Tarbésou is a magnificent belvedere from which you can observe Mont Valier and St Barthélémy to the West and Canigou to the East. This is an essential hike in Ariège!
It offers a sublime view of the Pyrenees chain but is also a perfect spot for sunrise lovers!
What's more, it is easy to access and allows everyone to enjoy a beautiful hike in the wilderness.
The Pic de Tarbésou and the Ponds of Rabassoles
Pic du Tarbésou © Stephane Meurisse - Ariège Pyrénées Tourisme

From Ax-les-Thermes, follow the RD613 in the direction of Quillan. After 305km, turn right on the RD25 to the Col de Pailhères. After the houses and before reaching the pass, park on the left in the reception area car park.

Ranking & labels

  • Registered with the PDIPR

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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Equipments & services

Equipments

  • Parking
  • Free parking

Services

  • Pet Friendly

Your itinerary

Map List
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1 - Departure from the Reception area (1m)

Cross the road and follow the marked path and cairns rising towards the ridge, at which the GR turns south along the pastoral track.
At the well-marked bend, leave the track, leave the GR running south to take the path (yellow markings) just above, rising in a south-westerly direction.
The trail climbs gradually on the flank and until reaching the crest of Mougnégou which we go up, always southwest.
The slope steepens as you approach the summit of the Pic de Tarbésou.

2 - Peak of Tarbesou (2m)

From the summit, descend full ridge south-west.

3 - Pass (2m)

Still due south, climb the Sarrat de Gabensa, then avoid a small spike on the western side.
Before the Roc de Bragues, descend the eastern slope to a small laque. We find the markup of the GR 7B which we follow towards the north.

4 - Blue Pond (1920m)

Ignore the path that joins the Rabassoles pond and continue on the GR 7B to the Black pond which you walk along to the right. Slant north-east towards rocky bars.

5 - Col de la Coumeille de l'Ours (2m)

From the pass, go down to the north and join the abandoned track on the way up.

6 - Join the reception area