Massif du Carlit walks

A classic in the Eastern Pyrenees, this route takes you to the highest point in the department (2,921 metres), passing by more than a dozen small mountain lakes.

Beautiful views of the Carlit. Three-quarters of the route is shaded near the lakes. Rhododendrons, blueberries, etc.

A circular hike around the Étangs de Rabassoles lakes via the Pic de Tarbésou (2,364 metres), which offers magnificent views of the surrounding 2,000-metre peaks.

Part of the long route (9 days) around Carlit, travelling from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.

A beautiful hike in the eastern Pyrenees, about thirty kilometres from Villefranche-sur-Conflent. The site is superb, nicknamed the "Canadian Pyrenees", and you can see horses roaming free. The main loop takes 2½ hours, but you can add an extra hour to see a few more ponds and pass by the foot of Pic Carlit. It's well worth it.

The Dent d'Orlu or Pic de Brasseil is known to climbers for its south-east and south faces, the latter offering a vertical wall of over 1,000 metres. However, its north face, although very steep, is accessible for hiking, as described here. It offers an interesting viewpoint over the Ariège mountains as a whole due to its central position.

This pleasant hike will take you to the charming village of Orgeix, where you can explore its castle on the shores of Lake Campauleil.

In the Orgeix Valley, this very varied hike on a well-marked trail to a beautiful glacial lake can be divided into three parts: a beech forest where you walk not far from the stream and its small waterfalls, meadows at the edge of the forest, and finally a series of small glacial locks leading to the lake's spillway. You can then climb the Pic de l'Homme, which is easily accessible via the ridge from the Lac d'Aygue Longue, passing through the Col de la Parade.

The Camporells Lakes are magnificent. This loop is varied and avoids having to make a return trip. The outward journey is little known and you don't come across many people.

A first pretty lake with a view of Carlit and a little less crowded than the surrounding lakes, then a return via Lac d'Aude with a beautiful view of Lac des Bouillouses and Carlit.

A pleasant, short and easy walk with little elevation gain. Moderator's warning on 18/02/2021: It seems that this hike is impossible in winter; see the comments at the bottom of the page

This is an easy hike offering magnificent views of the Cerdagne plateau, the Carlit massif, the Pérics, the Cambre d'Aze, the Puigmal and the Sierra Del Caddi in Spain.

A magnificent hike through forests and meadows to discover three lakes surrounded by peaks.

This summit is a magnificent viewpoint overlooking much of the Aude, the Pyrénées-Orientales and the Ariège. This ridge walk takes you to the Étang Noir and Étang Bleu lakes. These lakes are bordered by small pine groves where you can relax.

A pleasant loop starting from the Angles Animal Park. A passage by the Lac d'Aude then a view of the Lac des Bouillousses. At Corrals del Lloret, a beautiful herd of cows with their calves. A few almost wild horses. Mont Llauret and Roc d'Aude at the end to see the surroundings.

This climb in the sunny Pyrenees is a real classic, which means it can get quite busy in good weather. However, the magnificent Étang de Laurenti and the 360° view from the summit of Roc Blanc are well worth the effort required during the hike.

A high-altitude forest walk to one of the most famous lakes in the Haute-Ariège. This walk through a very wooded and therefore very shady area takes you to a large lake before starting the climb to an ideally located refuge. From this refuge, you can then reach others, En Beys and Les Bouillouses.

This is a short loop for a family walk, but it offers a fantastic view of the Cerdagne from La Solana (with marmots as a bonus). Allow a good hour for the climb and the same for the descent.

A lovely loop offering 360° views and glimpses of the Capcir, Madres and Canigou peaks. Added to this are the two magnificent lakes you pass by. Part of the hike is off-trail, so you need to know how to find your way.

Starting from Les Angles resort, discover the ruins of the Iglesieta and Lake Balcère on a hike that is mostly through the woods and not particularly difficult.

This is a beautiful snowshoe hike at an altitude of 2,000 metres. It can also be done in summer. The only problem is the mandatory parking area, which is lower down. The shuttle buses operating during this period may stop at this car park.

Hiking along the Oriège River to the Refuge d'En Beys. ⚠️ You are entering the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

A lovely little loop along the stream and through the forest.

An easy hike from the Col de Pailhères. Magnificent 360° panorama from the summit of Tarbésou (2,364 m), then descent into a slightly more mineral landscape towards the Étang Noir de Rabassoles. The climb up to the Col de la Coumeilles de l'Ours is fairly quick, then a gentle descent back to the Col de Pailhères through the mountain pines.

The Col de Joux is the only crossing point between the Ariège and Orgeix valleys. This mid-mountain route starts in open terrain and then enters the Ax-les-Thermes communal forest. The ridge passages offer beautiful views of the surrounding peaks, the most iconic of which is undoubtedly the Dent d'Orlu, whose south face is clearly visible. Herds of cows and horses complete the picture.

Snow hike. Snowshoes are recommended for this magnificent tour of the Esquits lakes. In winter, crossing the ski slopes can be tricky (steep slope and high speed of skiers: black run).

A hike starting from Orlu to discover the largest lake in the Ariège Pyrenees!

A lovely circular walk in the forest, from Pyrénées 2000 to Coll del Pam (col du lopin de terre). Viewpoint over the mountains from Carlit to Canigou at the end.

A beautiful hike not far from the Ascou-Pailhères resort. On the agenda are the magnificent Pic de Tarbesou viewpoint (2364m) and the three Rabassoles lakes. To spice things up, the last part requires good navigation skills to find your way.

