In the heart of “Ariege Quebec”, in a superb site, this hike crosses a magnificent forest and allows you to discover the three ponds of Rabassoles. You can also enjoy magnificent meadows surrounded by peaks.
Rabassoles ponds
Descent to the Rabassoles ponds © Magda Fuster

Departure access: Arriving from Quérigut, take the direction of Mijanès which you cross towards the Col de Pailhères. Take the 2nd path on the left: a sign indicates "la Restanque". Follow this dirt road to the car park (the barrier prevents you from going any further).

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

  • Free parking
  • Parking

Services

  • Pet Friendly

Your itinerary

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1 - La Restanque car park

Continue on the road heading west. At the fork at the back of the car park, take the path which goes slightly to the right. The trail climbs slightly towards the old parking lot. Arrive at a clearing (picnic area).

2 - Glade

Turn to your right and ignore the wide path that goes to the left. Line the clearing leaving the picnic tables on the left. Continue towards the Etang de Rabassoles and go up into the forest.

3 - Wooden bridge

Cross the river on a wooden bridge and continue uphill through the woods. The arrival at the level of the meadows announces a flat area where you can see herds grazing in the summer.

4 - Crossing paths

At the intersection, continue straight on the very visible path (leave the one that goes to the left towards the Etang de l'Estagnet).

5 - Stream crossing

Cross the river again, which here is just a light stream over a stone ford. Climb to the Etang de Rabassoles.

6 - Rabassoles pond

Cross the ford on the left and climb the path, which is always well signposted, which starts in the broom to the southwest. Reach the Blue Pond.

7 - Blue Pond

Then turn right (north), follow the GR® and climb towards the last pond, the Etang Noir. Border the pond to its end.

8 - Black Pond

The return is made by the same route to the departure car park.