Midi-Pyrénées walks

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

A half-day tour to admire the magnificent Étangs de Fontargente and their emerald green reflections.

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 shady walk that takes in a splendid canyon and wonderful waterfalls.

On the trail of the GR10, the Granges d’Astau and Espingo Lake, via Lake Oô.

A circular walk in a magnificent landscape bathed in a calm and soothing atmosphere. This loop will delight lovers of peace and quiet as well as those wishing to reconnect with nature.

Four new footbridges to span the canyon. They replace the ford crossings, which are often submerged by the Dourdou.

Easy hike to the Lac de Bordères (Bareilles) via the Port de Pierrefite, with superb views of the Pyrenees. Moderator's warning as of 25/01/2021: Warning! In winter, the starting point at Port de Balès may be inaccessible by car. See the notice below dated 25/01/2021

This easy hike leads to the foot of the Cirque d'Estaubé. Although less famous than its neighbour Gavarnie, the Cirque d'Estaubé is a magnificent sight, with many waterfalls. Great picnic opportunities in a superb mountain setting.

A lovely walk gradually ascending towards the artificial Lac d'Oô and the large waterfalls that feed it.

This hike, accessible to all, offers a taste of the high mountains. After the Étang de Labant, the route leads to the Pic de Cabanatous, a marvellous lookout point over the Étangs de Bassiès and beyond to the great summits of the Ariège. On the way back, the Étang d'Alate is the perfect place to stop for a break before heading back to the Port de Saleix, a very important ancient communication route that facilitated trade between the Couserans and Vicdessos regions.

Departing from Le Pont d'Espagne, this moderately demanding hike will take you into the Pyrenees National Park to discover Lac de Gaube and the Oulettes de Gaube refuge, from where you can admire the Vignemale, the highest peak in the Pyrenees at 3298m. If you're lucky, you might even spot some marmots.

A short, pleasant half-day hike in spring to the Étang d'Appy and its cirque.

This hike allows you to reach the Pic de Cagire in a morning, offering a 360° view between the plain and the highest peaks of the Pyrenees. 07/01/2024: Hiking prohibited to the public from 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025 by municipal decree (from Pic de L'Escalette towards Pas de l'Âne via the ridges located in the commune of Boutx). This hike is strongly discouraged in winter due to its dangerous nature, particularly between the summit of Les Parets and Col du Pas de l'Âne! See practical information.

This pretty mid-mountain lake (1,731 m) on the GR®10 is easy to access and overlooked by peaks over 2,500 m high. It makes for a pleasant hike of a few hours. It is also accessible in winter, under the snow, on foot or with snowshoes. The long walk through the magnificent forest along the Gave de Gaube, on the side of the Gaube coast, makes the discovery of the mountains even more beautiful when you arrive at the first Huats lake with the north face of the Vignemale as a backdrop.

A gentle walk to the Artigue waterfalls.

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 beautiful hike in the Lutour Valley, which is a magnificent place.

(!) (September 2024) Following recent bad weather, the footbridge at (6) has been washed away. Crossing the Gave de Pau river is tricky and strongly discouraged. (!) Update 25/06/2025, Vallées de Gavarnie Tourist Office. => The footbridge located at (6) has been repaired and will be reopened to the public on 25/06/2025.However, the footbridge upstream from the Hôtellerie du Cirque (9) is still not in place and crossing the Gave de Pau river is tricky depending on the water level. A different approach to the Cirque de Gavarnie. The plateau gives you an overview that allows you to take in the whole site at a glance. A little later, you can stroll through the cirque to appreciate its full majesty. To quote Victor Hugo, it is the Colosseum of nature.

Breathtaking panoramic views steeped in history and legend. 02/08/2023 Message from the moderator: Change to the route at point 11 to continue on thePR® and avoid En Crouzilles, which is private property.

Loop starting from Alus-Les-Bains with varied landscapes. Hike to be undertaken after the snow has completely disappeared (check in advance). Several passages through peat, in the middle of streams and avalanche corridors.Please note: look carefully for markings and signposts, which are not always very visible.

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

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.

With a magnificent overview of the landscapes of the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park around Rocamadour, this hike takes you into a breathtaking site at the heart of a thousand-year-old pilgrimage dedicated to the Virgin Mary, a major Christian site since the Middle Ages and classified as a Grand Site d'Exception in the Midi-Pyrénées region.

Landscapes “rich in nature” on this hike in the area of Gavarnie, accompany your steps towards the peak of Taillon, through the legendary Roland breach. Taillon, a summit that at the top of its 3144 m, offers a stunning panorama and striking views as far as the eye can see.

A magnificent hike. Superb landscapes await you along this route. You are entering the Néouvielle National Nature Reserve, which is protected by regulations. Please respect these regulations (see practical information).

A beautiful and very varied hike. The route includes three caves, including the "illuminated" cave, a sinkhole, a beautiful natural arch and the famous canals (or canoles).

