Located at the “top” of the town of Aston, one of the largest in Ariège, the Fontargente ponds (silver fountains) are remarkable in more than one way. Placed at the foot of the lowest pass between France and Andorra (the Port d'Inclès is 2262m above sea level) in a site that is both gentle and wild, between grassy ridges and lofty rocky walls.
Ponds of Fontargente

Access Departure:
On the RN20, take the direction of Les Cabannes, then Aston. Follow the signs for “Refuge du Rulhe” and “Barrage de Laparan”. South of the village of Aston, it will take you a good half an hour to reach the Laparan dam by a road that deteriorates sharply from the Riète dam.

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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1 - Laparan dam

From the parking lot of the Laparan dam, take the pastoral road which goes due south, leaves the private hut of La Clau below and joins the Pla de Las Peyre.

2 - Estagnol stream

Follow the yellow markings that go up the right bank of the Estagnol stream against the slope, passes near a small gorge and meets an intersection.

3 - Stream

Take the path to the right which approaches the stream and crosses it at the footbridge.

4 - Malpas

Follow the path which goes up quite a spur to the south east. Around 2080m, the trail crosses a small grassy patch and reaches the Malpas.

5 - Large Pond of Fontargente

The path makes two switchbacks to avoid the gorges of the Fontargente stream. After this recently rehabilitated passage, the path softens to end at the Grand Étang de Fontargente.

6 - Ponds

From here you can in a few minutes visit the other two ponds, smaller but also very elegant. The return is made by the same route in approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.