Around Saint-Martin-Lys

A beautiful, shaded hike in the forest of the charming village of Saint-Martin-Lys, at the foot of the River Aude. This route is well worth the detour, with a beautiful viewpoint over the Axat Valley at the start of the trail.

Details

84438843
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.73 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 2,175 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,149 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,140 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,168 ft

Description of the walk

Park in the visitor car park (note that the narrow lane leading to it is very narrow).

(S/E) From the car park, turn right towards the south, then take the steps on the left and turn right onto the road.
Go down to the town hall. At the intersection, continue left and then right at the wash house. Follow the sign for "Planèses". A little further on, ignore the side paths that lead to the station and continue along the trail.

(1) Cross the railway line and gradually climb up through a shady forest. You will enjoy a few views of the village of Saint-Martin Lys. You will come to an intersection.

(2) Turn right towards the viewpoint. This section is almost straight and leads to a fantastic viewpoint over the Axat valley.

(3) Return to the previous intersection.

(2) Take the path on the right, which climbs steeply before reaching a track.

(4) Follow the track for about 1.5 km before leaving it (elevation 802).

(5) Turn left onto a path that descends until you reach the track again.

(6) Follow it to the left and at the next intersection, also follow to the left to reach a junction.

(7) Leave the track and take the path/track on the left, heading north-east. The first climbs are steep, then become gentler before reaching a track-path junction at Col de Saint-Martin.

(8) There are no signs indicating this pass. Take the path opposite, heading west, and begin the descent. The descent is pleasant at first, but gradually becomes tedious with a short complicated section just before the last hairpin bend. Join the road leading to the visitor car park and turn right to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,168 ft - Saint-Martin-Lys visitor car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.51 - alt. 1,280 ft - Railway
  3. 2 : mi 1.94 - alt. 2,231 ft - Intersection. Return trip to the viewpoint
  4. 3 : mi 2.28 - alt. 2,172 ft - Viewpoint
  5. 4 : mi 3.02 - alt. 2,530 ft - Track
  6. 5 : mi 3.72 - alt. 2,635 ft - Fork in the trail
  7. 6 : mi 3.84 - alt. 2,467 ft - Track
  8. 7 : mi 3.92 - alt. 2,438 ft - Fork in the trail
  9. 8 : mi 5.1 - alt. 3,136 ft - Saint-Martin Pass
  10. S/E : mi 6.73 - alt. 1,168 ft - Saint-Martin-Lys visitor car park

Notes

Hiking video

Very tedious descent, especially towards the end (walking sticks recommended).

Please note that the route can be slippery, especially if it has rained the day before.

Worth a visit

Reviews and comments

4 / 5
Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
3.5 / 5
jpa31500
jpa31500

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 14, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The path is generally well-marked and shaded; there are indeed plenty of stones on the descent, but nothing insurmountable.
At the Col de St-Martin, you can take the track on the right, which climbs gently for about 150 metres (do not go past the ‘private property’ sign); look for a clearing on your left to enjoy lovely views of: the Roc Blanc, the Pic de la Camisette, the Pic de l’Ourtiset, the Tarbesou... etc.
Then return to the pass to begin the descent.

Machine-translated

Gruobcity!05
Gruobcity!05
• Edited:

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

a beautiful trail at the start, but then badly damaged by large rocks that fell during the rains, by wild boars, and by branches of all sizes, especially on the descent.
It is a very congested descent, which requires a great deal of attention, and is therefore very tiring and long.
There were four of us, and only one of us didn't slip, while one of the men slipped five times.
The descent, as you described it, was very (very) tedious.
I won't be doing it again.
PS: hike done today, 06/10/2025

Machine-translated

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