Mérens-les-Vals walks

The Col de Joux is the only crossing point between the Ariège and Orgeix valleys. This mid-mountain route starts in open terrain and then enters the Ax-les-Thermes communal forest. The ridge passages offer beautiful views of the surrounding peaks, the most iconic of which is undoubtedly the Dent d'Orlu, whose south face is clearly visible. Herds of cows and horses complete the picture.

In the Orgeix Valley, this very varied hike on a well-marked trail to a beautiful glacial lake can be divided into three parts: a beech forest where you walk not far from the stream and its small waterfalls, meadows at the edge of the forest, and finally a series of small glacial locks leading to the lake's spillway. You can then climb the Pic de l'Homme, which is easily accessible via the ridge from the Lac d'Aygue Longue, passing through the Col de la Parade.

First day’s hike to the Refuge du Rulhe.With a 1,000 m elevation gain over 5.5 km, the average gradient of the climb to the Pyramide de Lherbés is 18%. IBP difficulty rating = 105 (“very difficult” for a hiker of average fitness).Allow 6½ hours with a light rucksack.This day takes place in the high mountains, far from any roads, tracks, etc.The landscapes and environments you’ll pass through are majestic.

A lovely half-day family walk to the Étang de Comte via the Jasse du Mourguillou.

A long hike in Haute Ariège to admire the lakes, ridges and magical landscapes with a stop at the ideally located Refuge de Rulhe, an opportunity to taste the local rataf'. On the second day, you can admire the whole area from the ridges.

This is a magnificent hike that starts from the Plateau du Saquet, and therefore the Ax 3 Domaines ski slopes, and ends at the Refuge de Rulhe, where a good local rataf will do you good. Once you reach the top of the resort, long desert plateaus await you before you descend into the austere scree slopes at the foot of Rulhe and finish sliding down to the Refuge de Rulhe. This first stage is wild and challenging, in the scree slopes. Be careful on the descent from the Col de Lhasse, which is very steep (but the GR® is well marked).

Beautiful mountain stages are on the programme. Comfortable accommodation and meals await you every evening.Two departments, different types of landscapes, crossing a nature reserve, a long descent along a torrent, mountain ponds and lakes, wide open spaces await you...Note: this trip is accessible by public transport and can start from Mérens-les-Vals. See Practical Information. Another note: users have complained about the descent at the end of the four days. This trip can be done in the opposite direction to the description. But in this case, remember to save the four stages (base maps and gpx track) to help you find your way.

The Étang d’Embizon, well known to anglers, is much less frequented by hikers. It is true that the steep gradient at the end of the route, combined with long stretches without any signposting, may discourage some. And that is a great pity because, after the effort involved, this magnificent high-altitude lake is truly a reward of the highest order.

Part of the long (9-day) itinerary around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.

The third stage takes you through Cerdagne, in the Eastern Pyrenees.The return trip along the ridge (3) to (4) should be done in the absence of fog, rain or frost.I have classified this hike as difficult due to the ridge crossing from (4) to (5) and the descent through the rocks from the Faury pond (10) to the En Beys refuge (E).There are numerous places to stop for a break at the lakes along the way.Be careful of the multiple marked trails:GR®®10-GR®®107-GR®®107-GR®®107(variant) andGRP®® Tour des Pérics -GRP®® Tour des Montagnes d'Ax. Follow the description, the GPX track and the signs on the ground carefully. ⚠️ From (8) to (E)you are in the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Modification on 12 September 2022: validated on Sunday 11 September 2022. Fourth and final stage of the Tour Des Pérics. The scenery is consistently stunning. This is a fairly long stage, with cars being collected by shuttle buses. See practical information on the Tour des Pérics.

Part of the long (9-day) itinerary around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.

Significant elevation gain over a relatively short distance. Magnificent landscapes in a very wild mountain setting. Numerous ponds along the way. A magnificent view from the Couillade d'en Beys. The effort is rewarded throughout the day. ⚠️ Stay on the marked trails: GRP® Tour de la Montagne d'Ax, as you are on the edge of or within the National Reserve.

A hike starting from Orlu to discover the largest lake in the Ariège Pyrenees!

Short circular loop passing through Ascou and Sorgeat.

This pleasant hike will take you to the charming village of Orgeix, where you can explore its castle on the shores of Lake Campauleil.

First challenging stage of discovery in a preserved environment. Basic map reading and orienteering skills are required. The GPX track on Visorando or on a GPS device is very useful from the start and at the numerous junctions. It is entirely possible to shorten the route if necessary: see practical information.

This circular hike above Ax-les-Thermes, towards the summit of Roc de l'Orri d'Ignaux, will take you to a 360° viewpoint over the western part of the Ariège Pyrenees.

A magnificent, demanding day hike in the high mountains towards Puig de Coma d'Or (2,826 m), offering a splendid 360° panorama of the Catalan, Ariège and Andorran Pyrenees. Loop starting from L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre station, directly accessible by TER from Toulouse. An overnight stay at the Refuge des Bésines is possible to split this demanding hike into two less difficult hikes.

