Pic de Cagire as seen from Juzet d’Izaut

On the D618, at the Col de Buret just before Juzet d’Izault when coming from Aspet, turn left, then immediately left again, onto the road heading due south. After about a hundred metres, it turns into a good, motorable track. Continue for just over 3 km to the car park at the end of a hairpin bend.

(S/E) Follow the track closed to vehicles for a few metres as it climbs to the right, and you’ll soon spot the signs indicating “Pic de Cagire 2h 30 min”. Turn left onto the wide path which climbs steeply. Continue by following the yellow and red markings of^{the “GRP®} des Trois Vallées”, which will mark the path all the way to the Juzet hut.

(1) Continue along the path, which is now narrower, heading off to the right and climbing along the edge of the forest. At around 1,400 m, the path continues through the undergrowth before emerging into open ground at around 1,550 m. Continue the climb and, after two hairpin bends – just as you reach the third – the presence of a flock of sheep and mountain dogs forced us to take a short detour, which turned out to be quite pleasant after all.

(2) There are two options:
1) If there are no patous, it is possible to continue along the main path – which is easier and marked in yellow and red – to the pass (6) and reach the summit of the Cagire (5) by continuing left along the ridge.
2) If there are patous, as indicated on the map and in the description, opt for the alternative route. At this^third hairpin bend, take the small path that branches off to the left along the hillside, following the contour line. This path is less clearly marked, but is nevertheless clearly visible and marked with red dots all the way to the summit. Continue along the hillside until you reach the north-eastern ridge of the Cagire at the Clot de la Hourque.

(3) Head up to the right towards the summit, keeping well on the ridge. The slope is steep but not difficult. The path is still marked by red dots. You’ll reach the cross in about twenty minutes.

(4) From the cross, the summit is clearly visible and can be reached very quickly.

(5) Descend via the south-south-east ridge to the pass (elevation 1847).

(6) Continue to the right along the path marked in yellow and red. It winds downwards and rejoins the junction you passed on the way up.

(2) Follow the route you took on the way up in the opposite direction to return to the Couage car park (S/E).

Standard hiking kit. No water along the route.

Including a lunch break (1 hour), it took us 5 hours 30 minutes to complete the circular route.