Circular via Freychenet and Gabachou from Nalzen

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Circular starting from Nalzen, climbing to the village of Freychenet, then taking the Col de la Lauze road and returning via the hamlet of Gabachou. This section of road is pleasant in wet weather at the foot of Mont Fourcat.

Details

n°86965494
Creation:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.15 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 269 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 264 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 873 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 616 m
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Description of the walk

Parking is available in the village of Nalzen along the Roquefixade road (D117A).

(S/E) Follow the D117 towards Lavelanet and turn right towards Freychenet via the Route d'Armentière. Cross the Douctouyre and you will come to a fork.

(1) Turn right up the road to reach the village of Freychenet, following the Ruisseau de Marié stream.

(2) At the watering hole, turn left and take the road that climbs towards the Col de la Lauze (D209a).

(3) Leave the D209 and take the small road (D209a) that branches off to the left towards Le Gabachou.

(4) Cross the hamlet and continue along the road until you reach a fork.

(5) Do not turn right towards Armentière. Take the hairpin bend to the left. Follow the Douctouyre river until you reach the initial fork in the road.

(1) Follow the same route as on the way there to return to Nalzen (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 633 m - Parking on the Roquefixade road (D 117A) - Douctouyre (rivière) - Affluent de l'Hers-Vif
  2. 1 : km 0.68 - alt. 626 m - Crossroads of the circular
  3. 2 : km 3.86 - alt. 804 m - Freychenet drinking trough
  4. 3 : km 5.53 - alt. 855 m - Crossroads
  5. 4 : km 5.79 - alt. 841 m - Le Gabachou
  6. 5 : km 7.04 - alt. 705 m - Fork
  7. S/E : km 10.15 - alt. 633 m - Parking on the Roquefixade road (D 117A) - Douctouyre (rivière) - Affluent de l'Hers-Vif

Worth a visit

(3) Beautiful view of the village and Roquefixade Castle to the north.

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 4 reviews
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
4.3 / 5
User 2167993

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

When the trails are muddy, this hike is still feasible because it follows small roads. And it is enjoyable.

Machine-translated

User 2167993

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

When the trails are muddy, this hike is still feasible because it follows small roads. And it is enjoyable.

Machine-translated

hilde1958
hilde1958

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 01, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A route along a small road to take when the paths are wet. The scenery is magnificent, and we were surprised to pass through sunny hamlets, well hidden in the hills. The stream that runs alongside the road at the start makes you want to dip your feet in it (in summer!).

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