Sarrat de Caudeval (1800 m) 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The first stage of the journey! We leave the village of Mérens-les-Vals to reach Étang de Pédourès via the rugged slopes of the Ariège mountains; the scenery is magnificent and very wild. The main difficulty lies between the Étang de Comte and the Étang de Couard, where the well-marked path follows a very long and at times arduous scree slope; once you reach the Étang de Couard, the beauty of the scenery makes up for the hard work.

Please note: the approach walk along the road is the only part of the hike that is in the shade if you set off early enough in the morning. This is the only way to complete this loop. It may seem tedious, but the landscape is very beautiful.The hike can be classified as quite difficult. After the footbridge over the Ruisseau de la Coume de Varilhes, the path is not easy: steep, with steps, a paved scree slope, a ledge to cross, etc. But once you reach the top, you will be rewarded. Then the GR®T66 from the largest of the Étang de Fontagente lakes to the refuge is more of the same. This is definitely a mountain hike.