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Cirque de Pessons

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Lake
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Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)

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The Cirque de Pessons is a spectacular glacial cirque located in the parish of Encamp, in the eastern part of Andorra. It is characterized by its vast granite landscape, which was carved by ice during the Pleistocene epoch. The cirque is famous for hosting a series of more than 15 interconnected lakes, known as the Estanys de Pessons, which cascade down the rocky terrain. The highest point overlooking the cirque is the Pic de Pessons, reaching 2,864 meters. This area is a haven for biodiversity, featuring alpine flora such as gentians and fauna like the Pyrenean chamois. The terrain is a classic example of high-altitude Pyrenean geology, with massive boulders and polished rock surfaces. It is accessible from the Grau Roig ski sector, offering numerous trails for hiking in the summer and snowshoeing in the winter. The cirque is not only a site of geological interest but also a vital water catchment area for the Valira d'Orient river system.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-2-21591416161282-1
Rain mm604857717752464750647049

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The classic starting point is usually the Grau Roig sector, providing straightforward access to the main hiking routes. Well-trodden paths lead directly into the memorable granite basin.
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Best season
Summer and early autumn are typically the best times to experience the lakes without significant snow cover. Winter visits generally require specialized ski touring equipment.
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Terrain & paths
The environment is characterized by a stepped, rocky ascent passing multiple alpine lakes. The trails are clearly defined but require navigating extensive granite boulder fields.
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What to bring
Sturdy alpine hiking boots, warm layers even in summer, wind protection, and an ample supply of water are essential. Trekking poles are highly beneficial for the rocky sections.
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Parking
The expansive parking lots at Grau Roig typically serve as the primary, highly convenient base camp. These lots are easily accessible for all types of vehicles throughout the year.
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Safety
Weather in this high-altitude basin can change extremely rapidly, bringing cold winds or thunderstorms. Careful foot placement is crucial when crossing the massive boulder fields.
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Time needed
Completing the full, scenic circuit of the mountain lakes typically demands four to six hours, constituting a thoroughly rewarding full half-day or relaxed day trip.

Geography

Coordinates
42.52250, 1.68580

Facts

  • Large glacial cirque located in the parish of Encamp.
  • Formed primarily of granite rock from the Carboniferous.
  • Contains a series of more than 15 connected lakes.
  • Highest peak in the cirque is Pic de Pessons at 2,864m.
  • Area belongs to the Grau Roig sector of Grandvalira.
  • Key habitat for high-mountain Pyrenean fauna.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pic de la SellaPic de la Sella<1 km · SEExplore →
Grau RoigGrau Roig2 km · NEExplore →
Pic de la MinaPic de la Mina2 km · SEExplore →
Pic de la Sella de les OnesPic de la Sella de les Ones2 km · NWExplore →
Pine Marten Conifer ForestsPine Marten Conifer Forests3 km · SWExplore →
Bordes d'EnvaliraBordes d'Envalira4 km · NExplore →
Bearded Vulture High PeaksBearded Vulture High Peaks4 km · EExplore →
GrandvaliraGrandvalira4 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cirque de Pessons (4)

Pic Baix del Cubil

Peak in the Andorran Pyrenees, part of the mountain ridge above the Cirque de Pessons.

Pic Alt del Cubil

Mountain in Andorra, adjacent to Pic Baix del Cubil, featuring alpine terrain.

Montmalús

Mountain in Andorra, a prominent summit in the Cirque de Pessons area, popular for hiking.

Ancien émetteur Sud Radio

Ruins of a former radio transmitter station located on a mountain in Andorra.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Cirque de Pessons?
A spectacular glacial cirque with a chain of mountain lakes.
How many lakes are there?
There are more than a dozen larger and smaller lakes in the cirque.
Where does the trail start?
From the parking lot at the Grau Roig ski resort.
Is there a restaurant nearby?
Yes, the 'Refugi Llac de Pessons' restaurant is right on the shore of the first lake.
Is the trail family-friendly?
The path to the first lake is easy; the other lakes require a bit more stamina.
Cirque de Pessons: where is it located?
Cirque de Pessons is located in Andorra.
Cirque de Pessons: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pic Baix del Cubil, Pic Alt del Cubil, Montmalús.
Cirque de Pessons: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Cirque de Pessons: why is it worth visiting?
The Cirque de Pessons is a spectacular glacial cirque located in the parish of Encamp, in the eastern part of Andorra.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Pas de la Casa Border Customs — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Pas de la Casa Border Customs
This border crossing with France is crucial for the import of goods.
Caldea Spa Building — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Caldea Spa Building
The striking Caldea building, with its 80-meter glass spire, is a landmark of modern architecture.

Nature

Pic de la Sella — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Pic de la Sella
This peak reaches 2,590 meters and is located near Encamp.
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Pic de la Mina
Pic de la Mina is a 2,650-meter-high peak in the Encamp region.
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Pic de les Pedrusques
Pic de les Pedrusques is a 2,618-meter-high mountain.
Pic de la Sella de les Ones — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Pic de la Sella de les Ones
This 2,650-meter-high peak belongs to the Encamp massif.
Pic de la Creveta — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Pic de la Creveta
Pic de la Creveta reaches a height of 2,656 meters in the Encamp region.
Estany de les Abelletes — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Estany de les Abelletes
This small mountain lake forms the border between Andorra and France.
Pic de les Broues — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Pic de les Broues
Pic de les Broues is a 2,605-meter-high peak in eastern Andorra.
Pic de la Font Negra — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Pic de la Font Negra
This peak rises near the French border to 2,668 meters.

More places

Serra de Ensagents — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Serra de Ensagents
Serra de Ensagents is a prominent mountain ridge in the Encamp parish.
Bearded Vulture High Peaks — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Bearded Vulture High Peaks
This rare vulture is found in the highest Pyrenean peaks, feeding almost exclusively on bones.
Serra de l&#39;Obaga — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Serra de l'Obaga
Serra de l'Obaga is an elongated mountain ridge in the central Pyrenees of Andorra.
Ptarmigan High Altitudes — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Ptarmigan High Altitudes
The rock ptarmigan is found in the highest, rockiest areas of Andorra, changing its plumage with the seasons.
Fire Salamander Damp Forests — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Fire Salamander Damp Forests
Damp, shady forests throughout Andorra provide a habitat for the striking fire salamander.
Sant Romà de les Bons — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Sant Romà de les Bons
This 12th-century Romanesque church is part of a fortified medieval complex in the parish of Encamp.
Santa Eulàlia d&#39;Encamp — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Santa Eulàlia d'Encamp
The parish church of Encamp boasts the country's tallest Romanesque tower at 23 meters.
Casa Cristo — Cirque de Pessons (Andorra)
Casa Cristo
An ethnographic museum in Encamp showing the humble life of an Andorran working-class family in the 19th century.