Montségur walks

Montségur, the main stronghold where the Cathars took refuge whilst being hunted down by the Crusaders and the Inquisition, was besieged in 1244, and 225 Cathars who refused to renounce their faith were burnt right here, at the foot of the rocky peak. From there, networks were organised not only for escape but also for the spread of Cathar ideology, in order to evade the Inquisition.

Randonnée longue et partiellement hors sentier. Vue magnifique du sommet de la Frau à 1900 m et possibilité de visiter la grotte de l'Ourse qui est exceptionnelle. Ce parcours comporte des passages hors sentiers, l'application ou un GPS de randonnée est fortement conseillée.

Loop starting near the village of Montségur, via the peaks of Soularac, at 2,368 m, and Saint Barthélémy, at 2,348 m, then return via the Diable and Truites lakes. This is a fairly demanding circuit in terms of elevation and the nature of the trails.

Loop starting from the Étang de Moulzoune via the peaks of Soularac and Saint-Barthélémy. To be done between June and November, checking that there is no snow on the north side (visible from Lavelanet), as access would be difficult.

Superb viewpoint over the entire eastern part of the Pyrenees. The Pic de Saint-Barthélemy also offers an exceptional view of the plain to the north. It is easily identifiable on a clear day from the motorway... The route combines beech forest, where the small Lac de Moulzoune nestles, two old quarries, grassy hilltops overlooking two high-altitude lakes, a small forest of mountain pines and ends with a stony ridge covered with rhododendrons.

This hike in the Tabe Massif leads to the Étang des Truites and then the Étang du Diable, both nestled beneath the Pic de Soularac and the Pic de Saint-Barthélemy, which they form part of the ascent routes for. The passage through the old talc quarries of La Porteille and Fangas adds a moving historical touch. Finally, on the way back, the Étang de Moulzoune offers a peaceful break in a magnificent setting.

Wide open spaces with aerial views of the Monts d'Olmes massif; reminders of an industrial past with old quarries; paths through the forest, then along ridges offering magnificent panoramic views, a small lake, two huts... Simply bliss for a family walk that everyone can enjoy!

A circular route with reasonable slopes and passable paths, overlooking Montferrier. Beautiful views of Montségur Castle to the east, but also of Mont Fourcat to the west. Can be enjoyed in both winter and summer, as it is mainly shaded and follows streams.

A circular route starting from Montferrier, mainly through woods, with a section near the Château de Montségur and a return along the Ruisseau de Freychinadel. The route is not always well marked, so follow the trail and instructions carefully at junctions.

A short hike in the Touyre Valley, starting from Monferrier, passing in front of the entrance to an old mine, and returning via the hamlet of La Peyregade. There are no difficulties or steep slopes. It can sometimes be muddy due to the proximity of the stream.

A short walk in Ariège following the Cathar Trail and the Weavers' Trail, first to reach the Pog de Monstégur and then to escape into the hills at the foot of Madoual!

Despite its modest altitude (1,618 m), this peak, well known to paragliders, offers a 360° panorama including the Cathar fortress of Montségur and the Montagne de Tabe. The circuit begins with a steady climb through the Bois de Montminier and continues over wide, grassy ridges that present no difficulty. On the way back, the Lac de Moulzoune and its picnic area offer a very pleasant place to stop.

A family-friendly route that is not too long but has a slight incline and, above all, a beautiful view of the Tabe massif, Saint-Barthélémy and Mont Fourcat. The path continues a little further but is a dead end above the cliffs of the Gorges de Péreille. The return journey can be made via a slightly sloping trail, then a path that can be muddy after rain.

Hike starting from Lavelanet with a very steep climb through the woods, followed by magnificent panoramic views of Montségur Castle, to reach the Croix de Morenci and its charming metal origami bison sculptures. Beautiful view of Mont Fourcat as well.

This hike takes you to the first peak over 2,000 metres from Toulouse, with magnificent views from the summit.

A short circular walk for the whole family, from the hamlet of La Peyregade to Martinat and back along the Touyre stream.

