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Puyvalador walks
From Puyvalador to the Quérigut Pond
A beautiful border getaway between the Pyrénées Orientales and Ariège that will take you to the wild Étang de Quérigut in Donezan.
Lake Puyvalador
A beautiful route accessible to all, running alongside Lake Puyvalador with an interpretive trail at the start of the walk.
The Galbe Valley
This route takes you through one of the most beautiful valleys in the Eastern Pyrenees, namely the Galbe Valley and its breathtaking landscapes in Capcir, starting from the typical and authentic village of Fontrabiouse.
Point S/E moved - Route modified on 02/03/2023.
Circular snowshoe loop above Formiguères
A simple and enjoyable circular snowshoe loop above the village of Formiguères. There was a lot of snow when we did it. The ridge offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
The Refuge de la Lladure
A beautiful getaway in the wild Lladure valley, starting from Lac de l'Olive, located on the road to the Formiguères ski resort.
Pic de Mortiers - Les Camporells from Formiguères station
Fairly long route with a significant elevation gain.
It is possible to shorten this hike at two points.
It can be done in two days with an overnight stay at the Camporells refuge.
Torrential streams, huts, lakes, peaks, mountain huts, animals and spectacular landscapes await you.
Camporells protected area: see the regulations in force; dogs must be kept on a lead. Free car parks.
The hike is fully marked. Except for the option that avoids the bends on the track from (10) to (13).
The Camporells Lakes
The Camporells Lakes are magnificent. This loop is varied and avoids having to make a return trip. The outward journey is little known and you don't come across many people.
Loop from the Col de Creu to the Estagnols refuge
A lovely loop to do on snowshoes (or on foot in summer) starting from Matemale.
The return via the other trail requires a certain level of fitness if the tracks in the snow have not been made. From the Col de La Sansa, follow the yellow-red markings.
It is also important to follow the description carefully, otherwise you will have to return to the bottom of the road and walk back up to the pass to retrieve your cars.
Portella d'Orlu
A very pretty, fairly gradual hike with a superb view at La Porteille.
Pic de Baxouillade
The Pic de Baxouillade dominates the Galbe, Laurenti and Orlu valleys. The access path through the Galbe valley, which is fairly quiet, climbs gradually through wide mountain pastures and passes close to two lakes, including the Portella d'Orlu.
The only difficulty on the hike is a steep section in a couloir at 2,450 metres, where you will need to use your hands on the rock to help you climb, but it is not rock climbing.
Tour of the villages of Donezan
A fantastic hike in the Donezan, allowing you to discover all of its villages and rich heritage.The main difficulty of this route is its length, covering nearly 20 km.Best enjoyed in autumn, when the flamboyant colours of Donezan offer landscapes of exceptional beauty.
From Sansa to the Estanyols Lakes
A family hike accessible to all in the wild Garrotxes valley. From the village of Sansa, on a forest trail on the way there, the route leads to the Estagnols Lakes, where there is also a refuge.
The Coll del Torn refuge
This route will take you to the Coll del Torn refuge, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Capcin peaks and some of the Ariège peaks.
Roc Blanc via the Étang de Laurenti
This climb in the sunny Pyrenees is a real classic, which means it can get quite busy in good weather. However, the magnificent Étang de Laurenti and the 360° view from the summit of Roc Blanc are well worth the effort required during the hike.
The Balmette Circular Loop
This hike takes us to Lac de la Balmette with its crystal-clear waters, then to the Refuge de la Balmette with a panoramic view of the Pyrenees; we continue our ascent to Mont Llaret, the highest point, and descend towards Les Angles via the Roc d’Aude and the ski resort facilities.
Puig del Pam loop via La Balmette
A lovely loop offering 360° views and glimpses of the Capcir, Madres and Canigou peaks. Added to this are the two magnificent lakes you pass by.
Part of the hike is off-trail, so you need to know how to find your way.
