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Park on the road that climbs from Pont de Gers to the Bassiès power station. Find a parking space on the side of the road.
(S/E) Walk up the road towards the power station. Shortly after a waterfall on the left, you will come to a marked trail.
(1) Take the path on the left, which winds its way up in tight hairpin bends. You will soon reach another flat path (with a pipe). Here, join theGR®10marked in red and white.
(2) Take it to the left and then immediately to the right to continue climbing rapidly. The switchbacks gradually fade away, so continue along the ledge. There is a spring in this area. Make a note of its location as it may be useful on the way back.
Continue until you reach a large water pipe.
(3) Pass under this pipe and continue climbing up a rock face above a waterfall.
After a left turn above the Bassiès stream, you will reach a footbridge.
(4) Cross this magnificent stone bridge and climb up to the left to the Bassiès ponds in a sparse pine forest.
The walk to Étang Majeur is a little long and tedious, even though the lakes are very beautiful.
Pass the largest lake and then reach the Pla de la Font pond.
(6) Leave theGR® and head towards Port de Bassiès on the right. The path is very well marked. Join the marked path above the refuge.
(7) Follow it and climb up to the right to reach Port de Bassiès.
Behind you, the Cirque de la Pique Rouge de Bassiès gradually reveals itself, offering a magnificent view! Ignore the steep path, which is a mixture of wet earth, stones and grass, and continue on to the pass.
(8) Take the marked trail on the left towards the Col de las Fouzès (and Pic de Cabanatous).
(9) After a few water points, leave the marked trail on the right at the foot of the summit and continue up the grassy slopes through the rocks. You will soon find some tracks to reach the summit of Pic de Cabanatous without too much difficulty.
Enjoy the magnificent, well-deserved panorama of the Bassiès lakes and the Ariège Pyrenees.
(10) Then descend by following the ridge southwards towards the Col de las Fouzès. Shortly before the pass, join a marked trail.
(11) Turn left towards Port de Bassiès to return to the crossroads leading to the peak before returning to Port de Bassiès.
(8) From here, follow the same route as on the way up to return to the car park (S/E), but take care as the descent is long and challenging. Stay focused and enjoy the scenery.
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Visorando Member
Difficult 
Moderate 
