The ascent of Mont Valier

For a hike in the heart of Couserans, unlike any other!

Admire a sunrise at Mont Valier, the lord of Couserans! Célicia, adopted by Couserans, as she says, takes you towards this emblematic site of Couserans.

This is my best experience!

A desire... To show this iconic summit to my Canadian sister-in-law. After a little planning for our ascent to Mont Valier, we set off for two days with friends.

Backpacks on our backs and poles in hand, we set off from the Pla De La Lau car park in Riberot.

Mid-July, very hot day (a tip: leave early in the morning, when it's cool!) we make a first stop at the superb Nérech waterfall where the horseflies (small flying creatures that sting) have a field day pecking at us.

We set off again after regaining our strength, heading towards the round pond. The spectacle of the flowers and their shimmering colors is striking; it seems as if they are competing with each other, each one more beautiful than the last.

We arrive at the round pond, the swim is well deserved, the water is refreshing, the picnic is also welcome. And the view is just…magnificently natural.

Then we retrace our steps to the intersection which allows us to reach the Estagnous refuge where we have an aperitif as soon as we arrive, followed by a very cold shower! What bliss.

Over a good meal, we share our experience with other hikers from other horizons. I love the atmosphere there. It's so rejuvenating.

Before going to bed, we all enjoy a magnificent sunset. I try to capture the last rays of the sun that warm my heart and my body. Time seems to stand still...

It's invigorating!

After a night lulled by the snoring of my friends, the alarm clock makes it hard to drag us out of bed, but the desire to experience a unique moment prevails. With our water bottles full and our headlamps on, we set off on an extraordinary adventure.

Calm reigns, only the sound of pebbles beneath our determined footsteps punctuates our walk.

We arrive at dawn, it's cold, so we huddle together and admire the splendid spectacle of the sun rising and illuminating the magnificent mountains as far as the eye can see. We did it! We climbed Mont Valier!

The emotion is great, a feeling of gratitude for our beautiful nature lets out a tear of joy.

We go back down to the refuge to have a friendly breakfast, say goodbye to our warm hosts and collect our bags at the same time.

We set off again by the same route for the return, certain that this magical moment will remain forever engraved in our memories and in our hearts.

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If you want to follow Célicia's adventures, follow her on Instagram ! @celicia.sp