Arlet Refuge and Lake Arlet from the Espélunguère car park

Date of your route : Aug 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant hike that complements the one around Lake Estaens well for those who would like to do these hikes over two days.

I was lucky enough to receive some great advice from the park guides about the patous (mountain dogs):
1- take off your sunglasses so they can see where you are looking and don't feel threatened or stared at;
2- hold your walking sticks in front of you like a shepherd (if they bite, they'll be the ones to get hurt);
3- turn so that they are never behind you;
4- Tell them "go to the herd", which is a term they understand
5- obviously, as with all dogs, don't shout or stare at them.

I tried it out, surrounded by four Patous (I wasn't feeling very confident), and the sticks helped me feel safe, and the "go to the herd" trick worked well.

It rained on the way back (I was doing a round trip), but it was a very nice hike, and I spent some time at the refuge waiting for the rain to ease off.

Very beautiful views, worth doing, even if the lake isn't the most beautiful, because apart from the refuge, you can't see the mountains reflected in it... I liked the passages from valley to valley thanks to the passes. Thanks for the description.

From memory, you can see up to 4-5 huts.

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Date of your route : Jul 07, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

I would advise against driving a low-clearance car to the car park. It is better to park near the upper power station, which is less than a kilometre from the designated car park. A short, steep path allows you to shorten the route.
A very beautiful hike that can be turned into a route via the ‘Espagne’ path near the refuge. Elevation gain of around 1,000 metres and 19 km. I haven’t tried this route myself.

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Date of your route : May 08, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

At that time of year, I was blessed with glorious sunshine. There were a few patches of snow to cross without any risk; just make sure you bring gaiters to keep your feet from getting too wet, and something to keep you warm for a good night’s sleep in a bivouac (the winter refuge has five beds, which fill up quickly...).
If you still have some energy left after the 3.5–4-hour climb, don’t hesitate to leave your gear at the Arlet refuge and make a round trip to the Pic d’Aillary (2,215 m – 1 hour round trip) via the Col d’Arlet. A magnificent panoramic view is guaranteed!

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Date of your route : Sep 11, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A route for amateurs exploring the Pyrenean mountain landscape: the varying altitudes of the vegetation, thriving pastoral life, contrasting landscapes, colours and slopes, and the ever-present peaks.
A magnificent journey.
Thank you

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Thank you

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Hello Hervé ???
The elevation gain shown is 830 m and is correct.
The app often gives incorrect elevation figures when you’re out and about. To correct them, go to ‘Actions’ and click on ‘Recalculate elevations’.
Best regards
taboulechat

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It’s a shame, but the elevation gain given is completely unrealistic. For example, 1,300 m instead of 600 m

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Date of your route : Mar 13, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : Yes

Lots of flocks and sheepdogs, otherwise lovely

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