Auzat walks

This hike is for experienced hikers who are comfortable using the app, as it takes place on unmarked roads and trails until the junction with the GR® Tour des Trois Seigneurs at the highest point of the Crêtes de Bège. The trails are old but still easily identifiable and easy to follow. However, you will need to be in good physical condition as there is a significant elevation gain over a relatively short distance. You will also need to be able to identify the best routes when you reach the rocky part of the ridge. From there, you will discover exceptional 360° panoramic views. The return journey, which is not particularly difficult, follows the GR® trail.

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.

First day completed during a three-day trip (August 2023) from Vicdessos (Val de Sos). Please note: the proposed route, which is in perfect condition, is only roughly marked except for the section of theGR®10. This hike is classified as difficult due to the need for good orientation skills, the poor condition ofthe GR®10, the numerous steps to climb, the duration, etc. If it is a simple return trip to the refuge via theGR®10, then the hike can be classified as moderate.

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.

A beautiful route alternating between beech forests, stunning views of the Os Valley and old iron mines, starting from the small village of Sem, above Vicdessos. Best done in dry, clear weather.

The Pique d'Endron is a central viewpoint in the Haute-Ariège. From here, you can see the Montcalm massif and the Bassiès massif with its terraced lakes up close, and you can look out over two large ponds: Gnioure with its small island and Izourt. The view to the north stretches far into the distance. The outing is relatively short but quite challenging with its 1,000 m elevation gain, dizzying views and a short passage where you have to "use your hands".

A beautiful hike that will take you to one of the most beautiful lakes in the Vicdessos valley. The times indicated are for a trained walker. Allow at least 5 hours to reach the refuge.

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.

A beautiful cross-border high mountain loop between France, Spain and Andorra, which takes you through the highest peaks of Ariège and Andorra, as well as other iconic peaks in the region. It also allows you to discover numerous lakes and ponds, as well as a multitude of different landscapes (forests, summer pastures, scree slopes, etc.) to delight all hikers. This itinerary takes us through three natural parks: the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, the Alt Pirineu Natural Park and the Coma Pedrosa Valley Nature Park.

The first stage of the journey, the shortest and easiest, to warm up your legs, passing through the Bois de Fontanal and the Étang Sourd to the Refuge du Pinet. The elevation gain is still significant.

A very beautiful hike, but one that has to be earned. 1,000 metres of elevation gain over a short distance. The variety of paths taken, including rivers, forests, mountainsides and lakes, will make you forget the difficulty. The view of the Bassiès massif on the way up and down is truly magnificent. The best part: the welcome at the refuge is very warm. From the refuge, you can continue on to several other lakes, or enjoy the beautiful view of all the 3,000-metre peaks around Montcalm.

A gentle walk to the Artigue waterfalls.

This high mountain hike allows you to climb the two iconic peaks of the Vicdessos valley in Ariège: the Pique d'Estats and Montcalm! Montcalm (3,077 m) is the first "3,000" peak in the Pyrenees when coming from the Mediterranean, and Pique d'Estats (3,143 m) is the highest peak in Catalonia, which explains their symbolic status. Please note that the descent is described as dangerous by some hikers. See the reviews and let us know if you have any information, but please remain cautious

A lovely loop around the Ruisseau de l'Artigue and Estats. This loop allows you to avoid the crowds that can gather in summer due to the easy access to the waterfall and the canyoning activity.

A beautiful two-day route through magnificent mountain scenery. Thirteen lakes are on the itinerary, with the added bonus of a short chairlift ride on the second day. Enough to satisfy even the most demanding hikers.

A magnificent hike in the upper Ariège in a spectacular setting. On the agenda for the day are the Etangs du Picot and the two Etangs Fourcat, which quickly make you forget the intense effort required during the climb.

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

The second day is a high-mountain stage passing through the highest point of this itinerary: Pic d'Estats, as well as two other peaks over 3,000 m nearby, Pic du Montcalm and Pic de Verdaguer. The route is largely over scree and rocky terrain, which will greatly appeal to mineral enthusiasts. The trail largely follows the Porta del Cel hike and the GR®T61. Although not particularly technical, this stage should not be taken lightly due to its altitude (three peaks over 3,000 metres), its length, its elevation gain and its trails composed of loose stones that can make progress difficult.

This is the sixth and final stage of the Tour des Géants des Trois Nations, which has a steep descent (1,800 m of elevation loss, which will hurt your joints) to return to the starting point of this journey. This stage passes by the Fourcat Waterfall, the beautiful Izourt Pond and the forests of Goulier-Auzat and Montcalm.

More magnificent lakes are on the agenda, with the added bonus of a short chairlift ride on the Andorran side to rest your legs before the descent to L'Étang de Soulcem, which is very challenging in the last section.

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 day-long hike taking you to an altitude of almost 3,000 metres and offering splendid views of the French and Spanish Pyrenees. The hike starts in the valley at 1,926 m and gradually climbs to the peak at 2,902 m. Plan to spend the day with a picnic on the banks of the Soucarrane lake, which is very pleasant in good weather. Please note that some sections along the ridges are not recommended for people who are prone to vertigo.

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.

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

After our chairlift ride, we descend towards the Soulcem lake on the Ariège side. We enjoy the beauty of this glacial valley, the Soulcem lake, the Mérens horses grazing freely, not to mention the numerous orris that line the route. It is a wonderful but particularly challenging end to the hike between the Caraussans lake and the Soulcem trail.