Lercoul walks

A magnificent circular route through the forest with numerous information panels along the route, offering welcome breaks during the tough climb and breathtaking panoramic views. With two must-see sights, the Refuge de Grail (closed) and the Col de Grisoul! This short but steep hike in the Vicdessos valley reveals an important part of the mining history of the Ariège. Here, in the heart of the mountains, the Mines du Rancié began with modern open-pit iron ore extraction at an altitude of over 1,500 metres, before more and more tunnels were dug, descending ever deeper! Connected to each other, they saved many lives during the frequent rockfalls that led to their permanent closure in 1931, despite the fact that the deposit was far from exhausted.

A beautiful route alternating between beech forests, stunning views of the Os Valley and old iron mines, starting from the small village of Sem, above Vicdessos. Best done in dry, clear weather.

As its name suggests, the hike takes place on the southern slope and on the heights of Vicdessos. You will take an old, entirely paved road to reach the village of Illier with its interesting narrow streets, then follow a balcony path through a forest of boxwood, cherry, oak, acacia and hazelnut trees to the village of Orus. From there, the landscape opens up onto a safe path built on the mountainside, offering beautiful views as you reach the village of Sentenac, from where you will return partly via the D18. All these roads and paths are built on foundations that bear witness to civil engineering skills in terms of their volume and position.

This hike is for experienced hikers who are comfortable using the app, as it takes place on unmarked roads and trails until the junction with the GR® Tour des Trois Seigneurs at the highest point of the Crêtes de Bège. The trails are old but still easily identifiable and easy to follow. However, you will need to be in good physical condition as there is a significant elevation gain over a relatively short distance. You will also need to be able to identify the best routes when you reach the rocky part of the ridge. From there, you will discover exceptional 360° panoramic views. The return journey, which is not particularly difficult, follows the GR® trail.

The mining trail winds its way through the woods around the delightful Sem valley. Follow in the footsteps of the former miners of Rancié and discover the past.

The Pique d'Endron, which can be seen majestically from Goulier, is located on a ridge separating the Siguer and Vicdessos valleys. Magnificent viewpoint with a 360° panorama of all the great peaks around, and below, the Étangs d'Izourt and Gnioure lakes.

The Pique d'Endron is a central viewpoint in the Haute-Ariège. From here, you can see the Montcalm massif and the Bassiès massif with its terraced lakes up close, and you can look out over two large ponds: Gnioure with its small island and Izourt. The view to the north stretches far into the distance. The outing is relatively short but quite challenging with its 1,000 m elevation gain, dizzying views and a short passage where you have to "use your hands".

This hike in the Siguer valley is very varied. The climb along the Brouquenat stream is bucolic and feels easy despite the length and elevation gain.

This is a fairly long route, taking around 6 hours to climb up to Étang Blaou. The route is easy up to Cabane de Peyregrand, where you simply follow the yellow markings. In the plain around the hut, the markings are more or less faded and it is easy to lose track of them. They reappear at the start of the final climb, where the cairns and yellow markings are fairly easy to see. It's a real treat once you reach the lake, where there is no one else around and the landscape is magnificent.

Despite its modest altitude (1,840 m), Roc de Querquéou offers a superb view of the many peaks of the Haute Ariège. After the beautiful climb through the woods to Col du Pla de Faradu and then Col de Lastris, you will need to redouble your efforts to climb the extremely steep ridge that leads to the summit. The return journey takes you via the Col de la Bène and the pretty pastoral site of La Grangette d'en Bas before returning to Génat.

A lovely off-trail walk through the forest and boxwood trees.

A lovely viewpoint, a dolmen and a rural plateau.

A pleasant family walk in a beech forest, interesting in all seasons, including for snowshoeing.

First day completed during a three-day trip (August 2023) from Vicdessos (Val de Sos). Please note: the proposed route, which is in perfect condition, is only roughly marked except for the section of theGR®10. This hike is classified as difficult due to the need for good orientation skills, the poor condition ofthe GR®10, the numerous steps to climb, the duration, etc. If it is a simple return trip to the refuge via theGR®10, then the hike can be classified as moderate.

The granite cirque of Bassiès, near the Montcalm massif, is impressive for its size and its lakes. It is accessed from the right bank of the steeply-sided Bassiès stream via a comfortable but steep path that passes through a beautiful forest before coming out onto a rocky outcrop that marks the first lake. The descent is on the other bank, which is just as steep, following a well-maintained stony mule track.

A magnificent hike with no major difficulties. A majestic lake and wonderful views of the Ariège Pyrenees and Andorra from Pic de Bassibié.

A beautiful loop starting from the village of Gourbit.Passing by the Étang d'Artax (Artats), the Roc de Querquéou and the Col de Lastris.The viewpoint, at an altitude of almost 1,900 metres, is a feast for the eyes.

A beautiful hike ending at the Étang d'Izourt with a stunning view. The Étang d'Izourt is a dam lake with a tragic history (read about it on the commemorative plaque). There are two paths you can take to get to the Étang d'Izourt: the left bank or the right bank of the stream. The outward journey is on the right bank of the Arties stream and the return journey is on the left bank.

A beautiful hike that will take you to one of the most beautiful lakes in the Vicdessos valley. The times indicated are for a trained walker. Allow at least 5 hours to reach the refuge.

