Mont Béas

Mont Béas is a limestone summit rising to 1903 meters in the Regional Natural Park of the Ariège Pyrenees with extensive karst formations. The mountain features deep cave systems carved through the rock by water over many centuries.

Exploration of the underground La Pique network began in 2002, leading to the discovery of a 620-meter-deep chasm in 2011. These discoveries reveal the hidden depths beneath the mountain.

The summer hamlets of Lamarda and Plagnols nearby display traditional dry stone architecture that reflects the pastoral way of life. This building style shapes the landscape and shows how people adapted to mountain living.

The main access path starts at the Lers pond spillway at 1264 meters and follows a pastoral track northward. Good footwear and water are essential for this exposed terrain, especially on longer outings.

The mountain contains the third deepest cave system in Ariège, though a neighboring chasm reaches even greater depths below ground. This remarkable subterranean landscape regularly draws cave explorers seeking new passages.

Location: Ariège

Elevation above the sea: 1,903 m

Made from material: limestone

GPS coordinates: 42.80763,1.36164

Latest update: December 14, 2025 20:00