A beautiful family walk open to all around Lac de Balcère (Estany de Vallsera) with the opportunity to discover the ruins of the Church of Vallsera.

Peak accessible from the car park before La Restanque, with a view of the Dent d'Orlu.See practical information ¹GPX track highly recommended.

This hike is best done at the end of October. If the weather is favourable, the "French Quebec" will dazzle you with its autumn colours. But there's nothing to stop you coming back in spring or summer. There are some beautiful views of the plateau and its villages: Rouze, Mijanes, Artigues, Le Pla, Le Puch, Quérigut and the peaks overlooking Donezan. The first half of the route follows the Vauban trail.

Part of the long route (9 stages) around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Tour des Pérics and using various marked trails,GRP® andGR® in the area. Initial stage designed to ease you gently into the hike.

A wonderful, refreshing getaway, accessible to all, in the heart of unspoilt wilderness at the foot of the "roof" of the Pyrénées-Orientales. An ideal route for immersing yourself in the beauty of the high-altitude landscapes around the listed site of Les Bouillouses. A refreshing hike that I recommend doing at dawn. ⚠️ Restricted access: see practical information.

Wild and beautiful landscapes with blue ponds.

Significant elevation gain over a relatively short distance. Magnificent landscapes in a very wild mountain setting. Numerous ponds along the way. A magnificent view from the Couillade d'en Beys. The effort is rewarded throughout the day. ⚠️ Stay on the marked trails: GRP® Tour de la Montagne d'Ax, as you are on the edge of or within the National Reserve.

Amendment on 12 September 2022: new route marked on the ground, approved on Saturday 10 September 2022.Third stage of the Tour des Pérics. Day classified as difficult. Short distance but difficult terrain.The climb from the refuge d'en Beys to the passage through the Orlu Reserve (2,400 m) is difficult.The balcony path from (6) to (8) is very beautiful. ⚠️ From (S/E) to (5)you are in the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Fourth and final stage of the tour of the Orlu and Montagne d'Ax reserves.I have classified this stage as difficult because of the 1,650 m descent on a steep and sometimes damaged path.The view from the Couillade d'en Beys (3) to the dam (8) is magnificent.The stage begins by heading in the opposite direction to the previous day's route, taking theGR®®107and theGRP®® Tour des Pérics andGRP®® Tour des Montagnes d'Ax. At (2), be careful to turn right, west, onto theGRP®® Tour des Montagnes d'Ax, and continue until you reach the end of the four-day hike.The estimated time is underestimated: the descent is difficult on steep and degraded paths after the Couillade d'en Beys (3). ⚠️ From (S/E) to (10), you are on the edge of or within the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Modification on 12 September 2022: addition of the Petit Péric ascent validated on Thursday 8 September 2022.This first stage of the Tour des Pérics is enhanced by beautiful landscapes.It offers a taste of the mountain scenery that will be encountered during these four days.Vehicles must be left in the free car park. See the practical information section*.In summer, you must take a paid shuttle bus to Lac des Bouillouses. See the practical information section **. Please note: from (8), you must have the GPX track or a very good sense of direction to attempt the ascent of Petit Peric.

Part of the long itinerary (9 days) around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.

Part of the long (9-day) itinerary around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.

A beautiful border getaway between the Pyrénées Orientales and Ariège that will take you to the wild Étang de Quérigut in Donezan.

Part of the long itinerary (9 days) around Carlit, travelling from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails. ⚠️ You are entering the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Beautiful mountain stages are on the programme. Comfortable accommodation and meals await you every evening.Two departments, different types of landscapes, crossing a nature reserve, a long descent along a torrent, mountain ponds and lakes, wide open spaces await you...Note: this trip is accessible by public transport and can start from Mérens-les-Vals. See Practical Information. Another note: users have complained about the descent at the end of the four days. This trip can be done in the opposite direction to the description. But in this case, remember to save the four stages (base maps and gpx track) to help you find your way.

The second stage of this circuit is rocky at first, then more rolling. The whole thing is enchanting.The trail is well marked. ⚠️ From (S/E) to (3), you are in the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Second stage of the Tour Des Pérics.This stage should only be undertaken in good weather and when there is no fog.Otherwise, you must use the Visorando app or a GPS device to track your route. ⚠️ You are entering the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where certain regulations must be observed. See practical information.

A wild route to the source of the Aude (or Auda) river, starting from the iconic Lac des Bouillouses. On the agenda: breathtaking views of the Carlit and even the Canigó, streams to cross, pine forests, wide open spaces and, of course, lakes.Please note that access to Les Bouillouses is restricted (check with the departmental council or the Pyrénées Catalanes tourist office).

The third stage takes you through Cerdagne, in the Eastern Pyrenees.The return trip along the ridge (3) to (4) should be done in the absence of fog, rain or frost.I have classified this hike as difficult due to the ridge crossing from (4) to (5) and the descent through the rocks from the Faury pond (10) to the En Beys refuge (E).There are numerous places to stop for a break at the lakes along the way.Be careful of the multiple marked trails:GR®®10-GR®®107-GR®®107-GR®®107(variant) andGRP®® Tour des Pérics -GRP®® Tour des Montagnes d'Ax. Follow the description, the GPX track and the signs on the ground carefully. ⚠️ From (8) to (E)you are in the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Part of the long (9-day) itinerary around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.

A fantastic hike in the Donezan, allowing you to discover all of its villages and rich heritage.The main difficulty of this route is its length, covering nearly 20 km.Best enjoyed in autumn, when the flamboyant colours of Donezan offer landscapes of exceptional beauty.