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The Pic de Girantès via the Port de Saleix from La Coumebière, Aulus-les-Bains

Publié le 26 November 2024 | Ariege, France Eng

An accessible and exceptional hike from the Coumebière parking lot in Ariège. The Pic de Girantès or Mont Ceint, via the Port de Saleix and up its southern ridge, offers incredible panoramic views of the Pic Rouge de Bassiès and Mont Valier to the west. The descent to the Pic des Trois Seigneurs and on to the Plateau de Girantès is just as splendid, rounding off one of Ariège's most beautiful itineraries. Ideally done in mid-season, autumn or spring, to enjoy the colors and the first or last snows. Not to be missed!

Technical summary

► Departure point: Parking de la Coumebière, Aulus-les-Bains, Ariège (09)
► Type of route: high mountain loop hike
► Distance: 9 km
► Cumulative elevation gain: +690 m
► Cumulative negative elevation gain: -690 m
► Estimated total duration: 3h30 to 4h30
► Min and max altitude: 1400 m / 2088 m
► Signposts: GR to Port de Saleix, GRP to Pic de Girantès then yellow PR for the return via Plateau de Girantès.
► Equipment in place: none
► Equipment required: none

Difficulties: the south ridge to the Pic de Girantès is fairly steep and sustained, so pay attention to the direction on the PR to descend and cross the Plateau de Girantès.

Access to the place

On the D18 between Aulus-les-Bains and Vicdessos, south of the Col d'Agnes, park in the parking lot at the Coumebière flat.

Map & topo

Itinerary description

1st section: Coumebière parking lot to Saleix harbour (1h to 1h30)

The GR crosses the flat area and climbs up the eastern slope, winding its way up to Port de Saleix, between Pic de Gerantès and Mont Garias. The ascent is very gradual and the almost 400m of ascent is easy.

Part 2: Port de Saleix to Pic de Girantès (30' to 45')

This is more complicated, as the southern ridge leading to the summit is steep and the path goes straight down the slope. There are several bumps to get over and some steeper sections. There are fine views over the valley of the Saleix stream to the east and, to the south, the Pic Rouge de Bassiès massif gradually comes into view: superb! At the summit of the Pic de Girantès, impressive 360° panoramas: Mont Valier is clearly visible, and to the north, the Pic des Trois Seigneurs is close by.

3rd part: return via Tuc des Paloumères and Plateau de Girantès (1h15 to 1h45)

Descend the grassy north-facing slope of the Pic without a clearly visible path. Aim for the hut below. Below, pick up the GRP trail which bends to the east before returning below the hut. There's a fork in the road. Leave the GRP and turn left on the PR towards Coumebière.

Keep your eyes peeled for the next section as far as the Pas du Roc, because despite the yellow markings and the fairly obvious itinerary, you could take the wrong path. Descend to the south-west, staying close to the small ravine, and follow it down towards the Plateau de Girantès, which is clearly visible just behind the Tuc des Paloumères. Take the lower path that leads to the ridge to the left of the Tuc and plunge down this time to reach the grassy plateau with a mini pond in the middle that you need to reach.

Here, take the yellow path to the east, not the one to the south. You'll come to a spring and then a small stream which flows towards the Pas du Roc. Pass the Pas du Roc and descend through the forest, crossing a lower level and rejoining the D18 road a little above the starting parking lot.