Ascent of Pic de Brasseil, known as Dent d'Orlu, starting from La Forge. The Dent d'Orlu is usually accessed from the Poêle à Frire car park at Jasse de Cabane Longue. It is a half-day hike. This itinerary suggests using the access track to this car park as an approach walk. This allows for a day's hiking and, what's more, a good warm-up before thefirst climb in the forest, which is quite steep.

Ascent to the Pic de Nérassol via the Ruisseau du Siscar valley and the lake of the same name. Descent to the Étang de Pédourrés and return via the Jasse de Brounic. A day trip is possible, with a return journey from Toulouse by train.

A high-altitude forest walk to one of the most famous lakes in the Haute-Ariège. This walk through a very wooded and therefore very shady area takes you to a large lake before starting the climb to an ideally located refuge. From this refuge, you can then reach others, En Beys and Les Bouillouses.

Part of the long route (9 stages) around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Tour des Pérics and using various marked trails,GRP® andGR® in the area. Initial stage designed to ease you gently into the hike.

Long itinerary around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.Two possible variations to modify the circuit: from 9 stages to 7 stages Ascent of the Carlit: 1 day and return to Les Bouillouses Return via the Lanoux lake: 1 extra day, passing by the foot of the Carlit and the Bésines refuge, or direct return from Porté to L'Hospitalet. Hike completed in July-August 2017

A beautiful hike in Haute Ariège, at the gateway to Andorra. The route includes five lakes and small lakes in a high mountain landscape dotted with streams.

The Dent d'Orlu or Pic de Brasseil is known to climbers for its south-east and south faces, the latter offering a vertical wall of over 1,000 metres. However, its north face, although very steep, is accessible for hiking, as described here. It offers an interesting viewpoint over the Ariège mountains as a whole due to its central position.

The second stage of this circuit is rocky at first, then more rolling. The whole thing is enchanting.The trail is well marked. ⚠️ From (S/E) to (3), you are in the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Part of the long itinerary (9 days) around Carlit, travelling from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails. ⚠️ You are entering the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Fourth and final stage of the tour of the Orlu and Montagne d'Ax reserves.I have classified this stage as difficult because of the 1,650 m descent on a steep and sometimes damaged path.The view from the Couillade d'en Beys (3) to the dam (8) is magnificent.The stage begins by heading in the opposite direction to the previous day's route, taking theGR®®107and theGRP®® Tour des Pérics andGRP®® Tour des Montagnes d'Ax. At (2), be careful to turn right, west, onto theGRP®® Tour des Montagnes d'Ax, and continue until you reach the end of the four-day hike.The estimated time is underestimated: the descent is difficult on steep and degraded paths after the Couillade d'en Beys (3). ⚠️ From (S/E) to (10), you are on the edge of or within the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Amendment on 12 September 2022: new route marked on the ground, approved on Saturday 10 September 2022.Third stage of the Tour des Pérics. Day classified as difficult. Short distance but difficult terrain.The climb from the refuge d'en Beys to the passage through the Orlu Reserve (2,400 m) is difficult.The balcony path from (6) to (8) is very beautiful. ⚠️ From (S/E) to (5)you are in the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

Hiking along the Oriège River to the Refuge d'En Beys. ⚠️ You are entering the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where regulations must be observed. See practical information.

This second day is exceptional. Most of it takes place on ridges from which you can see the Ax 3 Domaines resort on one side and the Plateau de Beille on the other. And everywhere, there are lakes and breathtaking landscapes. This stage is long (nearly 18 km), but you'll never want it to end before you descend into the valley through the forest. It's best to have someone waiting for you in the valley, or else you can reach Ax-les-Thermes on foot or by bus. Be aware that as you will be taking photos and spending time admiring the landscape, you should allow 6½ to 7 hours for the whole trip.

From the start of the hike, pay attention to the common white and red GR® T66 and GR®10 markings, as there are several crossroads and forks in the trail. Please note: the hike is in open terrain until the descent into the forest, well after the Rieutort hut.From the refuge, via the Crête des Isards and up to the Col de la Didorte, what a view! Of course, you need to be very careful on this ridge, which is often steep and jagged. But as soon as you stop, you can enjoy a 360° panorama.The steep descent to the Rieutort hut is on a narrow but safe path, offering beautiful views. The return to the road is not easy, but the path (GR®T66), although steep in places, is well marked throughout the descent.

Easy short hike for families from the Col du Chioula to the Refuge du Chioula. Return through the pleasant, shaded forest.

This hike, which is not particularly difficult apart from its distance and significant elevation gain, leads to Puig de la Coma d'Or for a spectacular finale. You can see the whole of Lanoux as well as Carlit, the next destination. You feel very small in the midst of this immensity, and respect is called for... I think.

A pleasant, family-friendly route leading to the historic mining site of Puymorens, with stunning panoramic views throughout the walk.

A short circular half-day loop starting from a little-known pass between Aude and Ariège, with magnificent views. Recommended in spring (as soon as the snow has melted) and autumn, or even in summer if it is not too hot.