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 turn right onto the narrow road leading to Alliat and then Génat. Drive past the church and then the town hall (no parking in front of the building) and turn left. Park at the first bend on the right in a small space that can accommodate a maximum of two vehicles.

^PR® markings: yellow arrow + Yellow Circle.

(S/E) Continue along the road, passing a very informative sign about the “cow round-up and threshing”, then you’ll soon reach a junction. Keep left and do the same at the Fork in the road immediately after.

No signposting

(1) Leave the tarmac and the signposting to take a wide grassy track on the left, which passes under two power lines before becoming narrower and more enclosed. You’ll emerge onto a forest track, which you follow straight on until the first hairpin bend.

Yellow Circle, very sparsely marked

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

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 you should follow. The trail on the ground becomes less distinct, so take care to maintain the same direction to reach a barely marked junction with a fluorescent orange arrow on a tree indicating a left turn.

(4) Caution! Do not follow the direction indicated by the arrow, but go straight on, heading for another tree bearing the number 5 painted in red. Pass to the right of this tree and continue the ascent, following the red markings on the trees made by foresters.

Further on, pass a fluorescent orange mark on your left, then, a few metres later, another mark of the same colour and the word ‘Rabat’ painted on a tree. Take care not to miss these two landmarks, which indicate that you are on the right track.

After a tree marked with the number 6, the path becomes clearer, although it is overgrown with young shoots, and the red markings on the trees are replaced by a White Rectangle. You’ll come to a junction.

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

Yellow and red ^GRP® markings ^.

(6) Carry on straight ahead to reach the Col de Lastris (1,427 m).

Yellow ^PR® markings

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

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

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

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

^GRP® yellow and red markings

(7) Back at the pass, turn right towards a wooden signpost. The path descends steeply for a short distance before levelling out as it veers to the right (south). Walk along the hillside to the Col de la Bène (1,224 m), marked by a signpost.

^PR® yellow markings

(9) Turn left, following the sign for “Génat”. Descend to the junction with the forest track (the IGN map is incorrect for this section).

(10) Turn right to reach, very quickly, another junction with a wooden signpost bearing the inscription “Génat” on the other side. Turn left onto a path which immediately turns right and begins to descend through a lovely hazel grove before rejoining the forest road you left earlier (wooden post).

Cross over and continue straight ahead to rejoin the forest road one last time; follow it straight on 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 setting, then turn right onto the tarmac road which leads onto the D508. Turn left and head back up to Génat (S/E), preferably using the right-hand verge, which is more accessible.

Parking in Génat can be tricky. Please ensure you do not obstruct the way.

The section between (2) and (5) requires careful attention and a good sense of direction. Signposting is very sparse up to (3). From there, you must be careful not to miss the junction at (4) and then follow the red markings on the trees. The path, which is carpeted with leaves, is not always visible on the ground, and these markings are the only useful landmarks. This adds a bit of a challenge to the walk but may also confuse some people.

The ridge between the Col de Lastris (7) and the Roc de Querquéou (8) poses no danger but is particularly steep. You’ll need to take the necessary breaks.

For these two reasons, this walk is classified as Difficult.

There are no water sources along the route. Please bring sufficient supplies.

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

Bédeilhac Cave

Foix Castle

Prehistoric Park in Tarascon-sur-Ariège