This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hikes in the Pyrenees. The climb is long and difficult, but the panoramic views will make you forget your aching legs. Once past the azure blue Boums du Port, the Port de Venasque fault offers the most beautiful balcony overlooking the Maladeta and its lord, the Aneto. The Port de la Picade with its superb panoramic views, the Pas de l'Escalette and the Crabidès ridge complete this unforgettable hike.

A beautiful rollercoaster route in the heart of nature. From woodland to plateaus, you will walk along paths on either side of the Aveyron between two remarkable medieval villages. The outward journey takes you along unmarked but easily recognisable paths that are rarely used. The return journey is entirely on theGR®46trail, marked in red and white, and is easy to follow.

Walk through the ruins of Roquefixade Castle and the Coulzonne Cave.

Starting from the peaceful village of Pouvourville, this easy walk can be enjoyed in all seasons. The signs are everywhere, guiding us along the tree-lined path to the Oppidum de Cluzet, where the first inhabitants of Toulouse lived in the Neolithic period. From the Gallic oppidum, and all along the cliff-top path on the heights of Pech David, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Garonne River flowing through the Toulouse plain.

Hike with elevation gain, marked in yellow at intervals, which will allow you to use the Hautpoul footbridge opened at the end of 2018 and cross the medieval village of the same name. There is a tricky section between points (6) and (7) where recent tree felling has more or less destroyed the mapped paths and removed the markers.

A bucolic walk in the heart of the Fronton AOP. You will go from valley to valley through vineyards and forests. You will enjoy magnificent views of the Girou valley with the Pyrenees as a backdrop and a panoramic view of the Tarn valley from Rabastens to Montauban. The circuit is marked by 13 scent markers featuring the aromas of Fronton wines. Can you recognise them all?

This hike is based on the route published by SICOVAL "Circular walk from Notre-Dame des Bois", which I modified at the end.

Just outside Toulouse, this is a short, invigorating circuit. There is a bit of tarmac when crossing Castanet (1.3 km), but the rest is made up of paths and beautiful trails. The countryside is just a few kilometres from Toulouse. Avoid this circuit after heavy rain as some sections will be difficult to navigate.

This path follows the edge of the Aveyron river and then goes around the Cirque de Bône. There are several viewpoints from which you can admire the Aveyron valley and the limestone cliffs.

The hike is suitable in all seasons. If there is snow, snowshoes may be necessary (depending on the depth).

Between farmland and virgin forest, discover the ruins of the Château de Saint-Barthélémy, which overlooks the authentic villages of Durban-sur-Arize and Montseron on the Plantaurel massif. You will admire the most peaceful landscapes: views of the Pyrenees, emerald forests worthy of the greatest fantasy films, and hills stretching as far as the eye can see.

A circular hike around the Étangs de Rabassoles lakes via the Pic de Tarbésou (2,364 metres), which offers magnificent views of the surrounding 2,000-metre peaks.

A pleasant, easy hike from the Col de Port, in a magnificent setting combining forest, stream, picnic area and views of the Pyrenees. Not very busy except at the pass.

Arbas, land of bears, paragliders and beautiful hikes! The hike I suggest follows a ridge trail and offers beautiful views of the Comminges to the north and the high peaks of the Pyrenees to the south, all without much difficulty.

Beautiful course, above and in the Alzou valley, visiting two mills: the Moulin du Saut (fortified mill of the 12th century) and the Moulin de Tournefeuille.

A very beautiful hike along the Jonte Gorges on the ledges of the Causse Noir. Remains of the Saint-Michel hermitage. Close to vultures.

De ruelles en sentiers, cet itinéraire conduira le promeneur de Saint-Lizier au Montcaliver, belvédère sur l'ensemble des vallées couserannaises et les splendides sommets dominés par le seigneur du Couseran: le mont Vallier.

A nature trail to admire the remarkable Autoire cirque and its waterfall, not to mention the unique Château des Anglais nestled in the cliff.

This three-day hike allows you to see at least 20 lakes. It is divided into three parts and includes two nights in a refuge (or in a tent). The first day is quite difficult. The times for each stage are those I have noted. They include photo breaks, meals, discussions, and time spent with your feet in the water. Please note that there are three hikes (normal walking pace).

An unusual hike along an old mining railway line with tunnel crossings.

From the Conservatory Orchard to the oak groves of La Grésigne, walkers will follow the path the entire way. The Audoulou stream runs alongside parts of the route, providing welcome refreshment in summer. Some effort will be required as the route alternates between ascents and descents with very few flat sections.

A typical Pyrenean lake in the mid-mountains. 47 hectares, 120 metres deep. Beautiful blue colour.

Menville is a pleasant little village on the left bank of the Save. The river meanders lazily through green meadows. Pretty houses with carefully tended gardens are grouped around the bell tower. The residents of Menville enjoy the peace and quiet and proximity to nature. Country roads lead to beautiful old farms, which everyone takes pride in maintaining and improving.