Alate pond, hike to Aulus-les-Bains: Ariège Pyrénées

Located on the GR10 hiking trail, this walk will take you to the Alate pond, via the port of Saleix, a real crossing point between the valleys of Couserans and Vicdessos.

Road access: In the village of Aulus-les-Bains, take the direction of Port de l'Hers on the D8f. After several bends and a straight line, arrive at the car park, a place called "Coumebière". A hiking sign marks the start.

Additional Information :
You are in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees Natural Park.

We encourage you to adopt responsible behavior in this fragile and shared environment.

- Stay on the trails and take your waste with you.

- Observe the flora without picking it.

- Stay discreet, for wild animals.

- In summer pasture areas, remember to close fences and gates. Do not approach or feed the animals. If a Patou (a livestock protection dog) approaches you, move away slowly and calmly. Do not make large gestures or shout, even if it barks, as it will consider you a threat. If it follows you, ignore it.

- Swimming in lakes is not recommended. Sunscreen (even organic!) and other cosmetics are a source of pollution in this fragile environment.

- Bivouacking is permitted, but only between 19 p.m. and 9 a.m., and more than an hour's walk from a parking lot.

- During periods of drought, all fires are prohibited. In other cases, fires are only permitted more than 200 meters from a forest. Stoves should be used instead of natural fireplaces.

- In the unlikely event of an encounter with a bear (which will try to avoid us at all costs): approach calmly, move away gradually, and do not run.

Ranking & labels

Circuits of France_circuits
Registered with the PDIPR

Location

Couserans Pyrenees

On the western part of Ariège, the Couserans and its 18 valleys is a vast territory divided between high mountains, mountains and [...]

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Equipments & services

Equipment

Parking

Your itinerary

Map List

1 - Departure

The climb will take place on the gr10 (red and white markings) towards the Port of Saleix. Cross the Coumebière plateau (summer). The trail then climbs in laces to the Port of Saleix.

2 - Port of Saleix

Once at the Port, take the path (still the GR10) which climbs to the right on the ridge towards the refuge of Bassiès, then take the well-identified path going to the left to switch to the other side. The pond is in sight in this small descending part of the course but which is equipped with a cable and steps.
However, this passage does not involve any particular difficulty. Continue on this path which crosses boulders to reach the Alate pond. The return is via the same path to Port de Saleix.

Back at Port de Saleix, and to avoid taking the same path as on the way out, take a well-marked path that descends on your left. After several switchbacks and after crossing the stream, the descent becomes steeper as it becomes straight. Once arrived at the intersection with the GR10, continue the descent on your left to find the parking lot of departure.