Foix walks

A walk through the land of Gaston Fébus, former Count of Foix, along the Ariège. After an enjoyable climb “in the land of the elves” amongst the moss-covered rocks, you reach two rural hamlets, where time seems to have stood still, then the ridge and its viewpoints over the Pyrenees. (!) There appear to be restrictions on access. Message from a user on 28 February 2025. Hike not recommended.

Circular starting from the village of Montgailhard, near Foix, climbing up the Côtes, then to Saint-Genès. Hike through the woods during the ascent and descent. May be a little slippery if it is very wet. The passage along the ridge offers a beautiful view to the south over the Pyrenees, from Soularac in the east to Pique d'Endron, then to Roc de Batail in the west.

The village of Montgailhard is dominated by the famous Pic de Montgailhard or Pain de Sucre, rising proudly to an altitude of 627 m. But there is another, lesser-known peak called Carsabel, which is well worth a visit because, at 615 m above sea level, it has nothing to be ashamed of compared to its big brother. Less imposing and much less easily accessible, but without any major technical difficulties, you do, however, have to brave the complications of its winding and unclear paths to reach its summit in the middle of the forest. This is the domain of wild boars, roe deer and other mammals and birds of this region of the Pyrenean foothills, but also of foresters who (moderately) exploit its slopes.Part of the route follows the paths of the plain, in the municipal park or the old paths along the banks of the River Lios.An unusual route, reserved for hikers seeking a challenge or runners looking to diversify their routes.

Circular starting from the hamlet of Prayols through the woods. Provides access to the three beautiful Cascades de la Piche waterfalls, as well as an orientation table describing the valley to the east that leads to Lavelanet. Beautiful view of Roquefixade and Mont Fourcat.

An easy hike with beautiful views of the Pyrenees. No difficulty apart from some old markings or sections overlapping local routes, and a section requiring GPS guidance at the point (8).

This is an easy hike, although the last part is not marked. The first part is shaded. There is a pretty cabin and beautiful views of the region. At (5): you can extend the hike with a return trip along the ridges after Bout de Touron.

A pleasant hike above Foix (in Ariège), alternating between forest paths and ridge trails, with beautiful views of the plain to the north and the Pyrenees to the south.

An easy walk along the ridge between the Toulouse plain and the Pyrenees mountain range from Mont Valier to Saint-Barthélémy.

This is a short, easy, accessible and aerial hike offering views of the entire Ariège Pyrenees, from Mont Valier to the Orlu Reserve, as well as the plain.

Starting from the village of Seignaux, which was once an old kaolin (white clay) mine used to make porcelain, you will reach the Col de Belvèze to discover a superb view of the Pyrenees mountain range. Back in the village, you can take a few minutes to learn a little more about kaolin, see the wagon used in the mine, and admire the view from the orientation table.

A very pleasant hike in the hills of Ariège, between forest and ridges.

This hike is located in the hills above Serres-sur-Arget. It leads to the Fautils pastures and Cap de la Grésale, the highest point of this loop, at 1,112 metres. Most of the route is through forest with wide views of the Séronais, the Pays de Foix, the Massif de Tabe and the Massif de l'Arize. Marked in yellow and very well signposted.

Snowshoe hike starting from Ramon, depending on snow conditions. Be careful of road conditions; make sure you have good winter tyres (keep chains in the boot of your vehicle as a precaution). It is sometimes possible to drive to the small car park just next to the cattle grid. Fairly gentle slopes, mainly on tracks and trails, except before the summit of Bout du Touron. South-facing with a beautiful view, short section through the forest to see the Cabane des Gardes on the trail.

After a steady climb through the forest, the Cabane de la Devèze offers a welcome rest stop before tackling the last demanding section leading to the ridge. The path along this vast ridge offers exceptional views of the Haute Ariège as well as the sites of Foix and Tarascon-sur-Ariège. After the Picou, the return journey is via the Route Forestière du Calmil, where you can rest from the efforts of the climb while admiring the magnificent trees that populate it.

A walk suitable for all year round (provided there is no snow in winter), mostly through woodland. The first section is very accessible and family-friendly, on wide, well-maintained paths. The section after L'Herm is a well-marked climb, marked in yellow, but the path is not always obvious on the ground, with quite a few steep sections, though never dangerous (you can have lunch at the highest point).

For the first twenty minutes, the trail climbs steadily and there are beautiful views between the bushes and trees, especially in winter. After that, you can enjoy fantastic views of the valley almost constantly.

A short outing for an afternoon of snowshoeing in the woods with magnificent views of the Ariège Pyrenees towards Andorra.

A peaceful walk through a small village, between fields, woods and village paths, easily accessible from the greenway. A circular route with easy parking in front of the village school/town hall.

A family circular offering exceptional views of the Pyrenees and the plains of Ariège. This hike takes you through meadows, undergrowth and then forest, on very pleasant paths and tracks. It is also a livestock farming area, so please keep an eye on your dog.

For a change from the much more popular western and eastern routes.

At an altitude of 2,000 metres, Mont Fourcat is the northernmost peak of the Cirque des Monts d'Olmes. It offers a vast view of the plain to the north and a view of the entire Ariège mountain range to the south and west. Beyond that, on a clear day, you can even see the Maladetta glacier in the distance. To the east, the view plunges into the Cirque des Monts d'Olmes, dominated by the imposing Saint-Barthélemy. You first climb through a beautiful forest and as soon as you reach the open space among the ferns and heather, which then give way to rhododendrons, broom and gispet, you can enjoy a beautiful view as you walk along a ridge formed by continuous grassy hillocks leading to the summit. This outing is quite challenging (800 m elevation gain), but the route is entirely on very comfortable trails and tracks, hence its "medium" rating.

Most of the hike takes place in the forest on easy trails. At Les Brougues, and especially at the Cabane de Carmilles, you have a beautiful view of the Pyrenees. A beautiful hike for a very hot day! The starting point for this hike is not accessible in snowy conditions.

This hike will allow you to discover two remarkable sites, the Sommet du Mont and the Roche Ronde, for the views they offer over the Tarascon valley and some of the peaks of the Pyrenees: Saint-Barthélémy and Pic des Trois Seigneurs.