The Gardelle ponds are a set of 4 ponds which flow into the stream of the same name and which feeds the Soulcem dam. The walk is quite difficult physically but does not present any real difficulties. The magnificent panorama and the beauty of the landscapes will quickly make you forget the efforts made !!
Gardelle ponds

Road access: At the exit of Tarascon-sur-Ariège turn right, direction Vicdessos. Cross the villages of Vicdessos, Auzat and Marc.
In Marc, take the direction of the Soulcem dam. Once at the dam, continue on the road that runs along the pond.
Park shortly after the pond, at a place called Orris de Carla.

Location

Ariège Pyrenees

South of Ariège, on the border with Andorra, are the Ariège Pyrenees. Between mountainous landscapes and activities, there are many [...]

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Your itinerary

Map List

1 - DEPARTURE

Cross the footbridge that spans the Soulcem stream. Take the path marked out in yellow (forget a path that starts on your right) and tackle the grueling climb to the Gardelle ponds. The path is well marked but the slope is extremely steep (about 1000 meters of elevation gain). End at a ledge to finally lead to the first pond.

2 - FIRST POND

Turn right and walk along a second much smaller pond.

After a short climb less intense than the previous one, arrive at the third pond, the most extensive.

3 - NEXT POND

After a short climb less intense than the previous one, arrive at the third pond, the most extensive.

4 - LAST POND

To get to the fourth pond, retrace your steps to the junction of the first pond which will have to be bypassed on the left. For the return, use the same route as going to the car park. It will offer you a superb plunging view of Lake Soulcem.