The Roquefort waterfalls from Roquefixade

de fr

A beautiful hike, mostly through woods and without difficulty. Various routes are listed in a booklet available at the stopover lodge. At the start, our route is marked as No. 6.

Details

n°27645381
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 11.29 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 502 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 502 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 886 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 452 m
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Photos

Roquefixade Castle

Description of the walk

Park in the car park at the bottom of the village.

(S/E) Walk up towards the centre. Join the OlmesGRP®® behind the church.

(1) Follow it to the right and further on, pass a memorial to members of the Resistance.

(2) Continue along theGR®® and you will come to a fork before the few houses in the hamlet of Coulzonne.

(3) Leave them behind and take the path on the left, descending and leaving theGRP®® until you reach another fork.

(4) Take the path opposite, towards Le Grézat, and continue downhill. Join theGRP®® and follow it straight ahead until you reach a four-way crossroads.

(5) At this crossroads, leave theGRP®® and continue straight ahead, still descending towards Roquefort-les-Cascades.

(6) When you reach the village, take the street on the left. The direction of the waterfall car park is clearly signposted and is located after a small bridge.

(7) Turn around and return to the four-way crossroads.

(5) Turn right onto theGRP®® for about 150 m until you reach a fork.

(8) Turn right onto theGR®® de Pays, not the one specified by IGN but the one that makes a wide circular route. Follow the red and yellow markings in the forest.

(9) Jointhe oldGR®® de Pays. Turn right onto this trail and continue straight ahead at the fork until you reach the village. Return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 756 m - Car park at the bottom of the village
  2. 1 : km 0.24 - alt. 764 m - Church. GRP
  3. 2 : km 1.33 - alt. 796 m - Stele
  4. 3 : km 2.01 - alt. 795 m - Fork in the road, left
  5. 4 : km 2.47 - alt. 814 m - Fork in the road. Downhill path
  6. 5 : km 3.99 - alt. 637 m - Fork in the road. Return trip to the waterfalls
  7. 6 : km 5.51 - alt. 454 m - Roquefort-les-Cascades
  8. 7 : km 5.78 - alt. 470 m - Car park - Cascade de la Turasse (Roquefort-les-Cascades)
  9. 8 : km 7.67 - alt. 661 m - GR de Pays
  10. 9 : km 9.59 - alt. 855 m - Junction with the old GR
  11. S/E : km 11.29 - alt. 756 m - Car park at the bottom of the village

Worth a visit

Visit the church of Roquefixade and the Cathar castle

 Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Reviews and comments

4.4 / 5
Based on 13 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.1 / 5
DG46
DG46

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 13, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike offering stunning views of the Ariège Pyrenees at the start, then taking you close to the Roquefort waterfalls (not spectacular in August) and ending with a beautiful view of the castle.
Most of the hike is in the shade.

Machine-translated

teysmur31
teysmur31

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 24, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very pleasant hike. Had some difficulty finding the path, even the one indicated by the tourist office, so I really appreciated the Visorando app. Many paths intersect, and if you take a wrong turn, you don't get lost, but you do add extra kilometres!

Machine-translated

philippe remy
philippe remy

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

The trail markings are not always clear, but you can still find your way. Note that this is a hike where you descend first and then climb back up on the return leg. Almost entirely in the forest, which is good for summer.

Machine-translated

malofris
malofris

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The route is mostly shaded, which is a big plus in hot weather. The first part is downhill to the waterfall (dry in August but must be stunning in winter!), then you have to climb back up, but fortunately the return trip isn't too steep. You can stop for a drink at the waterfall, where there are also tables for picnics. It's a lovely walk and there are several possible routes!

Machine-translated

oliv78
oliv78

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Very busy route : No

The hike is quite pleasant in summer as it is mostly in the forest, but what a disappointment to arrive at a completely dry waterfall! I don't know if this is a one-off, but in August the whole area was very dry...

Machine-translated

margauxvivien
margauxvivien

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very nice hike, mostly in the cool shade of the forest.
However, please note ⚠️: trees have fallen and are blocking the path between junction 650 and point 5. It is possible to climb over or crawl under them, but it's still a bit of a challenge!

Machine-translated

NOUVENE
NOUVENE

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 20, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We parked the car at the Cascades car park. This meant we had to climb the hill in the morning. This was the wise advice given in a comment, and it was much better that way. We took a short detour between No. 9 and No. 1 to go to the castle. The view was beautiful. From the castle, we descended towards Roquefixade, following the signposted route No. 1.
In total, 12 km with 630 m of elevation gain.
A very quiet hike, mostly on forest trails. Very pleasant.

Machine-translated

ange noir
ange noir
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 14, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

On the day of our hike, we didn't meet anyone along the way, but there were a few people at the waterfall. It's true that in November, during the week, people don't necessarily go hiking...The good thing is that you can have a picnic at the tables. Otherwise, it's a pleasant walk through the woods, which means no interesting views, but a few mushrooms and chestnuts... There are a lot of descents on the way there that you have to climb back up on the way back. For those who prefer to climb on the way there, it would be better to start at Roquefort les Cascades.

Machine-translated

fred09300
fred09300

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

An easy hike, starting in the morning to avoid the heat. The route is fairly shaded for most of the hike. The waterfall wasn't flowing very strongly, but you can see what it looks like when it's flowing normally.
The hike took less than four hours, including a stop at the waterfall refreshment bar. You can also take a detour to Roquefixade Castle. The castle is not open to visitors at the moment, but you can walk around the grounds and admire the view overlooking the village.

