Ariège walks

This high-altitude hike gives you an exact view of the high mountains of the Ariège and their perched ponds. This small pond in a peaceful setting has an immediate charm. Moderator's warning as of 22/03/2021: Caution! in snowy conditions, very tricky passage; see reviews

A beautiful loop starting from the village of Gourbit. Passing through the Etang d'Artax (Artats), the Roc de Querquéou and the Col de Lastris. The viewpoint, approaching 1900m, is a feast for the eyes.

A half-day tour to admire the magnificent Étangs de Fontargente and their emerald green reflections.

A circular walk in a magnificent landscape bathed in a calm and soothing atmosphere. This loop will delight lovers of peace and quiet as well as those wishing to reconnect with nature.

This hike, accessible to all, offers a taste of the high mountains. After the Étang de Labant, the route leads to the Pic de Cabanatous, a marvellous lookout point over the Étangs de Bassiès and beyond to the great summits of the Ariège. On the way back, the Étang d'Alate is the perfect place to stop for a break before heading back to the Port de Saleix, a very important ancient communication route that facilitated trade between the Couserans and Vicdessos regions.

A short, pleasant half-day hike in spring to the Étang d'Appy and its cirque.

A gentle walk to the Artigue waterfalls.

The granite cirque of Bassiès, near the Montcalm massif, is impressive for its size and its lakes. It is accessed from the right bank of the steeply-sided Bassiès stream via a comfortable but steep path that passes through a beautiful forest before coming out onto a rocky outcrop that marks the first lake. The descent is on the other bank, which is just as steep, following a well-maintained stony mule track.

Loop starting from Alus-Les-Bains with varied landscapes. Hike to be undertaken after the snow has completely disappeared (check in advance). Several passages through peat, in the middle of streams and avalanche corridors.Please note: look carefully for markings and signposts, which are not always very visible.

A lovely half-day family walk to the Étang de Comte via the Jasse du Mourguillou.

A beautiful hike ending at the Étang d'Izourt with a stunning view. The Étang d'Izourt is a dam lake with a tragic history (read about it on the commemorative plaque). There are two paths you can take to get to the Étang d'Izourt: the left bank or the right bank of the stream. The outward journey is on the right bank of the Arties stream and the return journey is on the left bank.

Walk through the ruins of Roquefixade Castle and the Coulzonne Cave.

Between farmland and virgin forest, discover the ruins of the Château de Saint-Barthélémy, which overlooks the authentic villages of Durban-sur-Arize and Montseron on the Plantaurel massif. You will admire the most peaceful landscapes: views of the Pyrenees, emerald forests worthy of the greatest fantasy films, and hills stretching as far as the eye can see.

A pleasant, easy hike from the Col de Port, in a magnificent setting combining forest, stream, picnic area and views of the Pyrenees. Not very busy except at the pass.

De ruelles en sentiers, cet itinéraire conduira le promeneur de Saint-Lizier au Montcaliver, belvédère sur l'ensemble des vallées couserannaises et les splendides sommets dominés par le seigneur du Couseran: le mont Vallier.

A circular hike around the Étangs de Rabassoles lakes via the Pic de Tarbésou (2,364 metres), which offers magnificent views of the surrounding 2,000-metre peaks.

An unusual hike along an old mining railway line with tunnel crossings.

This high-altitude walk through a high-mountain landscape can also be turned into a short educational outing. The short journey back in time takes you to the orris at the bottom of the Soulcem valley on the border with Andorra and Spain. The numerous small dry-stone summer dwellings bear witness to the intense pastoral activity in the valley.

A beautiful walk in the heart of the Soulcem valley to discover the crystal-clear waters of the Étang de Médécourbe.

Pleasant forest walk.

In the Orgeix Valley, this very varied hike on a well-marked trail to a beautiful glacial lake can be divided into three parts: a beech forest where you walk not far from the stream and its small waterfalls, meadows at the edge of the forest, and finally a series of small glacial locks leading to the lake's spillway. You can then climb the Pic de l'Homme, which is easily accessible via the ridge from the Lac d'Aygue Longue, passing through the Col de la Parade.

This pleasant hike will take you to the charming village of Orgeix, where you can explore its castle on the shores of Lake Campauleil.

The Dent d'Orlu or Pic de Brasseil is known to climbers for its south-east and south faces, the latter offering a vertical wall of over 1,000 metres. However, its north face, although very steep, is accessible for hiking, as described here. It offers an interesting viewpoint over the Ariège mountains as a whole due to its central position.

A beautiful hike in Haute Ariège, at the gateway to Andorra. The route includes five lakes and small lakes in a high mountain landscape dotted with streams.

The climb is divided into two stages: the Cirque de Garbettou, which is easy to access, with its waterfall and streams, and the steeper, rockier climb to the Étang du Garbet, with its turquoise reflections, waterfall and occasional snowfields. 26/08/2024: Allow an extra 30 minutes on average to complete this hike.

A pretty lake nestled at the foot of the mountains and a shepherd's hut in summer surrounded by mountains with, on the way back, a beautiful view of the Bethmale Valley.

