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Espezel walks
From Roquefeuil to Pic du Midi
A beautiful hike in the Pays de Sault starting from Roquefeuil with climbs up Pic des Sarrasis and Pic du Midi offering stunning panoramic views.
The Barrenc de Picaussel chasm from Belvis
This easy hike takes you through the woods above Belvis, alternating between footpaths and forest roads. There are some beautiful views of the region, as well as the Barrenc de Picaussel chasm. The chasm, located at the edge of the path, is very well secured (barriers and gates prevent accidents).
Pic de l'Ourtiset
This route takes you through an exceptional site with its mountain landscapes, fauna and flora. From the summit, you can see the whole of the Pays de Sault, the Ariège and Catalan Pyrenees and, if visibility is good, the Pic de Bugarach above the Carcassonne plain and the Montagne Noire.
Pic des Rives
A beautiful circular starting from Lake Belcaire, towards Pic des Rives (1,436 m), which offers a magnificent panorama of the Pyrenees peaks and Bugarach in the Aude. A shorter alternative route is possible by descending after the bench (3); it offers a view of the lake and Belcaire: the route can then be taken in the opposite direction.
Balcon de Sémeno
This route is one of four hiking trails maintained and promoted by the Association les Caminaïres de Comus. Starting from the village of Camurac,the first part of this loop overlooks the village, offering superb panoramic views. Several benches have been installed along the route. This hike is also accessible by mountain bike and snowshoes.
Pic de Tarbésou and Étang Noir from Col de Pailhères
An easy hike from the Col de Pailhères. Magnificent 360° panorama from the summit of Tarbésou (2,364 m), then descent into a slightly more mineral landscape towards the Étang Noir de Rabassoles. The climb up to the Col de la Coumeilles de l'Ours is fairly quick, then a gentle descent back to the Col de Pailhères through the mountain pines.
Pic de Tarbesou and the Rabassoles Lakes
A beautiful hike not far from the Ascou-Pailhères resort. On the agenda are the magnificent Pic de Tarbesou viewpoint (2364m) and the three Rabassoles lakes. To spice things up, the last part requires good navigation skills to find your way.
The Pic de Tarbésou and Étangs de Rabassoles loop
A circular hike around the Étangs de Rabassoles lakes via the Pic de Tarbésou (2,364 metres), which offers magnificent views of the surrounding 2,000-metre peaks.
The Pic de Tarbésou loop
This summit is a magnificent viewpoint overlooking much of the Aude, the Pyrénées-Orientales and the Ariège. This ridge walk takes you to the Étang Noir and Étang Bleu lakes. These lakes are bordered by small pine groves where you can relax.
Le Pla du Boum
This hike from Comus leads to Pla du Boum, at an altitude of 1,250 metres. This magnificent grassy basin, surrounded by forests of conifers and deciduous trees, is well worth the sustained effort required from the outset. The route alternates between wooded areas and open spaces where the Pic de Saint-Barthélémy, the Montagne de la Frau and the Château de Montségur are particularly striking. It can be done in any season but is recommended in autumn when the colours change.
Montpié loop
This route is one of four hiking trails maintained and promoted by the Caminaïres de Comus association. Starting from the village of Comus, it joins the Col du Boum, the Pla du Boum, and after passing through the woods, it climbs towards the Pic des Rives, then the Cols de Camurac before reaching Montpié. This hike offers splendid views. It is also accessible by mountain bike and snowshoes.
Tour du Boum
This route is one of four hiking trails maintained and promoted by the Caminaïres de Comus association. Starting from the village of Comus, it takes you up to the Col du Boum, then down to the Pla du Boum, a large pasture surrounded by pine and beech forests, before reaching the Cols de Camurac. In addition to forest trails, the route offers splendid views, particularly of the Massif de Tabe. This hike is also accessible by mountain bike and snowshoes in winter.
Roc Rouge and Rouquières loop
This route is one of four hiking trails maintained and promoted by the Caminaïres de Comus association. Starting from the village of Comus, it comprises two loops forming a figure of eight. At the junction of the two loops, you can continue to Sarrat de Rouquières (second loop) or just do the first loop via Roc Rouge. Both peaks offer remarkable views. The first loop has steep slopes, both uphill and downhill, with gradients of over 20%. However, there is a gentler access route via the Col de la Gargante, which is also signposted. Please note that the name "Roc Rouge" is a local name: the peak is marked "le Poumairol" on maps.
Tour of Donezan
This hike is best done at the end of October. If the weather is favourable, the "French Quebec" will dazzle you with its autumn colours. But there's nothing to stop you coming back in spring or summer. There are some beautiful views of the plateau and its villages: Rouze, Mijanes, Artigues, Le Pla, Le Puch, Quérigut and the peaks overlooking Donezan. The first half of the route follows the Vauban trail.
The Croix de Millet route
Circular starting from Fontestorbes, passing through Trou du Corbeau and Croix de Millet. Shady in midsummer, which is pleasant.
The Bélesta Forest
A pleasant route, admittedly long but peaceful, which will allow you to discover the ancient Royal Forest of Bélesta, with the added bonus of a visit to the incredible intermittent fountain of Fontestorbes.
Complementary hike to: The Croix de Millet route.
The Green Labyrinth and the Nébias Nature Trail
An unmissable hike in the Aude region, accessible to all, starting from Nébias and taking you to discover the enigmatic Green Labyrinth.
