Carlit

Carlit (or Pica del Carlit), standing at 2,921 meters in altitude, is the highest peak in Cerdanya and all of Northern Catalonia. It is located in Alta Cerdanya (France), within the communal territory of Angostrina i Vilanova de les Escaldes, and forms part of the Pyrénées Catalanes Regional Natural Park. Situated in the northern area of the eastern Axial Pyrenees, it serves as a watershed for the Tet, Querol (or Aravó), and Aude river basins.

Its surroundings are a high-mountain sanctuary characterized by extraordinary water richness. At its feet lie numerous glacial lakes (such as Llat, Sobirà, or Negre), situated between the Les Bulloses reservoir and Lanós Lake, which is the largest lake in the Pyrenees. Lower elevations are covered by forests of Scots pine, firs, and rhododendrons, while the alpine zone harbors rich biodiversity, including marmots, chamois, and alpine birds. Geologically, the massif is essentially granitic, with the presence of schist, and the landscape has been profoundly shaped by ancient glaciers.

From the summit, the views are spectacular, offering an extensive panorama over Ariège, Capcir, and Alta Cerdanya. On clear days, prominent peaks like Canigó, Tossa d'Alp, Puigmal, and the Serra del Cadí can be identified. Almost all the local lakes are also visually dominated from above, with Les Bulloses reservoir and Lanós Lake being particularly prominent.

Among the nearby peaks, Carlit de Baix (northeast slope), Tossal Colomer, Puig Peric and Petit Peric (to the east), and Coma d'Or and Puigpedrós de Lanós (to the west, behind Lanós Lake) stand out. The main access to the most frequented route is from Montlluís. Other reference towns nearby include Font-Romeu, Sallagosa, Bourg-Madame, Llívia, and Puigcerdà.