Balaguères walks

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.

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.

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.

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

This is a lovely walk that will introduce you to the first foothills of the Haute-Garonne Piedmont between Saint-Gaudens and Saint-Girons. With a touch of the mountains about it, this walk will take you from the Valattes Chapel, perched on a grassy promontory, to the Saleich State Forest, passing by the mysterious Laspugue Cave and the lush green meadows of Artigues.

This hike takes place on good tracks and forest roads, through beautiful forests of beech, ash, chestnut, boxwood and other trees. The descent is mainly on less comfortable paths, which require a little more attention as they are less well-trodden. The yellow markings are good, but seem to have been scratched and partially erased between points (8) and (9). The route, which is mostly in the shade, can be done in any season. However, avoid periods of fog due to the reported problem of poor markings on part of the route.

This easy hike is located on the border of Haute-Garonne and at the gateway to Ariège. You will walk along the foothills of the Pyrenees. Varied landscapes and architectural sites are waiting to be discovered on this interesting walk.

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.

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.

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.

From the hamlet of Baderque, looking south-west, you’ll notice a white limestone outcrop – the destination of this short walk – which is accessible to all, except for the summit itself, where you’ll need to use your hands for both the ascent and descent (no equipment required), with a sheer drop of over 100 m on the western side. The first section follows a track suitable for vehicles, then a forest track and well-marked footpaths. The yellow markings are sometimes faint, as some of the markers on the outward journey have been scraped off, but the return journey is straightforward. A large part of the route passes through the Campas woods, where the abundance of moss makes you feel as though you’re in the Amazon. Return via the same route.

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.

An easy walk, mostly in the shade. Mainly a dirt track, tarmac only in Saint-Lizier. You’ll enjoy superb views of the Pyrenees, the Bishops’ Palace and Saint-Lizier Cathedral.

Winding through narrow streets and along footpaths, this route takes walkers from Saint-Lizier to Montcaliver, a viewpoint overlooking all the Couserans valleys and the splendid peaks dominated by the ‘Lord of the Couseran’: Mont Valier.⚠️ On 18 May 2026, a user reported:>Between the points (6) and (7), the route passes through private property.=> Route and description updated on 24 August 2026 by a moderator

This long, fairly challenging circular route takes you up to Mont Aragnoué and its paragliding launch site via a well-shaded forest track, allowing for a relatively quick ascent, before a gentler descent via the Col d’Arbas and the western face of the Tucas, before returning to your starting point, the small village of Castelbiague.

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

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

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.

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.

A pleasant walk on quiet roads, mainly on the heights, offering beautiful views of the Cornudère ridge and the Cagire, after passing through a beautiful forest. Then, the descent along the Arbas, to the sound of running water, should charm walkers. Please respect the gates.

This circular loop, which is mostly in open country, follows short stretches of road (departmental road) and tarmac paths, offering lovely panoramic views of the Pyrenean foothills and the summit of Cagire in particular. It passes through the hamlet of Lebrats in Saint-Martin and runs alongside Rouède before returning to the starting point via several small hamlets on the edge of the Bagiri Forest.