Port de Saleix (1794m) walks

This hike, accessible to all, offers a taste of the high mountains. After the Étang de Labant, the route leads to the Pic de Cabanatous, a marvellous lookout point over the Étangs de Bassiès and beyond to the great summits of the Ariège. On the way back, the Étang d'Alate is the perfect place to stop for a break before heading back to the Port de Saleix, a very important ancient communication route that facilitated trade between the Couserans and Vicdessos regions.

A beautiful blue pond at the foot of the granite Mont Garias with a beautiful view of Mont Valier during the ascent

Circular around Coumebière with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. It will allow you to discover the Étang de Labant, an old mine and the Girantes plateau, which is not as flat as its name might suggest, all at the foot of the 1,975 m Mont Ceint.

This is a fairly short hike that takes you to a summit steeped in history and offering superb panoramic views.

A magnificent hike through varied landscapes along the entire route. The climb to Port de Bassiès is steady and not too difficult. Unfortunately, there is a 280 m descent to the refuge, which you will have to climb back up. Take advantage of the view of the lakes and the Pique Rouge cirque to rest for a while.

This lovely circular walk takes you to the Refuge de Bassiès, over mountain passes, and past lakes and an old mine on the way back.

This route offers a very pretty circular route providing access to a superb viewpoint over the entire massif. The Coumebière Plateau is a stunning grassy meadow leading to the Pas du Roc canyon. What’s more, vultures are often seen circling above the Pic de Girantès to take advantage of the updrafts, providing a great opportunity to take some magnificent photographs.

A beautiful circular starting from Port de Lers, passing by Pic de Girantes (or Mont Ceint) with magnificent 360° views, then descending to Port de Saleix and climbing back up to Port de Bassiès with superb views of the refuge and the Bassiès lakes. Return via Pas de la Portère via a difficult climb.

Do not underestimate these two days, which pack in significant gradients over a relatively short distance.The first day is interesting for the discoveries it offers and a section with virtually no signposting. The arrival at the refuge is magnificent.Spending the night at the Refuge de Bassiès allows you to look forward to the return journey on the second day with greater peace of mind.A visit to the Étangs de Bassiès can be planned for the second day from the refuge, leaving some of your kit there. You can then collect all your kit for the challenging return walk to the Port de Lers car park.

Before heading back, there is the option of a return trip to the Étang de Bassiès from the refuge, leaving some of your luggage at the refuge.A fairly short second stage, with two steep ascents (19% to 38%): one from the Refuge de Bassiès to the Port de Bassiès, and the even more challenging one from the Port de Saleix to the Pic de Girantès or Mont Ceint. In fact, it is a rather gruelling, up-and-down stage, classified as difficult. The ascents and descents are on challenging trails (pebbles, rocks, scree). The whole day is spent in open country with stunning panoramic views. The route passes the beautiful Étang d’Alate.The relative altitude, between 1,520 m and 2,100 m, means this day’s walk is feasible even in the height of summer.

The first day takes you to the Bassiès Refuge, passing huts, a valley, mountain passes, an old mine, a pond, and various cols and mountain passes. The stretch from the Col de las Fouzès to the Port de Bassiès is particularly beautiful.The route follows paths and tracks that are difficult due to their terrain (rock, scree, unmarked).See practical information * From (3) to (6), an unmarked path with gradients of 15% and 25%, with Patou sheep present from (4). From (12) to (18), a marked path with gradients of 16% to 30%.Allow approximately 6 hours for the walk.