Les Côtes and Saint-Genès from Montgailhard

de fr

Circular starting from the village of Montgailhard, near Foix, climbing up the Côtes, then to Saint-Genès. Hike through the woods during the ascent and descent. May be a little slippery if it is very wet. The passage along the ridge offers a beautiful view to the south over the Pyrenees, from Soularac in the east to Pique d'Endron, then to Roc de Batail in the west.

Details

n°88094943
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 4.66 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,421 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,414 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,822 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 1,440 ft
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Photos

Rocks on the ridge
Descent and Saint Barthélémy in the distance.
Pyrenees partially covered in snow.
Rock "sculpted" by the wind

Description of the walk

Parking is available at the Montgailhard stadium.

(S/E) Take the path heading south and cross the Ruisseau de Saint-Genès to reach the Chemin de Pedarque.

(1) Turn left, heading north-east. Cross the Route de Soula and continue straight ahead, along the stream. You will reach a crossroads.

(2) Turn left, heading north, onto the path that climbs uphill. You will reach another crossroads just after entering the woods.

(3) Keep left and continue climbing until you reach a crossroads at a place called Sezenac.

(4) Take the path that climbs opposite, heading north, then veers left before reaching a crossroads.

(5) Keep to the right and continue climbing towards the Maison du Parisien to reach a flat, wide path.

(6) Turn right, heading east and slightly downhill, onto the path that runs along the side of the Roches du Castillou.

(7) At the crossroads, continue straight ahead for 50 metres, then turn right twice in succession to reach the western ridge of Roc de Sainte-Julie: enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains.

(8) Ignore the path on the left that leads to it and take the one that descends southwards. After a few bends, you will arrive near the Pitot buildings.

(9) Then turn right, heading west, and you will soon reach a crossroads of small roads.

(10) Continue straight ahead, leaving the access road to Saint-Genès on your right.

(11) Leave the road and follow the path that goes straight ahead at the bend to reach the Saint-Genès stream.

(2) Turn left and take the same path as on the way there, in the opposite direction, to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 1,440 ft - Stadium car park
  2. 1 : mi 0.22 - alt. 1,496 ft - Pedarque Path
  3. 2 : mi 0.58 - alt. 1,572 ft - Crossroads of the circular
  4. 3 : mi 0.95 - alt. 1,729 ft - Fork
  5. 4 : mi 1.3 - alt. 1,936 ft - Sezenac crossroads
  6. 5 : mi 1.49 - alt. 2,090 ft - Crossroads
  7. 6 : mi 1.76 - alt. 2,477 ft - Wide trail junction
  8. 7 : mi 2.58 - alt. 2,713 ft - Crossroads
  9. 8 : mi 2.75 - alt. 2,772 ft - Ridge
  10. 9 : mi 3.2 - alt. 2,178 ft - Pitot
  11. 10 : mi 3.45 - alt. 1,867 ft - Crossroads
  12. 11 : mi 3.86 - alt. 1,690 ft - Crossroads, abandoned road
  13. S/E : mi 4.66 - alt. 1,440 ft - Stadium car park

Notes

Between (4) and (6), the climb is quite steep.

Between (7) and (8), the descent can be slippery.

Worth a visit

(8) Beautiful view of the mountains and the region.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 1 review
Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
Randosy
Randosy

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 04, 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 along a very pleasant path, starting with a gentle climb, followed by a scenic route at the foot of the cliffs, with stunning views of the Pyrenees.

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