Bassiès Refuge via the Port de Saleix and Bassiès

The route starts from the Coumebière car park (alt. 1,400 m), above Aulus-les-Bains via the D8f.

Red and white markings for^{the GR®10}

(S/E) Head due east along the^GR®10, climbing up to the fork (altitude 1442) near a watering trough.

(1) : Follow the^GR®10to the left. Pass a path on the right and continue to a fork in a wetland area.

(2) Ignore the path branching off to the left and head straight to the right for about 200 m until you reach another fork.

(3) Turn left and begin the climb up the hairpin bends. You’ll reach the Port de Saleix (elevation 1793).

(4) Take in the beautiful view. Then turn right, heading due south, to climb up the ridge for about 300 m. Bearded vultures may be spotted.

(5) You can head up to the right over the scree for a round trip to Mont Garias. Descend to the left, south-east, to the Étang d’Alate (altitude 1,869 m).

(6) Continue south-east to the Port de Bassiès (elevation 1935).

(7) Stunning views of the lakes. Head straight down the slope until you reach a junction with a signpost pointing directly to the refuge.

(8) Turn left and you’ll reach the Étang du Pla de la Font, at a fork marked by a signpost.

(9) You can continue straight on towards the other ponds. Alternatively, turn right and cross a wooden walkway to reach the gate at the foot of the refuge. Turn left as you go through the gate and head up to the Refuge de Bassiès.
Short-toed eagles can be spotted in the valley.

(10): After a well-deserved break, turn back to the gate you passed earlier. Head straight on to reach the junction you passed on the way there.

(8) Turn left and head back up to the Port de Bassiès.

Off the^GR®10

(7) Leave the^GR®10and turn left, heading due west, to reach the Col de las Fouzès.

(11) You can head right-hand side all the way up for a round trip to the Pic de Cabanatous. Otherwise, head down to the right, due west, to join a very picturesque path along the mountainside. Go round the mountain and arrive at the Étang de Labant.

(12) Continue on to reach, further on, the old Argentières mines and a junction (alt. 1580 m).

(13) Turn left and head back to the original fork near the drinking trough.

(1) Carry on straight ahead along the path you took on the way out and return to the car park (S/E).

The path may be slippery as far as Port de Saleix (4); there may be livestock roaming freely: cows, horses, etc.