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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 route will take you to one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Pyrénées Orientales, at the Santa Maria de Belloc Chapel, along a path that exudes well-being.

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.

A beautiful getaway in the wild Lladure valley, starting from Lac de l'Olive, located on the road to the Formiguères ski resort.

A breathtaking hike with stunning landscapes and uninterrupted views, in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, starting from the Les Angles ski resort.

This route takes you through one of the most beautiful valleys in the Eastern Pyrenees, namely the Galbe Valley and its breathtaking landscapes in Capcir, starting from the typical and authentic village of Fontrabiouse. Point S/E moved - Route modified on 02/03/2023.

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 beautiful, unspoilt getaway that will allow you to discover three hamlets belonging to Enveitg.

A hike accessible to all, allowing you to discover the Angoustrine valley, which offers beautiful views throughout the route.

The Pic de Tarbésou circular route, starting from the Mijanès ski resort, passing by:Étang de Rabassoles,Étang Noir,Étang Bleu,the Col de la Coumeille de l'Ours,Pic de TarbésouReturn via the Crête de Mounégou.

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.

Ascent of Pic de Brasseil, known as Dent d'Orlu, starting from La Forge. The Dent d'Orlu is usually accessed from the Poêle à Frire car park at Jasse de Cabane Longue. It is a half-day hike. This itinerary suggests using the access track to this car park as an approach walk. This allows for a day's hiking and, what's more, a good warm-up before thefirst climb in the forest, which is quite steep.

Short summer hike above Font-Romeu. Option to take the Airelles cable car from Font-Romeu for the first part of the hike.

A very pretty, fairly gradual hike with a superb view at La Porteille.

Fairly long route with a significant elevation gain. It is possible to shorten this hike at two points. It can be done in two days with an overnight stay at the Camporells refuge. Torrential streams, huts, lakes, peaks, mountain huts, animals and spectacular landscapes await you. Camporells protected area: see the regulations in force; dogs must be kept on a lead. Free car parks. The hike is fully marked. Except for the option that avoids the bends on the track from (10) to (13).

Updated and compliant as of 12 September 2022. This 50 km journey with 2,700 m of elevation gain over 4 days starts at the Bouillouses dam. Rated as difficult*, it offers a variety of vegetation and climates. Passage between Ariège and the Pyrénées Orientales. Snowfields at the start of the season at Coll de Coma d'Anyell.Stages 1 and 3 can be classified as difficult +.Every evening, there is a comfortable place to rest and eat. This trip can be adapted and started from different locations. See Practical Information. Bear in mind that starting from a different location will add time and probably elevation gain on the first day.

This demanding hike requires a good sense of direction. It first leads to the Étang de Balbonne lake and then continues off-trail to join theGR®7B. The return journey is on the Vallée d'Orlu side to reach the Col de l'Egue and then descend to the Estagnet. Magnificent landscapes where water is omnipresent, but you will have to work hard to reach them, sparing no effort to cross the steepest sections such as the aptly named Échelle de Balbonne.

The Pic de Baxouillade dominates the Galbe, Laurenti and Orlu valleys. The access path through the Galbe valley, which is fairly quiet, climbs gradually through wide mountain pastures and passes close to two lakes, including the Portella d'Orlu. The only difficulty on the hike is a steep section in a couloir at 2,450 metres, where you will need to use your hands on the rock to help you climb, but it is not rock climbing.

First challenging stage of discovery in a preserved environment. Basic map reading and orienteering skills are required. The GPX track on Visorando or on a GPS device is very useful from the start and at the numerous junctions. It is entirely possible to shorten the route if necessary: see practical information.