Eastern Pyrenees : mountains, lakes and wild nature
Nestling in the heart of the catalan mountains, very close to Andorra and Spain, Cerdagne is all about superlatives : « Altiplano » with an unspoilt environment and privileged sunshine, unique altitude landscapes, especially in the Carlit mountains, where izards and mouflons peacefully live. The countless lakes are the gem of the region while, near the villages, the sulphurous hot springs have always brought mankind happiness. You will get to experience it by yourselves in Dorres or Prats-Balaguer and enjoy their outside natural baths. You will catch a glimpse of all the richness that the Pyrenees have to offer in terms of landscapes and natural areas with a detour to the Coma de Campcardos, on the border with Spain and Andorra. You will also enjoy a fun moment discovering the Carança gorges through footbridges and monkey bridges. The end of the holiday in the Bouillouses Conservation Area, also called the « Small Pyrenean Canada » with its superb lakes, plateau and forests will delight all the nature lovers. And a detour in Catalonia in the gorgeous Sierra de Cadi will please everyone with the greatest change of scenery ! In a nutshell, a varied holiday during which forests, mountain pastures, lakes, gorges, mountain valleys and summits will punctuate your steps !
Price per person :
795 € in June and September
870€ in July/August
Extras :
Single room extra : 115€/pers
Price includesThe price includes :
- Full board accomodation from the dinner on Day 1 to the breakfast on Day 7
- Transfers
- Guiding by a mountain guide specialised in the area
Price doesn't include:The price does not include :
-Travel insurance
-Meals that are not specified as included in the price
-Additional transfers
-Additional visits
-Drinks
-Booking fees : 10€
Day 1 : Beginning of the holiday in Foix
Meeting at 15:15 at Foix train station for an easier access, and transfer to Saillagouse (1h45). Check-in at your accomodation. Breefing on the tour. NB : Possibility for people coming by car to go directly to the accomodation in Saillagouse : Hotel PLANES, Place de Cerdagne, Saillagouse (tel : +33 4 68 04 72 08).
Day 2 : Carança gorges
Monkey bridges, suspended footbridges, ladders and cliff paths : here is what awaits you in the Carança gorges. A fun, safe and easily accessible itinerary created thanks to considerable development works. After the hike, on the way back, you will enjoy the Dorres natural thermal baths.Distance : 8km, duration : 4h00, ascent : +550m, descent : -550m.
Day 3 : Coma de Campcardos
This return trip in the heart of the gorgeous Campcardos valley offers a great variety of landscapes : a hike in the forest, the Peiraforca Peak outline appearing in the middle of the valley, the rocks on the sunny side of the mountain, the lakes and marshes, the altitude pastures... and mountains reaching more than 2500m of altitude all along the way. The valley ends in Portella Blanca (2517m), a pass that opens towards the Spanish side of the Llosa valley. Perfect setting to enjoy a barbecue for the lunch break ! Distance : 14km, duration : 5h45, ascent : +700m, descent : -700m.
Day 4 : Sierra de Cadì-Moixerò in Spanish Catalonia
Day 5 : Carlit Lakes and Summit
You will spend the day hiking on altitude paths and discovering the Carlit mountains and their various lakes. If the weather forecast permits, you will climb to the Carlit Peak (2921m) and reach the highest summit of the Catalan Pyrenees that offers a breathtaking bird's eye view ! On the path, for each altitude stage you reach, you will admire various glacial lakes, surrounded by a diverse and picturesque vegetation, full of different fragrances. Night in a moutain hotel (2050m) in a stunning setting. Distance : 13,5km, duration : 6h15, ascent : +830m, descent : -830m.
Day 6 : Esparver pound, Aude pound and Mount Llaret
After walking along the Bouillouses lake shores via the GR10, you will discover a pond where hardly anyone ever goes to, Estany d'Esparver, with a view over the Péric peaks that dominate the area along with the Carlit peak. The way back goes through the beautiful and peaceful Aude pond. Before that, the return climb to Mount Llaret will offer you a stunning view over the Bouillouses lake and the Carlit mountains.NB : alternative hike available - same level - leading to the Camporells refuge. Distance : 17km, duration : 6h35, ascent : +600m, descent : -600m.
Day 7 : End of the holiday in Foix
Transfer from Saillagouse to Foix train station after breakfast (arrival at the station aroud 10h30).
This program is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. It may be necessary, if situations arise that are beyond our control, for the itinerary to be modified. Onsite, our guides are the ones who know best and they may have to adjust the itinerary depending on the weather or should the safety of the group require it.
Welcome
Day 1: Meeting at 15:15 at Foix train station for an easier access, and transfer to Saillagouse (1h45). Check-in at your accomodation. Breefing on the tour. NB : Possibility for people coming by car to go directly to the accomodation in Saillagouse : Hotel PLANES, Place de Cerdagne, Saillagouse (tel : +33 4 68 04 72 08).
Dispersion
Day 7: Transfer from Saillagouse to Foix train station after breakfast (arrival at the station aroud 10h30).
This program is an example of the itinerary we aim to adhere to. It may be necessary, if situations arise that are beyond our control, for the itinerary to be modified. Onsite, our guides are the ones who know best and they may have to adjust the itinerary depending on the weather or should the safety of the group require it.
Level
Nature of the terrain
The hikes are on good paths, the terrain is varied and fairly easy, sometimes rocky.
Level 2/5
These trips are designed for people who are looking for active holidays. A reasonable level of physical condition is required. 4h to 6h30 of hike per day. Climbing pace* +300 m per hour.
*Be advised : these are average times that only take into account the effective walking time and do not include the stops during the hike.
Accommodation
Accomodation
6 nights in a 3-star hotel with wellness centre, sauna and swimming pool. Gourmet restaurant.
Food
- Continental breakfast (tea, coffee, milk, bread, butter, jam)
- Evening meals are often based on local specialites and include a starter, a main course and a dessert.
- Picnics are included
- Drinks are not included
Luggage porterage
Carrying
You will need to carry a day pack only (personnal equipment needed during the day and your picnic). Your main luggage will be transferred by car between the different accomodations. We kindly ask you to make sure that your main luggage is easily transportable (please see below our recommendations regarding the equipment).
Group
Groupe size
From 4 to 14 people.
Supervision
Supervision by a BE AMM specialist of the region.