This section of the GR10 in the Ariege drops down steeply to the Riberot valley and the smart Maison du Valier gite d’etape. There are great views en route of Mt Valier, the Ariege’s highest mountain at 2,838 m.
The Clot du Lac cabin on the ridge at 1,821 m is swiftly left behind as the GR10 starts dropping down towards the Riberot valley. There are beautiful views over Mt Valier, at 2,838 m the highest mountain in the Ariege. It has a distinctive shoulder to each side at certain angles and is an easy climb from this valley.
A beautifully restored – and locked – stone cabin comes into view on your left, but your next accommodation option is the Trapech-du-Milieu cabin at 1,540 m. It is a nice large cabin sitting in a grassy bowl, with a welcome water trough and a corral.
About 20 minutes further down there is also the Artigue cabin which is again a sound cabin with good water, albeit a bit smaller. Soon after this, the trail enters the trees and drops steeply down to the valley floor and the refuge at 927 m.
The Maison du Valier is a cut above the normal gite d’etape with a good restaurant and open air seating. It has private rooms and bunkrooms and gets a lot of day visitors who can drive to it. It feels like civilisation after days without a town, and full board will set you back 65 euros. It is a pleasant place to stop though with good food and comfortable facilities. Enjoy it while you can: the only way is up!
Ascent: Negligible
Descent: 894 m
Time: 1.40