Circular starting from Fontestorbes, passing through Trou du Corbeau and Croix de Millet. Shady in midsummer, which is pleasant.

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.

Circular starting from the Monts d'Olmes resort, passing through the Pics de Girabal and Galinat via the Col de Girabal, the Col de l'Étang d'Appy (with a beautiful view of the lake) and finally the Col de Cadène. Some sections require the use of your hands but are not particularly dangerous (in the absence of snow). You can also make a round trip to Pic du Han (from Col de Cadène) or Saint-Barthélémy (from Col de Girabal), but the additional elevation gains are not included in this technical data sheet.

This hike from Comus leads to Pla du Boum, at an altitude of 1,250 metres. This magnificent grassy basin, surrounded by forests of conifers and deciduous trees, is well worth the sustained effort required from the outset. The route alternates between wooded areas and open spaces where the Pic de Saint-Barthélémy, the Montagne de la Frau and the Château de Montségur are particularly striking. It can be done in any season but is recommended in autumn when the colours change.

This route is one of four hiking trails maintained and promoted by the Caminaïres de Comus association. Starting from the village of Comus, it comprises two loops forming a figure of eight. At the junction of the two loops, you can continue to Sarrat de Rouquières (second loop) or just do the first loop via Roc Rouge. Both peaks offer remarkable views. The first loop has steep slopes, both uphill and downhill, with gradients of over 20%. However, there is a gentler access route via the Col de la Gargante, which is also signposted. Please note that the name "Roc Rouge" is a local name: the peak is marked "le Poumairol" on maps.

This route is one of four hiking trails maintained and promoted by the Caminaïres de Comus association. Starting from the village of Comus, it takes you up to the Col du Boum, then down to the Pla du Boum, a large pasture surrounded by pine and beech forests, before reaching the Cols de Camurac. In addition to forest trails, the route offers splendid views, particularly of the Massif de Tabe. This hike is also accessible by mountain bike and snowshoes in winter.

This route is one of four hiking trails maintained and promoted by the Caminaïres de Comus association. Starting from the village of Comus, it joins the Col du Boum, the Pla du Boum, and after passing through the woods, it climbs towards the Pic des Rives, then the Cols de Camurac before reaching Montpié. This hike offers splendid views. It is also accessible by mountain bike and snowshoes.

Snowshoe hike from the Monts d'Olmes resort. We did this hike on a Friday in January, outside of school holidays, which was great. It's likely to be a bit busier during school holidays or at weekends! If possible, choose a day with clear weather. It would be a shame to miss the view.

A shaded walk through the woods along the Douctouyre with some geological explanations.

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.

A short walk through the forest around Bélesta, passing by the Fontaine de Fontestorbes. We start with a section of the Tour du Pays d'Olmes, continue via the Col du Figuier to rejoin the Hers Valley path for a short while, before returning to Bélesta.

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.

A pleasant route, admittedly long but peaceful, which will allow you to discover the ancient Royal Forest of Bélesta, with the added bonus of a visit to the incredible intermittent fountain of Fontestorbes. Complementary hike to: The Croix de Millet route.

A pleasant, easy loop with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and the Tabe massif: Pic du Soularac, Pic de Saint-Barthélémy, Pic de Girabal, Pic Galinat, Pic du Han and Mont Fourcat.

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.

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.

This route (actually walked, not copied) follows the one published by Grenouille09, but shortens the return leg. A route of around 2 hours. The route along the ridge is slightly different from that of the hike mentioned above, but this doesn’t make much difference; it’s impossible to get lost. We’ve simply added a few extra details below.

A walk of about two hours, which takes you from Prades to a viewpoint offering an extraordinary panorama of the Pyrenees mountain range. On the way back, the Chemin du Bac offers walkers a breathtaking bird's eye view of the village of Prades!

Set off to explore this part of the Plantaurel ridges with the unique Gréoulou horseshoe! Perched above Laroque d'Olmes and Lavelanet, this is an original circular route with a very steep climb up Sainte-Ruffine! Remember to bring enough water.

