Le Roc du Querquéou via the three passes

At the roundabout at the southern exit of Tarascon-sur-Ariège, turn right onto the D8 towards Niaux. In the village, leave the D8 and follow the small narrow road on the right that leads to Alliat and then Génat. Pass the church and then the town hall (no parking in front of the building) and turn left. Park in the first bend on the right in a small space that can accommodate a maximum of two vehicles.

Yellow ^PR® + Yellow Circle markings.

(S/E) Continue along the road, pass a very informative sign about "cow merry-go-rounds and de-hoofing" and you will soon reach a crossroads. Keep left and do the same at the fork immediately after.

No markings

(1) Leave the tarmac and the markings and take a wide grassy path on the left that passes under two power lines and then becomes narrower and more enclosed. This leads to a forest track, which you follow straight ahead until the first hairpin bend.

Yellow Circle markings are very sparse

(2) Turn right and follow a path covered with leaves that winds through a beautiful beech forest before coming out at the Col du Pla de Faradu, which marks the end of the track you left below.

No markings

(3) Cross this track and head slightly diagonally to the right, ignoring the Yellow Cross on a tree, which actually marks the start of the path to follow. The trail on the ground becomes less clear, so be sure to keep going in the same direction until you reach a very faint fork with a fluorescent orange arrow on a tree indicating to turn left.

(4) Be careful! Do not follow the arrow, but go straight ahead towards another tree with the number 5 painted in red. Pass to the right of this tree and continue climbing, following the red marks on the trees made by foresters.

Further on, pass a fluorescent orange mark on your left, then a few metres after that, another mark of the same colour and the word "Rabat" painted on a tree. Be careful not to miss these two landmarks, which indicate that you are on the right path.

After a tree marked with the number 6, the path becomes clearer, although it is cluttered with regrowth, and the red mark on the trees is replaced by a White Rectangle. You will reach a crossroads.

(5) Turn left uphill and continue to the next junction, where you will join the ^GRP® Tour du Pic des Trois Seigneurs.

Yellow and red ^GRP® markings ^.

(6) Continue straight ahead to reach the Col de Lastris (1427m).

Yellow ^PR® markings

(7) Turn right (south-west) to take the path that climbs the south-west facing ridge of Courtal Terrous. The extremely steep climb is on a steep slope and requires perseverance as the summit is regularly hidden by small grassy or rocky outcrops that must be crossed one after the other. In places, there are multiple tracks, but a few wooden posts with markings help you stay on course.

Reach the small rocks that mark the summit of Roc du Querquéou (1,840 m).

(8) Your efforts will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Vicdessos valley, the 3,000-metre peaks of the ridge on the border with Spain, the Monts d'Olmes and, closer by, the rounded summit of Pla de Madame followed by the more slender Pic de Bassibié.

After a well-deserved break, turn back towards the Col de Lastris. Take care on this descent, which is hard on your feet and legs. Walking poles will come in handy.

Yellow and red ^GRP® markings

(7) Back at the pass, turn right towards a wooden signpost. The trail descends steeply for a short distance, then levels out as it veers to the right (south). Walk along the hillside to the Col de la Bène (1224m), marked by a signpost.

Yellow ^PR® markings

(9) Turn left, following the sign for "Génat". Descend to the junction with the forest road (IGN route incorrect on this section).

(10) Turn right to quickly reach another junction with a wooden signpost marked "Génat" on the other side. Turn left onto a path that immediately turns right and descends into a pretty hazelnut grove before crossing the forest road you left earlier (wooden signpost).

Cross over to continue straight ahead and rejoin the forest road one last time. Follow it straight ahead to reach the small car park at La Grangette d'en Bas after passing through a metal barrier.

(11) Take a short break to enjoy the beauty of this pastoral site, then turn right onto the tarmac road that leads to the D508. Turn left and climb back up to Génat (S/E), preferably using the right-hand side of the road, which is more accessible.

Parking is not easy in Génat. Take care not to obstruct the passage.

The section between (2) and (5) requires attention and a good sense of direction. There are very few markings until you reach (3). From there, you need to be careful not to miss the turn-off at (4) and then follow the red markings on the trees. The path, covered with leaves, is not always visible on the ground and these markings are the only useful landmarks. This adds a little spice to the hike but can also confuse some people.

The ridge between Col de Lastris (7) and Roc de Querquéou (8) is not dangerous but is particularly steep. You will need to take the necessary breaks.

For these two reasons, this hike is classified as difficult.

There are no water sources on the route. Bring enough water with you.

Hiking boots are recommended, as are walking poles, which will be very useful for the descent from the summit to the Col de Lastris.

The Niaux Cave

Bédéilhac Cave

Foix Castle

Prehistory Park in Tarascon-sur-Ariège