Arrien-en-Bethmale walks

A pleasant forest walk accessible to all, leading you to the Étang de Bethmale, a must-see spot in the Couserans region of Ariège.(!) Possible problem with the trail disappearing at (5), see reviews, keep us informed.

This guide has been created to reflect the new yellow signposting introduced in 2024.The route has been modified at the start and at point (7), and has been moved entirely to the left bank of the Balamet stream.

Summit with a superb view of the Couserans part of the Pyrenees mountain range.

Splendid view of the Couserans peaks with a crossing of a summer pasture and the discovery of an old marble quarry.

A pleasant walk with part of the outward and return journeys in the shade; a cirque, a beautiful natural pond and a lovely viewpoint at the pass.

A beautiful ridge walk offering magnificent views of the Pyrenean mountains, including Mont Valier and the Piedmont. Moderately challenging, it is fairly easy to complete. It is possible to stay overnight at the Cabane de l'Arraing: maximum four to five places.

A breathtaking hike leading to Étang d'Ayès from Lac de Bethmale via Cirque de Campuls and its wonderful waterfall.

A short hike accessible to all, best done with snowshoes. In addition to its short distance, low altitude and easy level of difficulty, you will be treated to magnificent landscapes all the way to the final cirque of the Cabane de Campuls. The site is very popular in summer, but much less so in winter.

A pleasant climb towards Compussan under the beech trees accompanies the summer pastures. It continues across high-altitude meadows and leads to the rocky massif of Cap de Broc with a beautiful view of the valley floor, returning via Alas and theGR®® which follows the Lez river a little higher up.

A circular route that allows you to discover a low-altitude pond nestled in the middle of the forest, then a mountain pond in the heart of the mountain pastures, passing by the Campuls hut, and to meet the herds in summer. Author's note: this hike was published a long time ago: for any changes to the original route, please consult the comments at the end of the file.

A walk to reach a magnificent viewpoint from the Tuc des Pelades ridge, along a little-used route. The return journey follows a path partly overgrown with ferns, but it is possible to take the track suitable for vehicles to avoid this botanical adventure.The Visorandoapp (or a hiking GPS ) is strongly recommended.

Don’t fancy just doing the Étang de Bethmale and would rather do a circular route? This route to the lake via the Col d’Eliet is perfect for you.

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 challenging hike that takes you to a summit with breathtaking views of the Mail de Bulard.

This demanding hike takes you to the "Seigneur du Couserans".

A pretty loop in the Couserans valleys, leading to the Rond and Long lakes, overlooked by the iconic peaks of the massif, Mont Valier and Pic des Trois Comtes. The route often runs close to the water and is dotted with beautiful waterfalls, guaranteeing a change of scenery.

An alternative to climbing Mont Valier, passing through the adjacent valley and the Col de Pécouch, offering a change of scenery and magnificent landscapes. This variant adds 1h30 to the return journey compared to the outward route and an additional 250 m of elevation gain. This alternative is also less frequented than the main route.

Since the fire in July 2026, the terrain has been very unstable (frequent rockfalls) on the GR®10 towards the Ayes Lake, and this section of the path is therefore closed. Consequently, the ONF recommends an alternative route, the details of which are given below, between the Maison du Valier and the Col de la Core. The start and finish points of this stage are accessible by car.

Two days, exploring both sides of the cool Biros Valley through which the River Lez flows, in a very mountainous setting.One night’s stay in the hamlet of Eylie d’en Haut. The mountain refuge and dining area are separate and welcoming.Both days are spent largely on marked trails, but these are challenging, sometimes steep and often very steep.- The first day is challenging, with 1,200 metres of ascent and 900 metres of descent. Do not underestimate it. The descent from the Col des Cos is not straightforward due to the patous and the path being difficult to follow, despite the markings, as well as the crossing of the Ruisseau du Haurendech (torrent). The views make you forget these difficulties.- The second day begins with a very steep climb (25 per cent gradient). Then, the beautiful balcony path requires great caution as it is not maintained and is very narrow. After the Col des Cassaings, conditions improve. The views make you forget these difficulties.

First day of this trip to the Refuge d’Eylie. A day not to be underestimated.Set off from Sentein along an old track, then take the small road up to Bencarrech, joining the GRP® Tour du Biros. The GRP® in the Isard Valley crosses to the other bank via the Illa Maria footbridge. It then passes the Passerelle du Pichès on the right and begins a steep climb. From there, a PR® trail leads to the Col des Cos (mountain hut, fountain). This is followed by a tricky descent due to fallen trees blocking the path (PR®). After at least 6 hours’ walking, including breaks, with 1,200 m of ascent and 900 m of descent, the Eylie restaurant and bar is a welcome sight.

A circular loop to climb Pic de l'Arraing via Pic de Sérau, following the pretty ridges.

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.

The route is mainly in the shade. Only the summit is in full sun from the village of Antras. The climb up the Col de Mourères is not difficult. A beautiful walk on the Balcon du Biros

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

A steep climb rewarded by a 360° panorama of the Couserans and Biros peaks.

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.

The “standard route” up the Pic du Crabère passes via the Refuge d’Araing and the Col d’Auréan. As this route is very busy during the summer months, I’m suggesting an unusual and unspoilt route here, allowing you to reach the Crabère whilst avoiding the crowds, and without any difficulty. The return journey will follow the standard route, allowing you to complete a circular route around the Étang d’Araing. This 25 km route, with 2,000 m of elevation gain, requires good stamina, but can be completed in two days with an overnight stay at the Refuge de l’Étang d’Araing.The section from (7) to (13) is feasible provided there is no snow.

