Refuge des Bouillouses walks

A classic in the Eastern Pyrenees, this route takes you to the highest point in the department (2,921 metres), passing by more than a dozen small mountain lakes.

Part of the long route (9 days) around Carlit, travelling from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.

A beautiful hike in the eastern Pyrenees, about thirty kilometres from Villefranche-sur-Conflent. The site is superb, nicknamed the "Canadian Pyrenees", and you can see horses roaming free. The main loop takes 2½ hours, but you can add an extra hour to see a few more ponds and pass by the foot of Pic Carlit. It's well worth it.

A first pretty lake with a view of Carlit and a little less crowded than the surrounding lakes, then a return via Lac d'Aude with a beautiful view of Lac des Bouillouses and Carlit.

A very beautiful snowshoe hike at an altitude of 2,000 metres.It can certainly be done in summer. The only issue is the mandatory lower car park. The shuttle buses operating during this period can stop at this car park.The recorded and suggested winter route does not correspond exactly to the summer route shown on the various base maps.

Snow hike. Snowshoes are recommended for this magnificent tour of the Esquits lakes. In winter, crossing the ski slopes can be tricky (steep slope and high speed of skiers: black run).

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.

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 wild route to the source of the Aude (or Auda) river, starting from the iconic Lac des Bouillouses. On the agenda: breathtaking views of the Carlit and even the Canigó, streams to cross, pine forests, wide open spaces and, of course, lakes.Please note that access to Les Bouillouses is restricted (check with the departmental council or the Pyrénées Catalanes tourist office).

The first day of this route amongst the lakes. It will take you from Les Bouillouses to the En Beys refuge, passing from one valley to another.

A pleasant family outing starting from the Bouillouses listed site. The Esquits circular offers the chance to discover three ponds, including the Pradella, located on the GR®10, where there is also a refuge.

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

The second stage of this circuit is rocky at first, then more rolling. The whole thing is enchanting.The trail is well marked. ⚠️ From (S/E) to (3), 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 Tour des Pérics and using various marked trails.

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