Mont Llaret and Roc d'Aude
A breathtaking hike with stunning landscapes and uninterrupted views, in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, starting from the Les Angles ski resort.
Ruins of the Iglesieta and Lake Balcère
Starting from Les Angles resort, discover the ruins of the Iglesieta and Lake Balcère on a hike that is mostly through the woods and not particularly difficult.
From Railleu to Sansa
A short, accessible hike connecting two of the five villages located in the wild and little-known Garrotxes valley. Several old mills with information panels can be found along the route.
Circular from the Vallsera Pond
This short circular starting from the Étang de Vallsera relaxation area is recommended as a complement to a relaxing picnic by the lake in the heart of nature. It is short but a little challenging due to the uphill section, which culminates in a passage with handrail ropes. The route has been modified following the fall of large trees.
From Étang de Balcère to Étang de la Balmette
A beautiful hike above Les Angles, from Étang de Balcère to Étang de la Balmette. The route, accessible to all despite a few climbs, offers a peaceful atmosphere and unspoilt natural surroundings. At the end of the trail, the tranquillity of Étang de la Balmette rewards your efforts.
Around Balcère Lake
A beautiful family walk open to all around Lac de Balcère (Estany de Vallsera) with the opportunity to discover the ruins of the Church of Vallsera.
Camporells Refuge - En Beys Refuge
Second stage of the Tour Des Pérics.This stage should only be undertaken in good weather and when there is no fog.Otherwise, you must use the Visorando app or a GPS device to track your route.
⚠️ You are entering the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where certain regulations must be observed. See practical information.
Camporells Refuge - Lac des Bouillouses via Petit Peric
Part of the long itinerary (9 days) around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.
Pic de la Socarrada and Caudiès-de-Conflent Lake
A beautiful, wild route in the Garrotxes valley, starting from Caudiès-de-Conflent. The hike climbs up to the splendid panorama of Pic de la Soccarada. Once back in Caudiès-de-Conflent, I recommend continuing on to the lake, a peaceful spot for a picnic.
In the heart of Les Garrotxes
A beautiful excursion in the heart of Les Garrotxes (a wild and little-known region of the Eastern Pyrenees) to discover two of its villages, Ayguatébia-Talau and Caudiès-de-Conflent.
Tour of Donezan
This hike is best done at the end of October. If the weather is favourable, the "French Quebec" will dazzle you with its autumn colours. But there's nothing to stop you coming back in spring or summer. There are some beautiful views of the plateau and its villages: Rouze, Mijanes, Artigues, Le Pla, Le Puch, Quérigut and the peaks overlooking Donezan. The first half of the route follows the Vauban trail.
Mont Llaret via Lac d'Aude
A pleasant loop starting from the Angles Animal Park. A passage by the Lac d'Aude then a view of the Lac des Bouillousses. At Corrals del Lloret, a beautiful herd of cows with their calves. A few almost wild horses. Mont Llauret and Roc d'Aude at the end to see the surroundings.
Circular forest loop between the Col de Quillane and La Llagonne
This hike, mostly through forest, will introduce you to a wild, mountainous landscape. You will enjoy this shaded hike in summer and winter on snowshoes, following part of the Voie Blanche (groomed and free).
The elevation gain is low and the trails are wide enough to enjoy the scenery in complete tranquillity.
You can take shortcuts to give your legs a rest at point (3) or point (10).
The three ponds of Rabassoles
A magnificent hike through forests and meadows to discover three lakes surrounded by peaks.
Loop via the Étang de l'Estagnet, the Étang Bleu and the Étang de Rabassoles
This little loop is a lovely surprise. You'll discover ponds away from the crowds and various small lakes, as well as two of the three Rabassoles ponds, including the famous Étang Bleu... which is green!
The three ponds of Rabassoles
Wild and beautiful landscapes with blue ponds.