First stage of the Petit Tour du Biros.From the Anglade car park, a steady climb along theGRP®® Tour du Biros to the Passerelle des Pichès, then a detour via the Chapel and the Cabane Forestière de l'Isard.Then, after returning to theGRP®®, you arrive at the Cabane d'Illau.This is followed by a steep climb up to just below the Étang d’Araing dam and finally the arrival at the Refuge Jacques Husson de l’Étang d’Araing.This stage is only feasible when there is no snow, from late May until the huts close or the first snowfall begins.

Suggestion for a shorter Tour du Biros with alternative routes.Start from the Anglade car park (Frechendech).A fairly challenging first stage with an alternative route via La Chapelle and the Maison Forestière de l'Isard.A second stage exploring an old lead and zinc mine, preceded by the ascent of the Pic de l’Har.A third, more leisurely stage, but over rough terrain, on a path damaged by fallen trees and the absence of a footbridge over a torrent.This route is only feasible when there is no snow, from late May until the mountain huts close or the first snowfall begins.

This large circular takes us through varied landscapes, discovering the riches of the Couserans. The Pic de Crabère is the remarkable highlight of this beautiful journey. From its height of 2,630 metres, you can see the high peaks of the Ariège and Luchonnais on either side, while to the south, the Aneto massif dominates the landscape. To fully enjoy this long hike, don't hesitate to stop for the night at the Étang d'Araing refuge. You'll have a front-row seat to watch the magical spectacle of the sunset over the Pic de Crabère.

Torrential streams, forests, mountain pastures, panoramic views, huts and chapels await you on this hike at the bottom of the Biros valley.

An accessible and charming hike with varied terrain and landscapes and panoramic views of over 180°.

Climb up to the Bouriex relay antenna for a magnificent view of the Couserans mountains and the Toulouse plain. At the top, the Bouriex discovery trail information panels provide information on the surrounding mountains and local legends.

A very pleasant walk through beautiful forests along forest tracks and a few well-marked paths. A fairly difficult section that is fully roped off (to be avoided with dogs, otherwise you’ll have to carry them), with numerous short detours to see the entrances to chasms or viewpoints that are not to be missed. Beautiful beech woods and the regrowth of boxwood give this path a touch of magic. The app will be useful as numerous paths cross at various points.

The highest point in the Val d'Aran and Couserans, Maubermé is often overlooked in favour of Mont Valier. However, unlike Valier, the path climbs steadily and pleasantly to Port d'Urets (and its small hut where you can spend the night), then becomes a little steeper to reach the summit, which may prove a little difficult for those who are not used to it.

Discover the bourdaous, which are pastoral mountain hamlets, groups of barns and stables used in the past during the summer months. A bourdaou can also be an isolated barn with an adjoining hut, a very basic dwelling for shepherds. This route offers the chance to discover some of them, starting from Cazavet and climbing up to the Cours mountain pasture. The route passes by the summit of Roc de Maléchart, where a 360° view allows you to discover the Pyrenees mountain range.

A magnificent viewpoint over the high peaks of the Couseran. An easily accessible summit, passing by the old Bentaillou Mines and the Étang d’Araing. Please note: the return route via the Col de Clos requires a basic knowledge of navigation (especially in bad weather).

Combine mountain hiking with discovering industrial heritage.This valley has a significant mining heritage, and the succession of reminders of this during the climb, dotted with ruins and twisted, rusty scrap metal, evokes the past importance of the heart of our mountain range.

Second day of this trip to the Refuge d’Eylie. A day not to be underestimated.Classified as difficult due to an average gradient (slope) of 24% from (1) to (3). Afterwards, the GR®10 access trail – GRP® Tour du Biros – is very narrow, poorly maintained and at times dangerous due to low-lying, slippery rhododendrons: it is a north-facing slope. There are moments of respite in the woods, where the path is fairly wide and very well signposted. From the Col des Cassaings onwards, conditions improve. The highlights of this balcony trail are the numerous viewpoints from (3) to (4) and from (4) to (6).After at least 6 hours’ walking, including breaks, with 900 m ascent and 1,150 m descent, the arrival at the Ostal du Biros in Bonac is a welcome relief. From there, it’s a 25-minute drive along a very quiet road back to Sentein (E).

Third and final stage of the short Tour du Biros.The return route follows a very interesting and well-marked path, passing through Col des Cos.A lovely hut with a new roof, open to the public, is available at this pass as a new hut has been refurbished for the shepherd(s). There is also a water source at this spot.A very beautiful descent until you reach the GRP® Tour du Biros.Pass by the lovely Passerelle des Pichès footbridge.You pass through the hamlets of La Peyre and Frechendech before arriving at the car park.This stage is only possible when there is no snow, from late May until the mountain huts close or the first snowfall begins.

This walk takes you along the Arros stream from where it joins the Estours stream right up to its source. You’ll first come across the Arros mountain pastures with their abandoned barns, then, after another climb, the Lameza forest hut and its mountain pasture at the foot of the Vallier massif.

A round-trip route centred on water, in the cool valley of the Estours and Artigue streams. Update August 2026: a notice states that the access track to the car park is closed in July and August in 2026 and possibly in subsequent years. The walk remains possible from Moulin Lauga, which makes it considerably longer, or out of season.

A circular from the centre to the Aubert Waterfall via Cap de la Bouiche. Beautiful view of Saint-Girons and the heights above Moulis.

This mostly shaded walk offers varied views of the valleys and hills at the foot of the Sourroque massif, with a wild feel in places, all close to Saint-Girons.