Prades (Ariège) walks

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!

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.

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".

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

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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

A lovely little peak to climb when you have an hour to spare. Very accessible, it offers a beautiful 360° view of the Ariège peaks, from the Tabe Massif to the Dent d’Orlu and the Pic de Tarbésou.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A very pleasant circular walk starting from the village of Ascou. The ascent to the Refuge du Chioula follows theGR®107or the Chemin des Bonshommes. The return journey can be made either by following old markings (a route to be avoided in foggy conditions and requiring a fair sense of direction) or by taking the same route as on the way up.

This hike forms the first stage of a five-day route between Ax-les-Thermes and La Tour-de-Carol. This first stage presents no difficulty unless weather conditions are poor. The start is at Ax railway station, where you follow the road and then a very pretty path that climbs up into the mountains to reach an unstaffed but very comfortable refuge. This walk is only suitable for hikers accustomed to high-altitude mountain terrain and confident in navigating.

This beautiful Pyrenean hike takes five days; it is intended for hikers accustomed to high-altitude mountain terrain and confident in navigating. It does not present any major difficulties – the route is straightforward – but you do need to be comfortable in high-altitude mountain terrain. The idea behind this hike is to set off from one railway station and head to another, thus completing a circular route easily without needing a car.

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

Short circular loop passing through Ascou and Sorgeat.

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.

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.

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 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.

A beautiful hike in the Pays de Sault starting from Roquefeuil with climbs up Pic des Sarrasis and Pic du Midi offering stunning panoramic views.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

This summit is a magnificent viewpoint overlooking much of the Aude, the Pyrénées-Orientales and the Ariège. This ridge walk takes you to the Étang Noir and Étang Bleu lakes. These lakes are bordered by small pine groves where you can relax.

A short family walk based on the botanical walk offered by the Bonascre resort.

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

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.

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.