Cascade d'Ars waterfall
Cascade d'Ars waterfall, a major attraction of the Couserans area
The Cascade d’Ars is one of the finest waterfalls in the Pyrenees. The famous, late 19th century, Pyrenean explorer, Count Henry Russell, considered it to be head and shoulders above the rest. Situated on the edge of the well-known village of Aulus-les-Bains, water from the Cascade d'Ars drops 246m in three stages. The falls are at their best during May and June when the snow is melting.
A key attraction of the Couserans area, the waterfall is an easy walk for all the family along a mountain track, a round trip takes between 3½ and 4 hours. At Aulus–les-Bains, in the Vallée du Garbet, go over the bridge in the direction of Col de Latrape and stop at the first hairpin bend. The walk starts here and climbs up through a wooded valley with no view of the falls. Then suddenly you emerge from the trees and there they are in all their splendour!
Next, you need to climb a further 300m to the top of the waterfall at Cap de Pich (1,548m). The path runs along by the waterfall with superb views at different levels. Take a breather when you arrive at the Passerelle d’Ars footbridge then continue along the GR10 for just over an hour to the Etang de Guzet (pool). The return along an easy, wide path brings you back to the starting point.
Near the Cascade d'Ars : Etang de Lers
Etang de Lers is a lake at 1,274m altitude at the intersection of the Vallée de Massat, the Vallée de Vicdessos via Port de Lers and the Vallée d'Aulus-les-Bains via Col d'Agnes. Dominated by Mont Béas, Mont Ceint and Pic des Trois Seigneurs (2,199m) and surrounded by vast, gently sloping meadows, the lake is one of the loveliest places in the Ariège Pyrenees.
The lake area, at the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises, is rich in natural habitats and wildlife and is a Natura 2000 conservation area. It is also well-known to geologists all over the world for lherzolite, a rare igneous rock, which gives the landscape a lunar appearance in stark contrast to the vegetation.
The site has been a summer pasture for cattle, sheep and horses since time immemorial, as can be seen from the remains of ‘orris’ (stone huts and enclosures). Nowadays the lake is also the site of lots of other activities.
In winter it is a winter sports venue for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. In summer it is the starting point for walks and discovery trails. You can also go paragliding and caving, or simply enjoy a lovely day out in exceptionally beautiful countryside.
Etang de Lers is also a paradise for fishermen at the heart of the regional natural park! Open between May and October, from dawn to 19.00, a fishing party alone, with friends or family at the lake is a great day out. It is a recognized tourist fishing spot and is regularly stocked (twice a week in summer) so it is easy to catch brown trout, rainbow trout and brook trout. There is also a « Handipêche » pontoon for fishermen with reduced mobility next to the lake outfall.
Also in the area - Aulus les Bains thermal baths.
Spend a day, a weekend or a week at the health resort at Aulus les Bains ! The spa centre offers a myriad of hydrotherapy, beauty and wellness treatments in various packages, with or without accommodation. Or simply come and relax in the 32° leisure pool with massage jets, jacuzzi and steam bath which is open to the public
Useful information:
Office de Tourisme (05 61 96 00 01). Walk starts from Aulus-les-Bains. Duration : 3½ hours there and back. Distance : 9.9 km. Elevation : 663 metres. Difficulty : suitable for families. Minimum altitude: 747 metres. Maximum altitude : 1,398 metres. Walk n°10. Markers : yellow then red and white.
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