Hiking-Trekking: Tour of the lakes between Cerdagne and Haute-Ariège
In summary
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Sports
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Duration6 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationPyrenees / Ariège
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AgeFrom 16 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions41.37 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
Spanish
English
In a few words
Embark on a multi-day adventure in the heart of the Catalan and Ariège Pyrenees . You'll traverse the unspoiled valleys and high plateaus that make up these two territories, united by history yet contrasted by their geology and climate. A great diversity of landscapes, as well as rich and exceptional biodiversity , awaits you on this loop. Each day you'll discover a new crystal-clear lake, follow mountain streams , and cross one or more passes with breathtaking views, arriving at the end of the day on the welcoming terrace of a mountain refuge; which, too, will be different each evening, offering its own share of encounters and convivial moments around the table.
The immersion is total, between wide open spaces , wildlife observation and a peaceful pace.
Easily accessible by overnight train from Paris to Ax-les-Thermes, this stay is ideal for an active getaway , whether traveling solo, with family, or with friends. A perfect itinerary to recharge and reconnect with what truly matters!
The highlights
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A multi-day hiking trip in the heart of the Pyrenees, between wild nature and local culture
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Nights spent in comfortable, staffed mountain huts with convivial meals featuring local produce.
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Easy access by night train from Paris to the start of the hike
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
A loop hike from refuge to refuge without major technical difficulties, sometimes on tracks but mostly on singletrack trails with some rather rocky sections. The first day has the most significant elevation gain with the climb to the first refuge (850m elevation gain). The rest of the route consists of stages with elevation gains between 500m and 670m per day, averaging 10 to 12km (approximately 5 to 6 hours of walking per day). This itinerary requires a good level of fitness and some experience in mountain hiking.
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 5h30
- Average distance/day: 14 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 646 m
- Average daily descent: 524 m
Management
French
Spanish
English
My name is Damien, I am 48 years old, a UIMLA Mountain Guide since 2011, I led trips in Northern Europe for many years before returning to the Pyrenees, the region which, 25 years ago, sparked my enthusiasm for "outdoor" activities and wild mountain spaces.
The mountains are a space for sharing, which is why I am keen to help you discover this environment and also the rules of good practice in this environment, so that you can move around safely and leave satisfied with your stay.
Program
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Crossing the National Wildlife Reserve
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 6km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 9 km
- Positive elevation gain 850 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
If you arrive at the station, we will pick you up in our minibus. If you arrive independently, we will provide you with a specific meeting point, including an address or GPS coordinates.
After a light snack, we'll prepare your backpack together for the trek.
This first stage is a most pleasant introduction. The hike begins in a beautiful beech forest, on a long, wide forest track with a relatively gentle incline. We then leave the forest and enter the heart of the reserve, in the middle of a vast meadow. This is an opportunity to observe the local wildlife: marmots frolicking in the tall grass, chamois gliding along the ridges, eagles, and even bearded vultures, true masters of soaring flight.
The second part of the ascent to the refuge continues on a narrower path. The incline becomes more pronounced, and we cross small boulder fields here and there, requiring a slightly slower and more technical pace. Finally, we reach the refuge from its northeast side, after skirting the lake above, without any technical difficulties.
Day 1 -
Between heaven and earth, a passage beyond the ridges!
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 14 km
- Positive elevation gain 660 m
- Negative elevation 540 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This stage is the most technical of the stay, but also the one that takes us to the heights of the reserve, to the edge of the high mountains of Haute-Ariège and towards the foothills of the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Natural Park.
We progress along paths with narrow passages – known as pas estret in Occitan – well-worn by the passage of men and animals. These paths lead us to an altitude of 2,480 m, offering a magnificent panorama of the Catalan Pyrenees and their Mediterranean-influenced vegetation.
The second part of the day is spent descending, punctuated by crossings which may seem more technical at times, but which ultimately remain without major difficulty.
The arrival at the refuge involves a final short climb, more or less steep, of about fifty meters of elevation gain, before a well-deserved rest.
Day 2 -
Towards the great reservoir lakes
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 670 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today's stage begins with a climb towards a small hanging valley, dotted with small ponds nestled under one of the great peaks of this territory, at the crossroads of the upper Ariège cantons of L'Hospitalet and Porté, in Haute-Cerdagne.
The landscape then opens up to the ridge, allowing our gaze to travel towards the largest reservoir lake in Northern Catalonia. We continue our route to a wide, easily accessible pass.
The long descent that follows leads us into the heart of a vast meadow, where the water traces remarkable meanders before feeding a large reservoir lake more than two kilometers long, supplying drinking water to the surrounding communities.
We finally walk along the lake to the refuge, the end of this beautiful day of hiking.
Day 3 -
Crossing the Altiplano to the 6 enchanted ponds
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 11 km
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Negative elevation 280 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day begins with a path that leads up to the source of the Aude river, which gave its name to the neighboring department.
We then cross the summer pastures , these vast high-altitude pastures where mountain farmers let their animals graze during the summer season.