Balbonne Pond
This demanding hike requires a good sense of direction. It first leads to the Étang de Balbonne lake and then continues off-trail to join theGR®7B. The return journey is on the Vallée d'Orlu side to reach the Col de l'Egue and then descend to the Estagnet. Magnificent landscapes where water is omnipresent, but you will have to work hard to reach them, sparing no effort to cross the steepest sections such as the aptly named Échelle de Balbonne.
Pic de Tarbesou from the Restanque car park
Peak accessible from the car park before La Restanque, with a view of the Dent d'Orlu.See practical information ¹GPX track highly recommended.
Pic de Tarbésou from the Mijanès ski resort
The Pic de Tarbésou circular route, starting from the Mijanès ski resort, passing by:Étang de Rabassoles,Étang Noir,Étang Bleu,the Col de la Coumeille de l'Ours,Pic de TarbésouReturn via the Crête de Mounégou.
Lac des Bouillouses - Mas de Franc
Part of the long (9-day) itinerary around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Tour des Pérics and using various marked trails.
Tour of the lakes and ascent of Carlit (optional)
Part of the long route (9 days) around Carlit, travelling from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.
Puig Carlit
A classic in the Eastern Pyrenees, this route takes you to the highest point in the department (2,921 metres), passing by more than a dozen small mountain lakes.
The Tour des Pérics
Updated and compliant as of 12 September 2022.
This 50 km journey with 2,700 m of elevation gain over 4 days starts at the Bouillouses dam.
Rated as difficult*, it offers a variety of vegetation and climates. Passage between Ariège and the Pyrénées Orientales. Snowfields at the start of the season at Coll de Coma d'Anyell.Stages 1 and 3 can be classified as difficult +.Every evening, there is a comfortable place to rest and eat.
This trip can be adapted and started from different locations. See Practical Information.
Bear in mind that starting from a different location will add time and probably elevation gain on the first day.
Barrage des Bouillouses - Camporells Refuge
Modification on 12 September 2022: addition of the Petit Péric ascent validated on Thursday 8 September 2022.This first stage of the Tour des Pérics is enhanced by beautiful landscapes.It offers a taste of the mountain scenery that will be encountered during these four days.Vehicles must be left in the free car park. See the practical information section*.In summer, you must take a paid shuttle bus to Lac des Bouillouses. See the practical information section **.
Please note: from (8), you must have the GPX track or a very good sense of direction to attempt the ascent of Petit Peric.
The Etang d'Esparver and Lac d'Aude around Lac des Bouillouses
A first pretty lake with a view of Carlit and a little less crowded than the surrounding lakes, then a return via Lac d'Aude with a beautiful view of Lac des Bouillouses and Carlit.
From Les Bouillouses to Lac d'Aude
A wild route to the source of the Aude (or Auda) river, starting from the iconic Lac des Bouillouses. On the agenda: breathtaking views of the Carlit and even the Canigó, streams to cross, pine forests, wide open spaces and, of course, lakes.Please note that access to Les Bouillouses is restricted (check with the departmental council or the Pyrénées Catalanes tourist office).
Pic Carlit and tour of the 12 lakes
Inspired by the hike called "Puig Carlit" on Visorando, this new description takes into account the "one-way" system around the summit that was put in place two years ago. Major work carried out during this period has replaced the haphazard markings and created a well-marked path for the descent from the summit. It is essential to respect the one-way system (for the safety of walkers), which avoids difficult crossings in rocky, exposed passages where it is necessary to use your hands. The overcrowding in the area prompted us to look for an end to the route off the beaten track, so that we would no longer encounter hikers every 20 metres. What a crowd on 4 September! But we understand the enthusiasm for this wonderful mountain range, where there is something to see in every direction.
The Carlit ponds
A wonderful, refreshing getaway, accessible to all, in the heart of unspoilt wilderness at the foot of the "roof" of the Pyrénées-Orientales. An ideal route for immersing yourself in the beauty of the high-altitude landscapes around the listed site of Les Bouillouses. A refreshing hike that I recommend doing at dawn.
⚠️ Restricted access: see practical information.