Mérens – L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre via the Bésines refuge

Red and white markings for the^GR®10–^GR®107variant

(S) From the hostel, head up towards the Chapelle Saint-Pierre de Mérens-d’en-Haut and cut across all the hairpin bends in the road via a stony track. Join the road at a crossroads and a car park. Directional signposts.

(1) Turn right, heading due south along the^GR®10, towards Les Bésines. After 150 metres on tarmac, you’ll reach the start of a path on the left.

(2) Head up to the left along this path. Pass the hot springs on your left. Then continue climbing to the right along the^GR®10.

(3) Admire the waterfall, known as the Saut du Nabreil. Continue the climb.

(4) Cross a steel footbridge. Walk along the left bank of the Ruisseau du Nabre and reach a fork in the path.

(5) Carry on climbing even more steeply due south. You’ll reach the Étang de l’Estagnas on your left at an elevation of 2056.

(6) The gradient becomes very steep and the path levels out. Don’t hesitate to take a few breaks to enjoy this beautiful scenery. With one final effort, reach the Porteille des Bésines, marked by a huge cairn at an elevation of 2333.
There’sa stunning view from this pass. It’s a lovely, spacious spot for a well-deserved lunch break.

(7) Then head down due south, south-west. Further down, the approach to the refuge involves climbing up and down rocky terrain. This is the official^GR®10route. You’ll reach a relatively flat area near the Refuge des Bésines: drinking water, meals, drinks. Signposts.

(8) Head straight south down to a fork in the path a little further down.

White and red markings. It is easy to get confused due to the many paths crossing at this point.

(9) Leave the^GR®10–^GR®107variant and^GRP® and head left.
Turn right onto the^GR®107Ctowards the Étang des Bésines. Walk along its left-hand side until you reach the EDF dam facilities and the dilapidated Cabane des Bésines.

(10) Continue along the old railway right-of-way used during the construction of the dam.

(11) Leave the old railway line and turn right, now heading downhill, and continue along this balcony path.

(12) As you pass the Crête du Tos Bessateil, carry on straight ahead on the^GR®107C. Begin the descent proper. Pass the small waterfall on the Ruisseau d’Espousouillette. You’ll reach a clearly marked junction.

(13) Leave the climb to Puymorens on your left and continue along the right-hand branch of^{the GR®107}towards Hospitalet for about 500 m.

(14) Turn right and join the N22.

(15) Cross this road carefully and continue straight ahead along the path above the village. You’ll arrive at the square in L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre. Continue for 20 m and turn right.

(E) L’Hospitalité stopover lodge: today’s stopover.

Mountain environment: you will therefore need suitable kit, including: warm clothing and rainwear, two litres of water, walking poles, a compass, GPS or Visorando, a 1:25,000 map, a GPX track and route description.

L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre: lodge, hotel, grocery shop, fast-food outlets, TER train, bus.

Drinking water available at (S) and the Bésines hostel and refuge (8).

If you run into any problems, you can cut the trip short here and travel to Ax by public transport.

Lodge of Hospitality. Very friendly welcome (new manager), single rooms available, bar.