Refuge des Bésines walks

A high-altitude forest walk to one of the most famous lakes in the Haute-Ariège. This walk through a very wooded and therefore very shady area takes you to a large lake before starting the climb to an ideally located refuge. From this refuge, you can then reach others, En Beys and Les Bouillouses.

Part of the long route (9 stages) around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Tour des Pérics and using various marked trails,GRP® andGR® in the area. Initial stage designed to ease you gently into the hike.

Updated and brought into compliance on 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 takes you through a variety of vegetation types and climates. The route crosses between the Ariège and the Pyrénées-Orientales. Snowfields can be found at the start of the season at the 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 trek can be adapted and started from different locations. See Practical Information.Bear in mind that starting from a different location adds to the time and will likely increase the elevation gain on the first day.

Amendment on 12 September 2022: new route marked on the ground, approved on Saturday 10 September 2022.Third stage of the Tour des Pérics. Day classified as difficult. Short distance but difficult terrain.The climb from the refuge d'en Beys to the passage through the Orlu Reserve (2,400 m) is difficult.The balcony path from (6) to (8) is very beautiful. ⚠️ From (S/E) to (5)you are in the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Modification on 12 September 2022: validated on Sunday 11 September 2022. Fourth and final stage of the Tour Des Pérics. The scenery is consistently stunning. This is a fairly long stage, with cars being collected by shuttle buses. See practical information on the Tour des Pérics.

A hike from station to station with 900 m of ascent and nearly 1,300 m of descent, passing through the Refuge des Bésines and the eponymous Porteille, and following theGR®107CandGR®10trails.

Part of the long (9-day) itinerary around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.

Second stage of the tour of the Orlu nature reserves and the Montagne d’Ax. A challenging stage due to its 1,350-metre elevation gain. The ascent is, however, steady. The scenery is magnificent. This itinerary details the route taking in the magnificent Étang Soula Couloumé. This stage follows theGR®10, apart from the short detour (5), (6), (7) off the marked trail at the lake.

Beautiful mountain stages are on the programme. Comfortable accommodation and meals await you every evening.Two departments, different types of landscapes, crossing a nature reserve, a long descent along a torrent, mountain ponds and lakes, wide open spaces await you...Note: this trip is accessible by public transport and can start from Mérens-les-Vals. See Practical Information. Another note: users have complained about the descent at the end of the four days. This trip can be done in the opposite direction to the description. But in this case, remember to save the four stages (base maps and gpx track) to help you find your way.

It is part of the long (9-day) itinerary around the Carlit, travelling from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.

The third stage takes you through Cerdagne, in the Eastern Pyrenees.The return trip along the ridge (3) to (4) should be done in the absence of fog, rain or frost.I have classified this hike as difficult due to the ridge crossing from (4) to (5) and the descent through the rocks from the Faury pond (10) to the En Beys refuge (E).There are numerous places to stop for a break at the lakes along the way.Be careful of the multiple marked trails:GR®®10-GR®®107-GR®®107-GR®®107(variant) andGRP®® Tour des Pérics -GRP®® Tour des Montagnes d'Ax. Follow the description, the GPX track and the signs on the ground carefully. ⚠️ From (8) to (E)you are in the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Part of the long (9-day) itinerary around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.

A magnificent, demanding day hike in the high mountains towards Puig de Coma d'Or (2,826 m), offering a splendid 360° panorama of the Catalan, Ariège and Andorran Pyrenees. Loop starting from L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre station, directly accessible by TER from Toulouse. An overnight stay at the Refuge des Bésines is possible to split this demanding hike into two less difficult hikes.

Long itinerary around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.Two possible variations to modify the circuit: from 9 stages to 7 stages Ascent of the Carlit: 1 day and return to Les Bouillouses Return via the Lanoux lake: 1 extra day, passing by the foot of the Carlit and the Bésines refuge, or direct return from Porté to L'Hospitalet. Hike completed in July-August 2017