The Château and the Grotte de Coulzonne on a short route from Roquefixade

This route (actually walked, not copied) follows the one published by Grenouille09, but shortens the return leg. A route of around 2 hours.
The route along the ridge is slightly different from that of the hike mentioned above, but this doesn’t make much difference; it’s impossible to get lost. We’ve simply added a few extra details below.

Details

n°33020207

Creation:
24 Apr 2023

Last update:
26 Apr 2023

Last review:
04 May 2026

Activity: Walking
Distance: 4.44 km
Average duration: 1h 55
Difficulty: Easy
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 241 m
Descent: - 237 m
Highest point: 979 m
Lowest point: 755 m

Country: France
Areas: Pyrenees, Massif du Plantaurel
City: Roquefixade (09300)
Start/End: N 42.93579° / E 1.75442°
IGN map(s): Ref. 2147ET
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Description of the walk

Parking is available in a small car park located at the western exit of the village of Roquefixade.

(S/E) Walk past the town hall square and reach the steps at the foot of the ruined castle.

(1) Take the stairs, walking alongside the castle at its base. Continue past the Rocs de la Lauzade and the Roc de Marot. You will reach a crossroads.

(2) Take the path on the right and, a few metres further on, you will reach the junction for the Grotte de Coulzonne.

(3) Turn left to reach this cave, also known as the Grotte de l’Église Catholique.

(4) Return to the previous crossroads.

(3) Take the path opposite to reach the path marked^GR® 367 and 107.

(5) Turn right onto these red and white^GR® -marked^paths to return to the Roquefixade car park (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : km 0 - alt. 759 m - Small car park at Roquefixade
1 : km 0.6 - alt. 837 m - Staircase - Château de Roquefixade
2 : km 2.18 - alt. 920 m - Crossroads
3 : km 2.35 - alt. 907 m - Cave crossroads
4 : km 2.65 - alt. 876 m - Grotte de l'Église Catholique en Pays Cathare
5 : km 3.72 - alt. 799 m - GR
S/E : km 4.44 - alt. 757 m - Small car park at Roquefixade

Notes

There are no difficulties on this very pleasant route. The first section, which is uphill, faces due south: it is best not to attempt it in hot weather; in such cases, it is better to walk the route in the opposite direction.

Worth a visit

(1) Château de Roquefixade
In the mid-season, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Haute-Ariège in the distance from Roc Marot.

Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5

Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5

Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5

Route interest
4.8 / 5

laptiteblan

04 May 2026 at 17:07 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 03, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely little walk with stunning views of the valleys!

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jeanmarc.soriano

14 Apr 2026 at 10:57 7200

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 10, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk with some beautiful scenery to discover, and picnic tables halfway along the route where you can stop for a welcome break.

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popo1953

18 Sep 2023 at 09:14 7200

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 18, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely hike, though it does require a good level of fitness. Not recommended in very hot weather.

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CMA31

29 May 2023 at 08:24 7200

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 28, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk, with no shade at the start of the route.