Beginner Tour des Pérics

The route starts in the small settlement of L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre, quickly leaving the road behind to follow a quieter valley. After an easy start crossing a few mountain streams, the path steadily climbs through the forest towards the high Bésines basin. Gradually, views of the Pyrenees and surrounding summits open up, before the landscape becomes more open and alpine near the refuge.

From the village, the trail heads uphill along tracks and narrow paths, passing waterfalls and streams, and winding through woodlands and open spaces, offering views of the Pyrenees Valley. The gradient increases as the route turns into the Bésines Valley, where a clearly marked path climbs through a coniferous forest. Higher up, the trees thin, and the path continues along rocky steps and grassy ledges until it reaches the shores of Étang des Bésines and the open cirque above.

Skirting the edge of the lake, the trail makes a final short ascent through Jasse du Pla to the Refuge des Bésines, which is perched on a knoll and offers wide views back down the valley. Once you arrive, you can drop your backpack, enjoy a hot meal, and watch the evening sunlight fade from the surrounding peaks while sitting on the stone building's terrace.

This high traverse links Refuge des Bésines with Refuge d'En Beys through a remote Pyrenean landscape of granite ridges, open slopes and glacial lakes. Under normal summer conditions, the route is suitable for sporty children from around 8 years old, but the ground is rough and rocky throughout. Early in the season, especially after snowy winters, lingering snowfields can make the stage much more demanding and require extra care.

From the Bésines basin, the trail contours across uneven slopes with rock slabs, mountain streams and small pools. The path is often covered in loose stones and granite blocks, so careful footing is important. The main ascent leads through a broader valley, following cairns over rocky ground and granite steps to Coma d'Anyell Pass at 2,487 m, the highest point of the stage. In June, and sometimes into early July, snowfields may remain here depending on the winter conditions.

The final section follows a clear path that winds down into the cirque of En Beys. This descent is slow-going at first, crossing rough boulder fields where you’ll need to watch your step. The terrain gradually softens into grassy terraces, but remains uneven in places. As you descend, the deep green waters of the lake come into view below, framed by crags. The trail meets the shoreline, leaving you next to the Refuge d'En Beys. Enjoy a peaceful evening by the water and relax.

This final section descends from the airy cirque of En Beys to the forested Orlu Valley. Starting beside the high mountain lake, the route follows the narrowing valley, gradually leaving the rocky peaks behind. As you descend, the landscape softens into meadows and dense woodland, with frequent views of waterfalls and cliffs in the Réserve Nationale d’Orlu. Eventually, you will reach the easier paths and tracks near the valley floor.

From the refuge, the trail quickly begins to descend alongside L'Oriège torrent, crossing slabs of rock and rough terrain. The path later enters a pine forest, where the gradient eases and the path broadens when reaching Olu Valley meadows. Passing occasional clearings but mostly deep forest sections, you follow the lively river through the lower valley, often accompanied by the whistles of marmots and the sound of water tumbling over boulders.

Later on, the route joins a wider forest track that leads comfortably towards Forges d’Orlu. Old hydroelectric buildings and information boards indicate that you have reached the edge of the reserve, and the car park soon comes into view beside the river. The trek concludes here, where there are picnic tables, shade, and easy access to onward transport or nearby accommodation further down the valley.