Pic de Narbissat, starting from Cette

A route taking in a beautiful viewpoint over the centre of the Aspe Valley and the Bedous Valley, along a signposted path. The Pic de Narbissat is a prime spot for geological observation, situated where the Iberian tectonic plate slides beneath the Eurasian plate. It also offers a good vantage point over the surrounding mountains.

This circular walk is recommended in spring and summer (May to October), when ferns can obstruct the path and visibility off the main tracks.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.79 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,923 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,923 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,199 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,277 ft

Photos

Description of the walk

Start from the village of Cette (municipality of Cette-Eygun): you can park in the village square.

(S/E) The path starts above the church in Cette, alongside the stopover lodge (yellow signs). The climb is quite steep straight away, over vertical slabs of slate. Just to the left, in a meadow, is the Cette geological discovery area: don’t miss a visit here! Then continue along the dirt track until you reach a hairpin bend. The path heads off horizontally, leaving the hairpin bend behind.

(1) At the cattle gate (please closeit behind you ), and at the fork immediately after, turn left. Shortly afterwards, cross a stream over some large, slightly slippery stones. You’ll reach a fork.

(2) Continue to the right along the main path, which begins to climb steeply. After a lovely view over the village, you’ll reach a cattle gate; go through it. Continue uphill until you reach a fork.

(3) Carry on to the right along the main path, passing through another fairly light-filled section of woodland, then across a stream before reaching another fork.

(4) Turn right onto the path leading up towards the Cabane de Sabas and the Pic de Narbissat. This path passes through a wood of tall beech trees, which can sometimes be muddy due to springs. You’ll reach the Cabane de Saba. You can take a short break here or even spend the night, provided you take great care of this shared space.

(5) Continue along the path (the yellow markings are not always easy to spot due to fallen trees that you’ll need to go round). Towards the end, the slope becomes steeper. Cross a muddy patch (spring) before emerging from the forest for the final stretch.

(6) You’ll reach a vast viewpoint at the Pic de Narbissat; this peak is barely more than a small promontory, but it’s very well situated (see photos). Off the beaten track, but easy: you can climb a little way up the ridge (paths) to the foot of the limestone cliff. This spot is of great geological interest.

Turn back and follow the same route as on the way there to return to the village of Cette (S/E)

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,277 ft - Église Saint-Pierre (Cette-Eygun)
  2. 1 : mi 0.22 - alt. 2,500 ft - Junction – Road and footpath
  3. 2 : mi 0.38 - alt. 2,585 ft - Junction
  4. 3 : mi 1.31 - alt. 3,297 ft - Junction
  5. 4 : mi 1.45 - alt. 3,432 ft - Junction
  6. 5 : mi 1.58 - alt. 3,701 ft - Sabas Hut
  7. 6 : mi 1.88 - alt. 4,199 ft - Pic de Narbissat
  8. S/E : mi 3.79 - alt. 2,277 ft - Église Saint-Pierre (Cette-Eygun)

Notes

All-season route (however, avoid in the event of heavy snow above 1,000 m). Fairly muddy area above the Cabane de Sabas (springs): light footwear not recommended! Walking poles recommended.

Fountain in the village square.

Worth a visit

  • Saint-Pierre Church in Cette (12th–14th centuries)
  • Cette Geological Discovery Centre (Trans-Pyrenean Geological Route): beautiful viewpoint, picnic tables, just above the village. The information panels are available online on GeolVal.

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.