Encourtiech walks

A viewpoint overlooking the neighbouring villages at your feet. Full view of the remains of the viscount's castle during the climb. At the summit, the Couserans Pyrenees stretch out before your eyes. A 300-metre climb on a well-marked, brand new footpath created in 2021 by the municipality of Encourtiech offers you a breath of fresh air in a splendid landscape.

A circular from the centre to the Aubert Waterfall via Cap de la Bouiche. Beautiful view of Saint-Girons and the heights above Moulis.

De ruelles en sentiers, cet itinéraire conduira le promeneur de Saint-Lizier au Montcaliver, belvédère sur l'ensemble des vallées couserannaises et les splendides sommets dominés par le seigneur du Couseran: le mont Vallier.

In the heart of nature, through the forest of the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, climb the ridge from Lescure to Rimont and overlook the Little Pyrenees with a magnificent view of Mont Valier and the Montcalm massif. Turn around and admire the rolling landscapes of the Séronnais, Arize, Couserans and Volvestre valleys.

A short family walk offering 180° views of the Couserans mountains, including Vallier, for almost the entire route. Most of the walk is along a very quiet road. It is best to do this walk in the morning to avoid the mountains being in silhouette.

Start from the village of Alos and its castle. After a steep climb, you will discover the panorama of the Ariège Pyrenees and, at the summit of the Pic de la Quère, a small part of the Mont Valier.

Climb up to the Bouriex relay antenna for a magnificent view of the Couserans mountains and the Toulouse plain. At the top, the Bouriex discovery trail information panels provide information on the surrounding mountains and local legends.

This hike takes place mainly on agricultural and forest tracks with beautiful views of the Pyrenean foothills. Contrazy is a hamlet that you will only discover when you see the sign, as it is nestled in its green surroundings. Beautiful renovated farms, a remarkable church, a street decorated with flowers. On the way back, don't miss the unusual Notre-Dame de la Goutte chapel in Montardit.

Climb up to the ruined Mirabat Castle, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Couserans mountain range with Mont Valier and the plain in the foreground.

A steady climb to the summit of Cos with two beautiful viewpoints, the Salat valley and the Garbet valley and the Vallier massif on the other side, and a return to the banks of the Salat River with its turbulent, turquoise-blue waters.

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.

A circular route that allows you to discover a low-altitude pond nestled in the middle of the forest, then a mountain pond in the heart of the mountain pastures, passing by the Campuls hut, and to meet the herds in summer. Author's note: this hike was published a long time ago: for any changes to the original route, please consult the comments at the end of the file.

A pretty lake nestled at the foot of the mountains and a shepherd's hut in summer surrounded by mountains with, on the way back, a beautiful view of the Bethmale Valley.

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.

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 short hike accessible to all, best done with snowshoes. In addition to its short distance, low altitude and easy level of difficulty, you will be treated to magnificent landscapes all the way to the final cirque of the Cabane de Campuls. The site is very popular in summer, but much less so in winter.

A breathtaking hike leading to Étang d'Ayès from Lac de Bethmale via Cirque de Campuls and its wonderful waterfall.

A pleasant hike with part of the outward and return journey in the shade; a cirque, a beautiful natural pond and a lovely viewpoint at the pass.

A round-trip route dominated by water, in the cool valley of the Estours and Artigue streams.

Between farmland and virgin forest, discover the ruins of the Château de Saint-Barthélémy, which overlooks the authentic villages of Durban-sur-Arize and Montseron on the Plantaurel massif. You will admire the most peaceful landscapes: views of the Pyrenees, emerald forests worthy of the greatest fantasy films, and hills stretching as far as the eye can see.

A family walk on wide, well-maintained and marked trails between forest and pastures with splendid views of the Pyrenees. The route can be done in both directions: the opposite direction to the one described is perhaps even more beautiful! The markings are easy to follow.

A beautiful hike on the Plantaurel massif which, from the village of Monfa, will take you on well-marked trails with beautiful climbs to discover surprising local habitats, beautiful views, the Roc du Cor, the Les Moulis Ecomuseum, the hamlet of Camarde, and the Couminge dolmen. You may see herds of geese, sheep, goats, donkeys and horses.

This demanding hike takes you to the "Seigneur du Couserans".

A pretty loop in the Couserans valleys, leading to the Rond and Long lakes, overlooked by the iconic peaks of the massif, Mont Valier and Pic des Trois Comtes. The route often runs close to the water and is dotted with beautiful waterfalls, guaranteeing a change of scenery.

Le Mas-d'Azil is a site rich in prehistoric remains. This trail takes in three very well-preserved dolmens, while offering a fine view of the Ariège Pyrenees and surrounding hills.