A few kilometres from Ax-les-Thermes, this is an easy hike offering a variety of pleasures and sensations. After the first part, mainly through a magnificent beech forest, the view opens up as you cross the mountain pastures on the legendary Chemin des Bonshommes, a short section of which you will follow. And of course, don't forget the arrival at the Refuge du Chioula, which offers a magnificent panorama of the Pyrenees and all the great peaks of the Ariège.

Enjoy magnificent views of the Ariège mountains as you cross the Col de Cadène and Col de l'Étang d'Appy. You can relax at the foot of the Étang d'Appy, dominated by the Pic de Saint-Barthélemy.

Start from the village of Alos and its castle. After a steep climb, you will discover the panorama of the Ariège Pyrenees and, at the summit of the Pic de la Quère, a small part of the Mont Valier.

This route, which circles the village of Arnave, is particularly dedicated to visiting the Romanesque chapel of Saint-Paul, a jewel of tranquillity in a rural setting. From its promontory, it invites you to take your time and enjoy the peace and quiet.

This beautiful hike in the Mounicou Valley (Soulcem) invites you to contemplate four little-visited lakes. The goal of the day is to discover the four lakes of Picot! While the first two are rather unremarkable, the third and fourth have a charm that captivates you as soon as you discover them and rewards you for your efforts.

An easy hike between Rabat-les-Trois-Seigneurs and Bédeilhac offering a beautiful view of the valley from the Roche Ronde.

A round-trip route dominated by water, in the cool valley of the Estours and Artigue streams.

Despite its modest altitude (1,618 m), this peak, well known to paragliders, offers a 360° panorama including the Cathar fortress of Montségur and the Montagne de Tabe. The circuit begins with a steady climb through the Bois de Montminier and continues over wide, grassy ridges that present no difficulty. On the way back, the Lac de Moulzoune and its picnic area offer a very pleasant place to stop.

This hike will allow you to discover two remarkable sites, the Sommet du Mont and the Roche Ronde, for the views they offer over the Tarascon valley and some of the peaks of the Pyrenees: Saint-Barthélémy and Pic des Trois Seigneurs.

A very short walk in the woods to discover the Roquefort waterfalls.

Superb viewpoint over the entire eastern part of the Pyrenees. The Pic de Saint-Barthélemy also offers an exceptional view of the plain to the north. It is easily identifiable on a clear day from the motorway... The route combines beech forest, where the small Lac de Moulzoune nestles, two old quarries, grassy hilltops overlooking two high-altitude lakes, a small forest of mountain pines and ends with a stony ridge covered with rhododendrons.

Located on the outskirts of Tarascon-sur-Ariège, this hike gradually takes you up the slopes where you can admire the Ariège, Tarascon and several peaks of the Pyrenees!

A magnificent hike through forests and meadows to discover three lakes surrounded by peaks.

An aerial loop with numerous panoramic views, in the heart of a magnificent beech forest, with a summit offering an exceptional panorama! Come and see the "blue mountains" at the end of a sunny morning.

The mining trail winds its way through the woods around the delightful Sem valley. Follow in the footsteps of the former miners of Rancié and discover the past.

In the large glacial cirque of Soulcem, this hike allows you to discover several high-altitude lakes with crystal-clear waters and sumptuous mineral landscapes that make you forget the considerable effort required, both on the way up and down. On the way back, a few horses of the Mérens breed and the magnificent Orris du Carla provide a pleasant end to the day.

This is an easy hike, although the last part is not marked. The first part is shaded. There is a pretty cabin and beautiful views of the region. At (5): you can extend the hike with a return trip along the ridges after Bout de Touron.

Sunshine, panoramic views of the Vallier massif and the Pyrenees, and barns are all on the agenda for this loop above the village of Balagué.

Le Mas-d'Azil is a site rich in prehistoric remains. This trail takes in three very well-preserved dolmens, while offering a fine view of the Ariège Pyrenees and surrounding hills.

A lovely viewpoint, a dolmen and a rural plateau.

Boucle au départ d'Aulus-Les-Bains vers la cascade d'Ars et retour par la cascade du Fouillet. Randonnée très agréable, en forêt sur quasiment tout le parcours, avec pour récompense deux cascades mirifiques. Majestueuse, la cascade d'Ars est haute de 246 m en 3 ressauts et sa partie médiane large de 60 m. La cascade du Fouillet, de moindre envergure, est tout aussi belle et impressionnante.

A short hike that starts on the banks of the Ariège before climbing the hills. There are breathtaking views of Pamiers, the Pyrenees and the Plantaurel hills.

Part of the long route (9 stages) around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Tour des Pérics and using various marked trails,GRP® andGR® in the area. Initial stage designed to ease you gently into the hike.

This hike is best done at the end of October. If the weather is favourable, the "French Quebec" will dazzle you with its autumn colours. But there's nothing to stop you coming back in spring or summer. There are some beautiful views of the plateau and its villages: Rouze, Mijanes, Artigues, Le Pla, Le Puch, Quérigut and the peaks overlooking Donezan. The first half of the route follows the Vauban trail.