This route is one of four hiking trails maintained and promoted by the Association les Caminaïres de Comus. Starting from the village of Camurac,the first part of this loop overlooks the village, offering superb panoramic views. Several benches have been installed along the route. This hike is also accessible by mountain bike and snowshoes.

Starting from Prades, this is an easy country walk. Ideal with children, this hike takes you to the ruins of the Montaillou Tower.

For a change from the much more popular western and eastern routes.

Circular in the Douctouyre valley with a passage through the top of the cliffs of the Mouillet plateau, which offers a beautiful view of the Ariège Pyrenees in good weather. Once in the village of Roquefort-les-Cascades, you can visit the waterfalls, which have water mainly in spring.

A circular route for a family hike with wide, safe paths, starting from the village of Ilhat (from below). The outward route runs along the top of the cliff with a beautiful view to the south over the Pyrenees. The return route runs along the bottom of the cliff. A path through the woods leads to the hamlet of Gréoulou. There are many alternative paths, but some of them are dead ends! So it's best to stick to the trail.

Starting from La Bastide-sur-l'Hers, via Sainte-Colombe-sur-l'Hers and the hamlet of Mireval, this circular offers beautiful views from the ridge:- to the north over Lake Montbel,- to the south over the Tabe Massif with the peaks of Soularac and Saint-Barthélémy, as well as Mont Fourcat.

Peaks do not need to be very high or steep to offer breathtaking views. The Roc de Quercourt, which marks the highest point of the Montaillou mountain south of Camurac, is a fine example of this. After passing through the forest, this mid-mountain route follows wide grassy ridges, giving you plenty of opportunity to enjoy the exceptional views of the Tabe mountain and the Ariège Pyrenees.

A beautiful circular starting from Lake Belcaire, towards Pic des Rives (1,436 m), which offers a magnificent panorama of the Pyrenees peaks and Bugarach in the Aude. A shorter alternative route is possible by descending after the bench (3); it offers a view of the lake and Belcaire: the route can then be taken in the opposite direction.

A very short walk in the woods to discover the Roquefort waterfalls.

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.

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.

A circular loop in Plantaurel: greenways, woods, ridge views, the Touyre and Hers rivers, and history with the Saint-Roch Chapel and the Castella de Laroque d'Olmes. Something to satisfy all hikers.

Circular hike from Roquefort-les-Cascades to Roc des Abeilles via the ruins of Château de Teyrac and back via Jean de Lamic, Les Monges and Daribeau on the other side of the valley. The route passes through two impressive climbing spots with routes rated from 4 to 7c. Some fairly steep passages where you need to use your hands.

For the first twenty minutes, the trail climbs steadily and there are beautiful views between the bushes and trees, especially in winter. After that, you can enjoy fantastic views of the valley almost constantly.

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Pyrenees. From Canigou to Mont Valier, the summit of Pic de Saint-Barthélemy offers breathtaking views of the entire eastern Pyrenees and the Ariège plain. The ridge path and the pretty Étang d'Appy lake are a pleasant addition to this beautiful route. The significant elevation gain and length of this route are its main difficulties (²). See practical information (¹).

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

From the Appy car park, climb the peak but follow an anti-clockwise circular loop, which is much less common. That is to say, ascend via the Jasse de Sédars then the Sarrat de Bertenac, and return via the Col de Girabal, the Col d'Appy and then the Étang d'Appy.

Starting from Lordat, this route takes you through six small mountain villages, all well exposed and offering beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and the Ariège valley. Alternating between small sunken paths, stream crossings and balcony trails, the route is not difficult, but you will need to save your strength for the last part, which involves a steep climb of a few hundred metres.

Perched on a rocky promontory, Lordat Castle guards and dominates the Ariège valley. This hike takes you around it, offering panoramic views and typical mountain villages. Yellow markings. Be careful as the markings are sometimes difficult to see.

A walk suitable for all year round (provided there is no snow in winter), mostly through woodland. The first section is very accessible and family-friendly, on wide, well-maintained paths. The section after L'Herm is a well-marked climb, marked in yellow, but the path is not always obvious on the ground, with quite a few steep sections, though never dangerous (you can have lunch at the highest point).