Refuge d'en Beys - Refuge des Bésines

Red and white markings for^{the GR®®7 trail}replace the markings for the^GRP®® Tour des Pérics and^GRP®® Tour de la Montagne d'Ax trails.

(S) From the refuge d'en Beys, continue along the path you took the day before towards the south-west along the Étang d'en Beys. Keep going in this direction for a long time. Then turn west and head for a fork in the path.

(1) Total confusion with the markings. Confusing or broken wooden directional signs.
Turn left and head south uphill. After a steep initial climb, turn right and head west. Continue through this beautiful wild landscape and turn south-west. You will reach the banks of the Oriège.
Then begin a very steep climb along a chaotic path that is perfectly signposted and marked on the ground.

(2) Pass to the right of a small pond at an altitude of 2,197 metres and reach the southern edge of the beautiful Étang du Faury.
A well-deserved break can be taken in this superb, hostile and mineral environment.

(3) Turn left, heading south, facing the rock face for a few metres, using your hands to help you at times. You will reach another fork.

Red and yellow markings for the^GRP®® Tour des Montagnes d'Ax variant.

(4) Total confusion with the markings. Wooden directional signs.
Leave the red and white markings. Turn right, heading due west, climbing up the boulders, and enter the Orlu Reserve. Continue due west and reach another fork.

(5) Continue straight ahead on the^GRP®, still heading west towards the Coll de Coma d'Anyell.

Red and yellow markings for the Tour des Pérics.

(6) "Another well-deserved break can be taken in this beautiful spot." See During the hike.
Damaged signpost. No directional sign, but follow the new route of the Tour des Pérics.
Continue flat for a few metres, find recent markings on the left and follow them south.
Continue along this magnificent balcony path with a plunging view to the left.
This will take you to Portella de Lanòs at around 2,510 metres.

(7) Caution: do not attempt to descend to the right.
Continue south on the GRP^®® and after 500 m you will reach a wide grassy pass at an altitude of 2,488 m.

(8) Leave the Orlu Reserve. Turn right, at 90°, and descend via a very good path that is well marked on the ground.
Pass above the Étangs Moulsut on your left. Continue along the GRP®^®. The refuge is visible a little further on. Reach a fork and rejoin the^GR®®10, a variant of^{the GR®®107}and^GRP®® Tour des Montagnes d'Ax.

Red and white^GR®®10markings, variant of the^GR®®107.

(9) Turn left, following the markings, and reach the last fork of the day.

(10) Turn right to finally reach the refuge after a final steep climb.

(E) Refuge des Bésines. Overnight stay. The view from the terrace is magnificent.

Read the Practical Information section of the general description of the Pérics tour.
This is a mountainous area. So, as you would expect, you will need: rain gear, water, snacks, route map, description, map, GPS, camera, good walking shoes and a walking stick.
The area is often windy (be aware of temperature changes). Bring a water filter or disinfectant tablets.

IBP = 95 HKG

Allow around 5½ hours of walking + breaks, as the route is quite challenging in this very rocky terrain.
I classify this hike as difficult: steep slopes, rocky sections, handholds, orientation.

National reserve: rules to follow

A national reserve isa protected natural area. Its regulations, adapted to the local context, aim to preserve this exceptional area for the long term. They are based on common sense and good citizenship.

It is forbidden to:

• leave the marked trails,

• light fires,

• litter,

• fly drones,

• pick plants,

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

• walking with 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).

From the Coll de Coma d'Anyell (6):
- it is possible to climb south-west to Puig des Bésineilles or Les Bacivelles (altitude 2,632 metres) and reach (7).
- it is possible to make a round trip to climb Puig de Lanós (altitude 2,660 metres) due north.

With an extra night at the Bésines refuge (E), you can consider other day hikes.