fouillet. Randonnée très agréable, en forêt sur quasiment tout le parcours, avec pour récompense deux cascades mirifiques. Majestueuse, la cascade d'Ars est haute de 246 m en 3 ressauts et sa partie médiane large de 60 m. La cascade du Fouillet, de moindre envergure, est tout aussi belle et impressionnante.

An easy path leads to the Ars waterfall. A slightly more challenging trail climbs up the Ars valley to admire its ponds.

A difficult but exceptional hike offering panoramic views of the Ariège Pyrenees. After a steep climb to the Bassiès lakes, you will walk along them before gaining height and reaching the Pic de Cabanatous, a viewpoint offering a 360° view from Tarbésou to Mont Vallier.

First day completed during a three-day trip (August 2023) from Vicdessos (Val de Sos). Please note: the proposed route, which is in perfect condition, is only roughly marked except for the section of theGR®10. This hike is classified as difficult due to the need for good orientation skills, the poor condition ofthe GR®10, the numerous steps to climb, the duration, etc. If it is a simple return trip to the refuge via theGR®10, then the hike can be classified as moderate.

This is a fairly short hike that takes you to a summit steeped in history and offering superb panoramic views.

Explore the Fouillet Valley, starting with a descent offering a beautiful panorama of Mont Béas, the Pic des Trois Seigneurs and Mont Ceint, with the Dent d’Aubé also coming into view. The lush green Fouillet Valley contrasts with the rocky terrain at the last bridge at Casièrens. Please note that the start is poorly signposted; the return route follows theGR®®.The GPX track may prove very useful in places.

A very beautiful hike that follows a ridge line and offers magnificent views of the entire massif. This is a hike with a significant elevation gain, reserved for experienced hikers.

A tour of the resort, with views stretching from Valier to Mont Béas, passing through summer pastures and beech and fir forests.

A very beautiful circular hike to do in good weather. There are a few passages with cables and iron ladders, but they are not particularly difficult. The markings are sometimes unclear. This is a hike to be done at a leisurely pace, taking time to observe the flora and fauna. Allow for 7 hours rather than the average time automatically calculated.

A magnificent hike through varied landscapes along the entire route. The climb to Port de Bassiès is steady and not too difficult. Unfortunately, there is a 280 m descent to the refuge, which you will have to climb back up. Take advantage of the view of the lakes and the Pique Rouge cirque to rest for a while.

A lovely walk through the woods starting from Aulus-les-Bains, passing through the Plateau de Souliou.

This lovely circular walk takes you to the Refuge de Bassiès, over mountain passes, and past lakes and an old mine on the way back.

A lovely loop around the Ruisseau de l'Artigue and Estats. This loop allows you to avoid the crowds that can gather in summer due to the easy access to the waterfall and the canyoning activity.

This route is particularly lovely in fine weather and offers superb views of the Ariège Pyrenees, including a view of the Lower Pyrenees and, in particular, a 360° panorama from the Pic de Freychet.

A beautiful hike in the Uustou Valley, which passes through the hamlets of L'Echart and Ossèse, with numerous waterfalls (especially in spring). As a bonus, you can see the superb Lastien waterfall. A very beautiful hike with no difficulty. Most of the route is covered by vegetation (pleasant in strong sunlight).

This route offers a very pretty circular route providing access to a superb viewpoint over the entire massif. The Coumebière Plateau is a stunning grassy meadow leading to the Pas du Roc canyon. What’s more, vultures are often seen circling above the Pic de Girantès to take advantage of the updrafts, providing a great opportunity to take some magnificent photographs.

A very scenic walk through the Garbet Valley, offering views of the magnificent Cirque de Garbettou, Étang du Garbet and the wilder Étang Bleu, all three accompanied by their superb waterfalls.

This route is more exposed than the direct ascent via Agneserre. Few people use this route. It can also form the return leg of a circular route starting from Agneserre. See the alternative route in the practical information section. Please read the route description and practical information carefully before setting out on this hike.

A beautiful circular starting from Port de Lers, passing by Pic de Girantes (or Mont Ceint) with magnificent 360° views, then descending to Port de Saleix and climbing back up to Port de Bassiès with superb views of the refuge and the Bassiès lakes. Return via Pas de la Portère via a difficult climb.

Do not underestimate these two days, which pack in significant gradients over a relatively short distance.The first day is interesting for the discoveries it offers and a section with virtually no signposting. The arrival at the refuge is magnificent.Spending the night at the Refuge de Bassiès allows you to look forward to the return journey on the second day with greater peace of mind.A visit to the Étangs de Bassiès can be planned for the second day from the refuge, leaving some of your kit there. You can then collect all your kit for the challenging return walk to the Port de Lers car park.

This is an idyllic circular route in the Vicdessos Stream valley, starting from the hamlet of Marc, with a steep climb right from the start, followed by a good descent halfway through. The route follows dirt tracks or concrete paths.

Before heading back, there is the option of a return trip to the Étang de Bassiès from the refuge, leaving some of your luggage at the refuge.A fairly short second stage, with two steep ascents (19% to 38%): one from the Refuge de Bassiès to the Port de Bassiès, and the even more challenging one from the Port de Saleix to the Pic de Girantès or Mont Ceint. In fact, it is a rather gruelling, up-and-down stage, classified as difficult. The ascents and descents are on challenging trails (pebbles, rocks, scree). The whole day is spent in open country with stunning panoramic views. The route passes the beautiful Étang d’Alate.The relative altitude, between 1,520 m and 2,100 m, means this day’s walk is feasible even in the height of summer.

The first day takes you to the Refuge de Bassiès, passing huts, a valley, mountain passes, an old mine, a pond, and various cols and mountain passes. The stretch from the Col de las Fouzès to the Port de Bassiès is particularly beautiful.The route follows paths and tracks that are difficult due to their terrain (rock, scree, unmarked).See practical information * From (3) to (6) an unmarked path with gradients of 15% and 25%, with the presence of Patou dogs from (4). From (12) to (18) a marked path with gradients of 16% to 30%.The GPX track is necessary in places to avoid any confusion, as the route does not necessarily follow GR®, GRP® or PR® trails.Allow around 6 hours for the walk.

This hike is for experienced hikers who are comfortable using the app, as it takes place on unmarked roads and trails until the junction with the GR® Tour des Trois Seigneurs at the highest point of the Crêtes de Bège. The trails are old but still easily identifiable and easy to follow. However, you will need to be in good physical condition as there is a significant elevation gain over a relatively short distance. You will also need to be able to identify the best routes when you reach the rocky part of the ridge. From there, you will discover exceptional 360° panoramic views. The return journey, which is not particularly difficult, follows the GR® trail.