A beautiful nature hike in the mid-mountains, starting from the small village of Larnat. The ridge passages and side traverses offer extensive panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the Ariège valley. The entire route is on wide stony or partially grassy paths and ends on the Doulent forest road through a beautiful forest of beech and spruce trees. This hike can be done on snowshoes, in which case it is rated as difficult.

A beautiful circular starting from the small village of Gourbit. You will pass through Artax, then Pic de Bassibié and Pic de Pioulou, before descending to the Étangs Bleus de la Courbière via the Col de la Couillate. Finally, the hike ends at the Cirque d'Embans, the Cabane d'Embanels and then a climb back up to the village of Gourbit.

A difficult but exceptional hike offering panoramic views of the Ariège Pyrenees. After a steep climb to the Bassiès lakes, you will walk along them before gaining height and reaching the Pic de Cabanatous, a viewpoint offering a 360° view from Tarbésou to Mont Vallier.

This high-altitude hike gives you an exact view of the high mountains of the Ariège and their perched ponds. This small pond in a peaceful setting has an immediate charm. Moderator's warning as of 22/03/2021: Caution! in snowy conditions, very tricky passage; see reviews

This peak at the gateway to the Pyrenees, 1 hour from Toulouse, offers a magnificent panorama of the 3000-metre peaks (Montcalm, Pic d'Estats). The hike is a little challenging, but the varied landscapes (streams, ponds, meadows, peaks) more than make up for the effort. There are no real technical difficulties, apart from the need to use your hands occasionally on certain sections of the ascent or descent.

A family hike accessible to all, including children, in an area rich in pastoral history. This hike gives pride of place to wooded trails and highlights the waters of the Torrent de la Courbière. Beautiful mountain views and magnificent undergrowth.

Starting from the Contrac car park in Rabat-les-Trois-Seigneurs, this is an accessible circular route with beautiful sights along the way.After the first climb, you will reach the architectural structure "Le Monolithe", created by students from the Toulouse School of Architecture: an unusual seat with a view over the valley. Then enjoy the panorama from the ruins of the ancient Cathar castle of La Roche Ronde, before finally descending past the Calamès Cave and its climbing site.

An easy hike between Rabat-les-Trois-Seigneurs and Bédeilhac offering a beautiful view of the valley from the Roche Ronde.

Located on the outskirts of Tarascon-sur-Ariège, this hike gradually takes you up the slopes where you can admire the Ariège, Tarascon and several peaks of the Pyrenees!

A beautiful cross-border high mountain loop between France, Spain and Andorra, which takes you through the highest peaks of Ariège and Andorra, as well as other iconic peaks in the region. It also allows you to discover numerous lakes and ponds, as well as a multitude of different landscapes (forests, summer pastures, scree slopes, etc.) to delight all hikers. This itinerary takes us through three natural parks: the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, the Alt Pirineu Natural Park and the Coma Pedrosa Valley Nature Park.

The first stage of the journey, the shortest and easiest, to warm up your legs, passing through the Bois de Fontanal and the Étang Sourd to the Refuge du Pinet. The elevation gain is still significant.

A very beautiful hike, but one that has to be earned. There is a 1,000-metre elevation gain over a short distance. The variety of paths taken, including rivers, forests, mountainsides and lakes, will make you forget the difficulty. The view of the Bassiès massif on the way up and down is truly magnificent. The bonus: the welcome at the refuge is very warm. From the refuge, you can continue on to several other lakes, or enjoy the beautiful view of all the 3,000-metre peaks around Montcalm.

Fourth stage of the journey in Haute-Ariège.Leave very early as it gets very busy in summer.Drive to the Aire d'Artigue.A very beautiful mountain hike, but difficult due to the steep incline.Pass by Étang Sourd before arriving at the original Refuge de l'Étang du Pinet.Return via the GRT60.Circular route in the opposite direction from Étang and Refuge du Pinet in a taboulechat circular route.

This route, which circles the village of Arnave, is particularly dedicated to visiting the Romanesque chapel of Saint-Paul, a jewel of tranquillity in a rural setting. From its promontory, it invites you to take your time and enjoy the peace and quiet.

This loop takes you from the village of Arnave up to the Col d'Ijou, where you can see the village of Croquié before starting the descent via the village of Serres. You can also admire the beautiful view of the Pyrenees at various points along the walk.

This varied hike around the village of Arnave takes you over four mountain passes in a landscape dominated by the lofty silhouette of the Teste de Cuing. Alternating between woodland trails, forest tracks and balcony paths, it offers beautiful views of the Ariège Pyrenees and the Tarascon-sur-Ariège basin. There are a few sections on roads that are generally quiet outside the summer season.

A beautiful two-day route through magnificent mountain scenery. Thirteen lakes are on the itinerary, with the added bonus of a short chairlift ride on the second day. Enough to satisfy even the most demanding hikers.

A magnificent hike in the upper Ariège in a spectacular setting. On the agenda for the day are the Etangs du Picot and the two Etangs Fourcat, which quickly make you forget the intense effort required during the climb.

A beautiful hike in the Mounicou Valley (Soulcem) that invites you to contemplate four little-visited lakes.The goal of the day is to discover the four Picot lakes! While the first two are rather unremarkable, thethird andfourth have a charm that strikes you as soon as you see them and rewards you for your efforts.