Machine-translated

Vouvounet
Vouvounet

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 17, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

An easy hike, mostly shaded. Unfortunately, the waterfall wasn't flowing due to a lack of water... This hike takes about four hours at a leisurely pace. You can also visit the Roquefixade castle, which is easily accessible after 9, when you reach the ridge. The castle itself is not particularly interesting, but it offers superb views of the village of Roquefixade and the valley. What's more, you can easily walk back down to Roquefixade by following signposted path no. 14.

Machine-translated

Sev31
Sev31

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hiking in the shade of trees, lots of forest with few views of the mountains except at the castle ruins. The route is easy at first, as the descent is gradual until you reach the Roquefort waterfalls. We found a shortcut through the fields without going through the village of Roquefort, marked with fluorescent pink mountain bike signs at an intersection. The second part is a long climb without any major difficulties to the ruins of Roquefixade. It's a shame we didn't go over the ridges to the ruins. We did the climb in the afternoon after a long break at the waterfalls in 32-degree heat. It might have been better to start with the climb in the morning and finish with the descent to the waterfalls. It's up to you to decide, but it's possible if you park at the waterfall car park on the Roquefort side. This is a little-used route.

Machine-translated

landozarzi
landozarzi

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 16, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We combined this route by starting as indicated below https://www.visorando.com/randonnee-chat... which allows you to "visit" the castle and go to the Catholic Church cave.

At Roquefort les Cascades, don't stop at the first waterfall; climb up to the third level of waterfalls. Unfortunately, none of them were flowing, but it must be worth the detour when they are.
The route between 8 and 9 corresponds to the GR de Pays d'Olmes (an IGN error that does not mention it on the map).

Machine-translated

diego270315
diego270315

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 17, 2022
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

I haven't done this hike yet, but the description seems entirely reliable to me.
I've been using Visarando's hikes for years and am generally satisfied, but as a conscientious guide, I always check out my hike before taking my group because I've noticed changes in the route or in the description.
Thank you all.
Françoise Labrousse

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Roquefixade Castle and Coulzonne Cave

Visorando member
Château de Roquefixade et Grotte de Coulzonne
↔6.04 km ↗+239 m ↘-244 m ◔2h 25 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Roquefixade (Ariège)
Walk through the ruins of Roquefixade Castle and the Coulzonne Cave.

Walking Cathar castle of Roquefixade

Visorando member
Château cathare de Roquefixade
↔7.82 km ↗+489 m ↘-489 m ◔3h 40 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Roquefixade (Ariège)
A pleasant walk in the hills above Roquefixade, near Foix. Passing by its Cathar castle and the Grotte de l'Église Catholique, used to celebrate Mass during the French Revolution. A varied route: heath, woods and clearings. Suitable for families, but caution is advised along the cliff ridge.

Walking Circular via Saint-Martin and Roquefixade from Nalzen

Visorando member
Boucle par Saint-Martin et Roquefixade depuis Nalzen
↔8.11 km ↗+394 m ↘-403 m ◔3h 25 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Roquefixade (Ariège)
A circular loop, mainly on footpaths and a little bit of a very quiet road. Beautiful views of the castles of Roquefixade and Montségur in the distance, as well as the mountains of the Tabe massif.

Walking Circular via Freychenet and Gabachou from Nalzen

Visorando member
↔10.15 km ↗+269 m ↘-264 m ◔3h 40 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Nalzen (Ariège)
Circular starting from Nalzen, climbing to the village of Freychenet, then taking the Col de la Lauze road and returning via the hamlet of Gabachou. This section of road is pleasant in wet weather at the foot of Mont Fourcat.

Walking Circular via Coulzonne and Roquefixade

Visorando member
Boucle par Coulzonne et Roquefixade
↔8.89 km ↗+326 m ↘-328 m ◔3h 30 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Roquefixade (Ariège)
Here is an alternative hike in the Château de Roquefixade massif, which is easy and offers beautiful views of the valley, the village and the Pyrenees, weather permitting. You will also see many goats, some more wild than others, but none of them shy.

Walking The Roquefort Waterfalls

Visorando member
Les Cascades de Roquefort
↔0.68 km ↗+92 m ↘-92 m ◔0h 25 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Roquefort-les-Cascades (Ariège)
A very short walk in the woods to discover the Roquefort waterfalls.

Walking Roquefixade Castle, Coulzonne Cave and Roquefort Waterfalls

Visorando member
Le Château de Roquefixade, Grotte de Coulzonne et Cascades de Roquefort
↔11.46 km ↗+696 m ↘-692 m ◔5h 15 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Roquefort-les-Cascades (Ariège)
A beautiful hike, without any real difficulty, in the hills above Roquefixade, near Foix, and at the Roquefort Waterfalls.The first part of the hike is uphill through the woods until you reach the cliffs above Roquefixade (castle, ridge and cave) before re-entering the forest to the waterfalls and picnic tables.

Walking Roquefort-les-Cascades - Roc des Abeilles - Heath circular

Visorando member
Boucle Roquefort-les-Cascades - Roc des Abeilles - Garrigue
↔6.34 km ↗+285 m ↘-277 m ◔2h 40 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Roquefort-les-Cascades (Ariège)
This is a short circular, starting from Roquefort-les-Cascades, which climbs to the ruins of Château de Teyrac, then follows the ridge to Roc des Abeilles. You will pass at the foot of beautiful cliffs that were climbing spots for the Haute Montagne Gendarmerie platoons. The landscape is exceptional, and there is also a beautiful view of Pic Saint-Barthélémy. There are two fairly steep climbs, which are best avoided in wet weather.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.