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 route around the recently renovated and re-erected Croix de Garrié. The route begins in the shade, on a north-facing slope, and follows a gentle gradient for most of the way up this slope. Magnificent scenery on the south-facing slope with breathtaking views of the Pyrenees mountain range and Mont Valier in the foreground. And, before heading down towards the car park at the start, you cross the route to Cap de Garrié and its cross, which the more adventurous can reach in about ten minutes. The return descent is along a slightly steeper slope, but is completely safe, offering views of the Salat valley and the ruins of Encourtiech Castle. This trail, recently renovated and signposted, was created under the supervision of the local council, which oversees and coordinates its regular maintenance.

Discover Lastès with a beautiful view of the Ariège mountains – a very pleasant 3- to 4-hour hike.

This hike is accessible to all, on a perfectly maintained trail which, after an hour's walk, will take you to the small summit of Tête d'Âne. There, you will enjoy a breathtaking view to the south of the highest peaks of Couserans: Valier, Maubermé and Mail de Bulard. To the north, a completely different spectacle awaits you, as in good weather you can see the plain of Saint-Girons all the way to Lescure. A striking contrast between plain and mountain.

A very pleasant walk through beautiful forests along forest tracks and a few well-marked paths. A fairly difficult section that is fully roped off (to be avoided with dogs, otherwise you’ll have to carry them), with numerous short detours to see the entrances to chasms or viewpoints that are not to be missed. Beautiful beech woods and the regrowth of boxwood give this path a touch of magic. The app will be useful as numerous paths cross at various points.

This mostly shaded walk offers varied views of the valleys and hills at the foot of the Sourroque massif, with a wild feel in places, all close to Saint-Girons.

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

Easy walk with beautiful views of the Pyrenees.

From narrow streets to footpaths, this route takes walkers from Saint-Lizier to Montcaliver, a viewpoint overlooking the entire Couseranne valleys and the splendid peaks dominated by the lord of the Couseranne: Mont Vallier.⚠️ On 18 May 2026, a user reported:>Between points (5) and (6), the route passes through private property. Following misconduct by inconsiderate walkers and horse riders (destruction of a >chicane and other damage), the owner has decided, in agreement with the local council, to no longer permit >access. Please take this >ban into account in route no. 5230.

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.

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

This easy hike allows you to admire all the peaks of the Ariège, including Mont Valier. From the road (first third of the route) to the end, this majestic landscape unfolds throughout the walk. This route can also be done by mountain bike.

Walk through the hillsides of the village of Soueix with panoramic views of Le Vallier, the Col d'Ayens and Mirabat Castle. Architectural highlights include the churches of Saint-Sernin and Vic d'Oust, and the railway bridge.

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 sheet was created to show the new yellow markings put in place in 2024. The route has been modified at the start and in (7), and has been completely shifted to the left bank of the Balamet torrent.

Don’t fancy just doing the Étang de Bethmale and would rather do a circular route? This route to the lake via the Col d’Eliet is perfect for you.

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 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.