Pradières d’en haut car park – Étang d’Izourt – Refuge du Fourcat

From Tarascon-sur-Ariège, head towards Vicdessos via the D8. Then follow the signs for Auzat, staying on the D8. On leaving the village, continue towards Marc, still on the D8. Please note: after 2 km, turn left and head uphill along the hairpin bends towards Artiès, then carry on straight on to Pradières d’en haut. Park 400 m further on in the large, designated car park below on the right.

Please note: there is a risk of confusion with the red and white markings for the^GR®10,^GR®10Aand GRT64 routes, which you should follow.

White and red markings for^{the GR®10}.

(S) Continue to the far end of the car park, following the markings and signposts. Cross the footbridges and reach the end of the road leading to the Pradières Power Station. Follow a track for a few metres.

(1) Turn right and head steeply uphill through the forest. The path emerges from the trees and offers some beautiful views. Continue the climb, keeping parallel to the EDF cable car, which is still in operation. You’ll reach the Étang d’Izourt Shepherd’s Hut, reserved for the shepherd during the summer grazing season.
A few information boards explain the rich human history of this place.

(2) Directional signs without details of the various^{GR® routes.}
Stay on level ground with the dam on your right until the next junction.

Red and white markings for^{the GR®10A}.

(3) Let the rest of the^GR®10branch off to the left. Continue straight on along the^GR®10A.

(4) Take care: markings are missing or unclear. No directional signs.
Do not head down towards the Étang d’Izourt. Climb slightly towards the east and ignore a yellow painted sign indicating: Petsiguer.
Stay on the hillside above the pond, heading south. You’ll come across the poorly marked^GR®10Atrail again.
Reach the far end of the pond . Magnificent view due north. A lovely spot for a well-deserved first break.

(5) Continue due south along a path that climbs very steeply up into the mountain pastures. You’ll reach a poorly marked junction, still with no signposting, at the Orri de la Caudière. A second break is possible here.

(6) Take care: there are no markings and the route is confusing.
Turn right and immediately cross an old footbridge over the Ruisseau de la Caudière.
The path heads south-west and climbs very steeply once again through the mountain pastures. After a short section with a rope, the route continues over rocky ground. This is where the mountain section begins.
You’ll reach the first Petit Étang Fourcat. Another lovely spot for a break.

(7) Continue to the right of these ponds and climb much more gently towards the clearly visible mountain hut opposite. You’ll reach a poorly marked junction at the 2431-metre mark.

White and red markings for the GRT64 variant.

(8) Turn left, following the old red and white markings.
You’ll arrive at the Étang Fourcat mountain hut at 2,445 m for your first night’s stay (E).

Étang d’Izourt Shepherd’s Hut, reserved for the shepherd during the summer months.
Plenty of water, but it must be filtered or disinfected.
(E) Refuge du Fourcat: drinking water, drinks, meals, overnight accommodation.

Mountain environment: you will therefore need suitable kit, including: warm clothing and rainwear, 2 litres of water, walking poles, a compass, GPS or Visorando, a 1:25,000 map, a GPX track and route description.

Fourcat Mountain Hut