Refuge des Bésines - Refuge d'en Beys

Red and white markings for^{the GR®®} 10 -^GR®® 107C and^GRP®® Tour de la Montagne d'Ax and Tour des Pérics.

(S) From the Bésines refuge in Ariège, descend south, then head east on the^GR®®10.

Yellow markings -^PR®®

(1) Leave this trail and follow a^PR®® opposite to join the^GRP®® Tour des Pérics.

Red and yellow markings for the^GRP®® Tour des Pérics.

(2) Turn right and cross the Ruisseau de la Coume d'Agnel. Climb up opposite, heading south. Turn east. Pass the Étangs Moulsut (on your right), which are easily accessible.
After the last small lake (elevation 2335), head east-southeast, climbing very steeply towards the ridge and join a pass.

No markings.

(3) Turn right, heading south, following the ridge that leads to the Pedros. Stay on the well-marked path that turns gently south-west. Reach the altitude at 2557 metres and continue for 200 metres.

(4) Stop here (at around 2610 m), as the route is no longer really suitable for hiking. The view is magnificent. The large Estany de Lanós lake lies below you to the south-east.
Turn around and return to the altitude 2488.

Red and yellow^GRP® Tour des Péricsmarkings.

(3) Continue straight ahead, heading north, along the ridge to Portella de Lanós (at around 2,515 m).

No markings.

(5) Turn right and descend, heading due east, following a trail marked in blue on the IGN map. Aim for the northern tip of the Estany de Lanós or Étang de Lanoux.
You will now be in the Pyrénées Orientales Regional Nature Park.

Red and white markings for the^GR®® 10 -^GR®® 107 variant and^GRP®® Tour des Pérics.

(6) Estany de Lanoset. Turn right until the next fork.

Red and white markings for^{the GR®®7}.

(7) Turn left, heading north and climbing. You will arrive at a small lake. This is a beautiful spot for a well-deserved break. There is a steel sign for the Orlu Reserve. Continue to Portella d'Orlu or Serra Blanca.

(8) Continue north-west. The rocky landscape provides a stark contrast.
You will enter the Ariège Nature Reserve.

(9) At the^GR®® crossroads, turn right, now on the^GR®® 7 and^GRP®® Tour de la Montagne d'Ax and Tour des Pérics. You will arrive at the Étang de Faury. This is a beautiful spot for a break.

(10) Here begins a terrible and difficult descent to the refuge (on the left bank of the Oriège).
But the view is spectacular, so don't hesitate to stop and take in the scenery.

(11) Leave the bank of the Oriège, turn left and pass to the left of the small lake. Stay on the red and white marked path. Quiet area. Further down, you will reach a fork. Directional signpost.

(12) Turn right towards En Beys. Follow the red and white marked trail (^GR®®7), which also follows the^GRP®® Tour des Pérics. Reach the edge of the En Beys lake, then the En Beys refuge (E).

(E) Optional: from the refuge, after lightening your load and quenching your thirst, you can climb up to the small ponds above.
- Head north and pass Gourg Gaudet. Continue on to arrive at Estagnol de Gaudet. This is also a beautiful spot to end the day before returning to the refuge.

(13) Return by the same route to the Refuge d'en Beys (E).

Allow around 7½ hours for this stage if you take the ridge route and visit the ponds above the refuge on arrival.
This is a hike in a mountainous area. So, as you would expect, you will need: warm and waterproof clothing, water, snacks, a route map, a description, a map, a GPS device, a camera, good walking shoes and possibly a walking stick.
Additional equipment for multi-day hikes is described in the summary of the four days.
Water is available along the entire route. It should be filtered or disinfected.
(7) Cabane du Rouzet, often very dirty, is on the right.

National reserve: rules to follow

A national reserve isa 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 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).

The refuge d'en Beys
From the refuge (E), it is possible to climb up to the small ponds (13) just above it. Head north, passing Gourg Gaudet first.