The three ponds of Rabassoles
A magnificent hike through forests and meadows to discover three lakes surrounded by peaks.
The three ponds of Rabassoles
Wild and beautiful landscapes with blue ponds.
Loop via the Étang de l'Estagnet, the Étang Bleu and the Étang de Rabassoles
This little loop is a lovely surprise. You'll discover ponds away from the crowds and various small lakes, as well as two of the three Rabassoles ponds, including the famous Étang Bleu... which is green!
Pic de Tarbesou from the Restanque car park
Peak accessible from the car park before La Restanque, with a view of the Dent d'Orlu.See practical information ¹GPX track highly recommended.
The Belvédère du Diable and the Chalet de Carach from Quillan
A challenging hike if you choose the circular Belvédère du Diable with its high, airy viewpoint! The route takes you through forests, along tracks and paths, with the amazing Chalet de Carach, the villages of Belvianes and Cavirac to discover, and a return trip along the Aude river: magnificent!
Please take note of the comments in the description regarding points (5) and (6).
The Dent d'Orlu
The Dent d'Orlu or Pic de Brasseil is known to climbers for its south-east and south faces, the latter offering a vertical wall of over 1,000 metres. However, its north face, although very steep, is accessible for hiking, as described here. It offers an interesting viewpoint over the Ariège mountains as a whole due to its central position.
Roc Blanc via the Étang de Laurenti
This climb in the sunny Pyrenees is a real classic, which means it can get quite busy in good weather. However, the magnificent Étang de Laurenti and the 360° view from the summit of Roc Blanc are well worth the effort required during the hike.
Five Passes Route in the Pays d'Aillou
A peaceful hike in the mid-mountains, passing through the five passes of Pichaca, Balaguès, Canons, Rieufred and Pierre Blanche. You will walk through forests that are particularly beautiful in autumn and summer pastures where herds are very present during the season. Not to mention the truly exceptional panorama of the Haute Ariège that can be seen from the various passes.
Tour of the villages of Donezan
A fantastic hike in the Donezan, allowing you to discover all of its villages and rich heritage.The main difficulty of this route is its length, covering nearly 20 km.Best enjoyed in autumn, when the flamboyant colours of Donezan offer landscapes of exceptional beauty.
Pic Fourcat
A lovely circular to do on foot in the summer, but also very pleasant on snowshoes.
Superb 360° view.
Several route variations are possible depending on your mood. See "practical information".
The Devil's Belvedere
A family hike accessible to all, in the Aude Pyrenees, leading to the Belvédère du Diable viewpoint, with the chance to discover the unusual Carach chalet along a constantly shaded route.
A trip to the Ariège region around the Refuge du Chioula
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.
The Refuge du Chioula from the Col du Chioula
Easy short hike for families from the Col du Chioula to the Refuge du Chioula.
Return through the pleasant, shaded forest.
From Orlu to the Refuge d'en Beys
Hiking along the Oriège River to the Refuge d'En Beys.
⚠️ You are entering the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.
Four days in the Orlu Reserve and the Montagne d'Ax
Beautiful mountain stages are on the programme. Comfortable accommodation and meals await you every evening.Two departments, different types of landscapes, crossing a nature reserve, a long descent along a torrent, mountain ponds and lakes, wide open spaces await you...Note: this trip is accessible by public transport and can start from Mérens-les-Vals. See Practical Information.
Another note: users have complained about the descent at the end of the four days. This trip can be done in the opposite direction to the description. But in this case, remember to save the four stages (base maps and gpx track) to help you find your way.
Étang de Naguille
A hike starting from Orlu to discover the largest lake in the Ariège Pyrenees!
Forges d'Orlu - Refuge d'en Beys via Naguille and La Couillade d'en Beys
Significant elevation gain over a relatively short distance. Magnificent landscapes in a very wild mountain setting. Numerous ponds along the way. A magnificent view from the Couillade d'en Beys. The effort is rewarded throughout the day.
⚠️ Stay on the marked trails: GRP® Tour de la Montagne d'Ax, as you are on the edge of or within the National Reserve.
Via Roc de l'Orri d'Ignaux
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.
Circular south of Lake Montbel starting from La Bastide-sur-l'Hers
Starting from La Bastide-sur-l'Hers, via Sainte-Colombe-sur-l'Hers and the hamlet of Mireval, this circular offers beautiful views from the ridge:- to the north over Lake Montbel,- to the south over the Tabe Massif with the peaks of Soularac and Saint-Barthélémy, as well as Mont Fourcat.
Circular via the Croix de Morenci at the foot of Montségur.
Hike starting from Lavelanet with a very steep climb through the woods, followed by magnificent panoramic views of Montségur Castle, to reach the Croix de Morenci and its charming metal origami bison sculptures. Beautiful view of Mont Fourcat as well.
Loop via Ivry, La Bastide-sur-l'Hers and Laroque-d'Olmes from Dreuilhe
A pleasant, easy loop with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and the Tabe massif: Pic du Soularac, Pic de Saint-Barthélémy, Pic de Girabal, Pic Galinat, Pic du Han and Mont Fourcat.
Between crests and rivers, a circular in Plantaurel
A circular loop in Plantaurel: greenways, woods, ridge views, the Touyre and Hers rivers, and history with the Saint-Roch Chapel and the Castella de Laroque d'Olmes. Something to satisfy all hikers.