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At Croix-Falgarde, at the D4F roundabout, take the road on the right: Mairie, Foyer rural. Park in the car park of the Foyer Rural (you can also park at the end of the cul-de-sac, but there are fewer spaces).
(S/E) When leaving the car park at the community centre, turn left onto Avenue des Pyrénées and head towards the end of the street, which is a cul-de-sac (if you are parked at the end of the cul-de-sac, go back up to the roundabout).
(1) Take the steps on the left between two houses, next to number 10 (the steps are on the right if you are coming from the end of the cul-de-sac): first a few steps, then a steep path. You will quickly rise above the Ariège river flowing below, with a panoramic view of the Pyrenees. The path comes out onto a quiet road lined with villas, the Chemin de la Carrierrette.
(2) Follow this road to the right, climbing up to the junction with the D68.
(3) The only slightly unpleasant part of the walk is crossing the road, which should be done with caution. Then turn left and follow the D68 for 200 m, taking the path that runs alongside the hedges and villas on the right-hand side of the road whenever possible.
Do not follow the D68 when it descends to the left, but continue straight ahead for another 50 m to take the small road that descends to the right (two signs: Chemin de Najac and cul de sac (note that on IGN or Google, this road is also called Chemin de Sacaléry): panoramic view of the hillsides. Follow this small road which makes a large S-bend. After about 350 m downhill, do not take the road which continues straight ahead (sign: no vehicles except agricultural vehicles) but follow the road which continues on the right uphill. You will arrive at a private property (place called Sacaléry).
(4) Do not continue on the access road to the private property, but be sure to take the marked hiking trail to the left of the sign: private property. The trail becomes a path a little further on and descends to the Route de la Fontaine. Follow this small road to the right to climb towards Goyrans. Watch out for the occasional cars in the few bends. Enjoy the panoramic view of the hillsides as you continue on and arrive in Goyrans from the north.
(5) Turn right to join the main road, Chemin des Crêtes, which you will follow until the first road on the left, Chemin de la Côte du Moulin. Make a short detour to the church square at the end of this road to admire the beautiful bell tower and its six bells, then turn away from it and turn right onto Chemin du Puits.
(6) Take the path on the left that descends between a pretty covered well, made of bricks and pebbles, and the tennis courts. This is a long and very pleasant descent towards the Ariège, first on a tree-lined path through fields, then into the forest. You will then enter a protected natural area. After about 1.5 km, you will reach the ramier, a flat, wild area along the Ariège.
(7) Take the path on the right that leads to Lacroix-Falgarde. Initially fairly flat, it becomes a bit of a rollercoaster ride in places as it runs along the riverbank. Open your ears, as this natural area is ideal for listening to birdsong.
Further on, the trail becomes a path again and arrives in a straight line, along the Ariège, at the car park (S/E).
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