Refuge d'en-Beys - Barrage des Bouillouses

Departure from the En Beys refuge.

(S) Follow the path shared by^{the GR®®7}and^GRP®® Tour des Pérics along the edge of the lake heading west. Reach the junction with the^GRP®® de la Montagne d'Ax. Directional posts.

(1) Take the path on the left that goes uphill. This is the^GR®®7, which now shares the route with the^GRP®® Tour des Pérics and the GRP^®® Tour de la Montagne d'Ax, which you should follow.
Please note: from this point onwards, even though the trail is well marked and maintained, you must remain vigilant. When you reach a marker, take the time to look for the next one. The trail runs through huge boulders and scree. See details in the Practical Information section.
Continue westwards to reach Étang Faury, the highest lake in this valley.

(2) Turn left to follow the path that runs along the south face. Still very rocky. Clear markings. Reach the^GR®® -^GRP®® crossroads^. Take the^GR®®7on the left. Please note that the markings become less frequent. Cross a stream to reach Portella d'Orlu (or Serra Blanca) further on.

(3). Descend towards the Rouzet hut. There are two possible routes:
- either follow the^GR®®7,
- or take a shorter route through large scree, passing between Estany de Rosset. This route is marked on the map and leads to the^GR®®10.

(4) The Carol or Riu de Querol (river) flows discreetly nearby.

(5) Take it on the left to climb towards Portella de la Grava. The climb is steady but steep. Reach this pass, the last climb of the day.

(6) Begin the descent, skirting Lake Estanyol. Continue the descent to reach the edge of an open forest directly below Estany del Racó.

(7) Continue along the edge of this forest to reach the confluence of the streams that form the coastal river Têt.

(8) Stay on the right bank of the Têt, walk along the marsh and reach the junction with the^GRP®® Tour du Capcir.

(9) Turn right along Lac des Bouillouses.
On the left, the path leads to the Camporells refuge.
From there, take the path that runs alongside Lac des Bouillouses. It is very busy.

(E) Arrive at the car park. The shuttle buses to the car park, which are compulsory in July and August, depart from in front of the chalet.

Between (1) and (2), shoes with good grip are very useful. Progress is slow, but it's worth it for those who love rock climbing. Streams from the small lakes higher up provide a good supply of water. This is certainly the most physically demanding part of the Tour des Pérics, but also the most interesting.
No problem with water supplies until Portella d'Orlu (or Serra Blanca).
Towards the Rouzet hut, water comes from nearby ponds, the Étangs de Rouzet. There are herds of animals drinking from the ponds. Be careful about the quality of the water.
The Rouzet hut is very basic (often dirty). There is no fireplace, but it is a good enclosed shelter.

National reserve: rules to follow

Enational reserve is a protected natural area. Its regulations, adapted to the local context, aim to preserve this exceptional territory in a sustainable manner. They are based on common sense and civic-mindedness.

It is forbidden to:

• leaving the marked trails,

• light a fire,

• litter,

• fly a drone,

• pick plants,

• camping (only bivouacking is permitted between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m.),

• walking dogs, even on a leash,

• hunting (prohibited),

• fishing (strictly regulated).

All these prohibitions are set out inthe prefectural decree of 1 September 2020.
👉 Failure to comply is punishableby a fine of €135 (4th class offence).

R43 - Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park. Camping and bivouacking regulations.
Wild camping is prohibited in all nature reserves and classified sites within this park. Bivouacking is permitted around refuges and along GR® trails.
(3) Portella d'Orlu (or Serra Blanca): an ideal spot for a snack. You can also enjoy:
- a small lake at the foot of the mountain,
- below, the Estany de Lanòs,
- in the distance, Carlit and the surrounding peaks,
- and further still, the peaks of the Spanish border.
We are here, on the border between the Pyrénées Orientales and Ariège departments.
(6) Portella de la Grava. View of Cometa in Spain.
The view, the view, the view. Hiking in open terrain. Lots of photos to take.