Orgeix walks

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.

Short circular loop passing through Ascou and Sorgeat.

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.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

A few kilometres from Ax-les-Thermes, this is an easy hike offering a variety of pleasures and sensations. After the first part, mainly through a magnificent beech forest, the view opens up as you cross the mountain pastures on the legendary Chemin des Bonshommes, a short section of which you will follow. And of course, don't forget the arrival at the Refuge du Chioula, which offers a magnificent panorama of the Pyrenees and all the great peaks of the Ariège.

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.

A peaceful hike in the mid-mountains, passing through the five passes of Pichaca, Balaguès, Canons, Rieufred and Pierre Blanche. You will walk through forests that are particularly beautiful in autumn and summer pastures where herds are very present during the season. Not to mention the truly exceptional panorama of the Haute Ariège that can be seen from the various passes.

On the outskirts of Ax les Thermes, this walk along the ridges offers exceptional panoramic views.

A lovely circular to do on foot in the summer, but also very pleasant on snowshoes. Superb 360° view. Several route variations are possible depending on your mood. See "practical information".

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

An easy hike from the Col de Pailhères. Magnificent 360° panorama from the summit of Tarbésou (2,364 m), then descent into a slightly more mineral landscape towards the Étang Noir de Rabassoles. The climb up to the Col de la Coumeilles de l'Ours is fairly quick, then a gentle descent back to the Col de Pailhères through the mountain pines.

A beautiful hike not far from the Ascou-Pailhères resort. On the agenda are the magnificent Pic de Tarbesou viewpoint (2364m) and the three Rabassoles lakes. To spice things up, the last part requires good navigation skills to find your way.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.