The winding path then enters a remarkable forest, classified as a heritage forest for the quality of its tree species and the richness of its biodiversity. Emerging from the forest, we traverse the secondary altiplanos, those famous plateaus with their vast high-altitude meadows.
The crossing continues to the majestic lakes. Nestled beneath the high peaks, the refuge finally opens its doors to us to conclude the day, between relaxation on the terrace and strolling along the water's edge.
Day 4 -
Hiking between mountain passes and border ridges
- Transportation Minibus - 00h20 - 6km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h30
- Distance 18 km
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Accommodation Hostel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The hike begins along a path skirting the lakes, before continuing with a gentle climb. At this point, the path is completely clear, and progress is easy up to the border ridges. From there, the view stretches far: after taking in the landscape, a large part of the route taken at the beginning of the trip can be seen.
The second part of the trek is mostly downhill. We reach a wide pass before heading due west towards two summer pastures. Pastoralism is very prevalent in this area, and it's not uncommon to encounter a shepherd hard at work.
Gradually, the high-altitude vegetation gives way to vast beech forests. We enter them before quickly finding ourselves back on the forest track we took on the first day of this fantastic trip.
Day 5 -
End of stay
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure after breakfast, transfer to the train station possible for those who arrived by train.
Day 6
Accommodation
Large mountain refuge (altitude 1970m). Warm welcome, hearty cuisine, local and/or organic products.
A staffed mountain refuge (altitude 2104m), with a large wooden terrace on stilts (perfect for enjoying a beer in the sun). Friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Refuge (altitude 2005m) of medium capacity, comfortable, fully renovated in 2023. Friendly welcome, terrace.
Small refuge (altitude 2240m), friendly welcome and terrace facing the lakes.
For this last night, depending on availability, you will be accommodated either in a comfortable gîte d'étape or in a farm inn.
- Gîte d'étape Le Bivouac : Located in the heart of a small village in Ariège and surrounded by mountains, it is a place where it is good to live and recharge... Your hosts warmly welcome you to one of the 4 rooms (with shared bathroom) which they have renovated with natural materials, in an authentic spirit and a chalet atmosphere.
Or
- Ferme Auberge du Nabre : Located at an altitude of 1200 meters in a small village in the upper Ariège valley, this family-run farmhouse-inn is a large house dating back to 1822; formerly a farmhouse. Accommodation is either in rooms (2 to 5 people) or in dormitories, depending on availability. Sheets, blankets, and pillows are provided.
Access
- At the end of your stay, you will either be taken back to your vehicle, which will have remained safely parked in the town of Orgeix, or dropped off at the train station if you arrived by train.
- If you have booked an extra night before your stay, in a hotel in Ax-les-Thermes, your transfers [Gare-Hotel] and [Hotel-Orgeix] will also be provided free of charge by your partner.
Go to the starting point
On the day of your arrival, we will pick you up at the station and we will take you back to the station on the day of your departure at the end of your stay.
• Free and peaceful parking is available in the village's municipal car park.
• 🚗 1 hour 40 minutes from Toulouse (Direction Foix / Andorra).
Price details
The price includes
- The stay is supervised by a state-certified professional guide.
- Accommodation in mountain huts during the trek and one night in a guesthouse/hotel at the end of the trip
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 6
- Vehicle transfers (departure and return of the tour)
- Round-trip transfers from Ax-les-Thermes train station
- Loan of hiking poles (if needed)
The price does not include
- The journey to the meeting point
- Drinks and other personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Walking sticks if you don't already have them
Equipment to bring
- 1 hiking or trekking backpack with a capacity of 30 to 40 liters
- 1 waterproof rain cover to fit your backpack
- 1 sleeping bag liner, also called a "sleeping bag liner" (blankets and pillow provided by the refuge, but without a sheet)
- 1 small pouch or zip-lock bag as a toiletry bag containing essential hygiene products in a travel size
- 1 MICROFIBER bath towel (medium size)
- 1 pair of telescopic hiking poles
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- 1 to 2 water bottles, representing a total of 2 to 2.5 liters of water
- 1 plastic cup
- 1 folding pocket knife
- Hiking cutlery
- 1 front
- 1 survival blanket
- Paper tissues, 1 small garbage bag
- 1 mini first aid kit (blister plasters / pain reliever / antihistamine / usual tablets)
Clothing to bring
- 1 hat, or cap
- 1 fleece hat or headband and a neck warmer
- 1 pair of thin gloves
- 3 or 4 short-sleeved t-shirts made of breathable material and 1 or 2 long-sleeved t-shirts
- 1 fleece jacket
- 1 lightweight and compressible down jacket
- 1 waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood
- 1 sturdy trekking pant(s)
- 1 pair of lightweight "relaxed" trousers (or leggings) for evenings and nights in the mountain hut
- 1 short or 3/4 length shorts
- underwear suitable for sports
- 3 to 4 pairs of hiking socks
- 1 pair of hiking shoes
They traveled with us
