Axiat walks

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

Circular starting from the Monts d'Olmes resort, passing through the Pics de Girabal and Galinat via the Col de Girabal, the Col de l'Étang d'Appy (with a beautiful view of the lake) and finally the Col de Cadène. Some sections require the use of your hands but are not particularly dangerous (in the absence of snow). You can also make a round trip to Pic du Han (from Col de Cadène) or Saint-Barthélémy (from Col de Girabal), but the additional elevation gains are not included in this technical data sheet.

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.

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.

This circular hike will take you across the Plateau de Beille, offering beautiful views of the eastern Ariège Pyrenees throughout the hike. When you reach the top of the plateau, you may encounter a few herds grazing (goats, cows or Mérens horses).

Loop starting near the village of Montségur, via the peaks of Soularac, at 2,368 m, and Saint Barthélémy, at 2,348 m, then return via the Diable and Truites lakes. This is a fairly demanding circuit in terms of elevation and the nature of the trails.

Wide open spaces with aerial views of the Monts d'Olmes massif; reminders of an industrial past with old quarries; paths through the forest, then along ridges offering magnificent panoramic views, a small lake, two huts... Simply bliss for a family walk that everyone can enjoy!

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.

Loop starting from the Étang de Moulzoune via the peaks of Soularac and Saint-Barthélémy. To be done between June and November, checking that there is no snow on the north side (visible from Lavelanet), as access would be difficult.

Randonnée longue et partiellement hors sentier. Vue magnifique du sommet de la Frau à 1900 m et possibilité de visiter la grotte de l'Ourse qui est exceptionnelle. Ce parcours comporte des passages hors sentiers, l'application ou un GPS de randonnée est fortement conseillée.

This hike takes you to the first peak over 2,000 metres from Toulouse, with magnificent views from the summit.

This circular hike above Ax-les-Thermes, towards the summit of Roc de l'Orri d'Ignaux, will take you to a 360° viewpoint over the western part of the Ariège Pyrenees.

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

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 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 loop takes you from the village of Arnave up to the Col d'Ijou, where you can see the village of Croquié before starting the descent via the village of Serres. You can also admire the beautiful view of the Pyrenees at various points along the walk.

At an altitude of 2,000 metres, Mont Fourcat is the northernmost peak of the Cirque des Monts d'Olmes. It offers a vast view of the plain to the north and a view of the entire Ariège mountain range to the south and west. Beyond that, on a clear day, you can even see the Maladetta glacier in the distance. To the east, the view plunges into the Cirque des Monts d'Olmes, dominated by the imposing Saint-Barthélemy. You first climb through a beautiful forest and as soon as you reach the open space among the ferns and heather, which then give way to rhododendrons, broom and gispet, you can enjoy a beautiful view as you walk along a ridge formed by continuous grassy hillocks leading to the summit. This outing is quite challenging (800 m elevation gain), but the route is entirely on very comfortable trails and tracks, hence its "medium" rating.