There are many refuges to choose from in the Ariege-Pyrenees, ranging from a small shepherd's shelter to the equivalent of a 1* hotel. These refuges provide vital shelter throughout the year. Some have 'guardiens' during the summer months. Most have some form of bed & mattrass plus proximity to running water. Wild camping in the French Pyrenees is a good option. That said, it is sensible to pitch near or next to some form of refuge and water supply, particularly in late July and August. Heat is continuous issue in this period particularly; you need a regular supply of water & shelter from storms. Thunderstorms develop by mid-afternoon each day so you need to plan your day accordingly (plan to be off summits & near shelter by 3pm). When camping remember that at night, a close-by refuge can offer a welcome alternative if high winds or a storm develop. Conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
Routes & timings should always be flexible; don't be too over-ambitious in the distances you plan to cover. Heat & steep ascents are tiring. Long, steep descents can also take more time than planned. Be wise about how much weight you carry. Drinking water is readily available throughout most routes except the summits/HRP.
'Unmanned' Refuges. There is no booking system for unmanned (without gardien) refuges Most have bunks, matresses and a fire place. If the weather is bad, do use such a refuge. There is generally space & it is an accepted principle that fellow walkers will help you find space! Please just remember to take your rubbish with you, to leave as you find (or better!).
'Manned' Refuges.
These can have sheperds (berger) living in part of the building who maintain & monitor the refuge but do not provide any food or drink. Ariege Refuges such as the Estagnous on route to Mt Valier and the transfrontier GR10 route provide hot evening meals, breakfast, packed lunches and beer/wine. The manned refuges providing meals always require booking in advance to enable food ordering/transport/preparation. An evening meal, wine, bed and breakfast will cost around 50 Euros per person.
Routes & timings should always be flexible; don't be too over-ambitious in the distances you plan to cover. Heat & steep ascents are tiring. Long, steep descents can also take more time than planned. Be wise about how much weight you carry. Drinking water is readily available throughout most routes except the summits/HRP.
'Unmanned' Refuges. There is no booking system for unmanned (without gardien) refuges Most have bunks, matresses and a fire place. If the weather is bad, do use such a refuge. There is generally space & it is an accepted principle that fellow walkers will help you find space! Please just remember to take your rubbish with you, to leave as you find (or better!).
'Manned' Refuges.
These can have sheperds (berger) living in part of the building who maintain & monitor the refuge but do not provide any food or drink. Ariege Refuges such as the Estagnous on route to Mt Valier and the transfrontier GR10 route provide hot evening meals, breakfast, packed lunches and beer/wine. The manned refuges providing meals always require booking in advance to enable food ordering/transport/preparation. An evening meal, wine, bed and breakfast will cost around 50 Euros per person.
Pitching a Tent.
As a general rule camping is permitted well away from access roads, pitching late afternoon/early evening, breaking camp the following morning. Camping next to a manned refuge may cost 3 to 5 Euros per tent. Again, take all your rubbish with you, use a pre-determined toilet area or common sense well away from tents and any water source.
As a general rule camping is permitted well away from access roads, pitching late afternoon/early evening, breaking camp the following morning. Camping next to a manned refuge may cost 3 to 5 Euros per tent. Again, take all your rubbish with you, use a pre-determined toilet area or common sense well away from tents and any water source.
