Suc-et-Sentenac walks

The mining trail winds its way through the woods around the delightful Sem valley. Follow in the footsteps of the former miners of Rancié and discover the past.

This hike is for experienced hikers who are comfortable using the app, as it takes place on unmarked roads and trails until the junction with the GR® Tour des Trois Seigneurs at the highest point of the Crêtes de Bège. The trails are old but still easily identifiable and easy to follow. However, you will need to be in good physical condition as there is a significant elevation gain over a relatively short distance. You will also need to be able to identify the best routes when you reach the rocky part of the ridge. From there, you will discover exceptional 360° panoramic views. The return journey, which is not particularly difficult, follows the GR® trail.

As its name suggests, the hike takes place on the southern slope and on the heights of Vicdessos. You will take an old, entirely paved road to reach the village of Illier with its interesting narrow streets, then follow a balcony path through a forest of boxwood, cherry, oak, acacia and hazelnut trees to the village of Orus. From there, the landscape opens up onto a safe path built on the mountainside, offering beautiful views as you reach the village of Sentenac, from where you will return partly via the D18. All these roads and paths are built on foundations that bear witness to civil engineering skills in terms of their volume and position.

This hike is suitable for walkers who know how to use the app and are observant of their surroundings. Most of the route follows paths marked on the map, but these are often difficult to spot. There are no signposts from the Col de Grail onwards; however, some sections remain clearly visible and provide reassurance regarding the route. Do not attempt this hike if there is a risk of fog or after rain, as the descent into the gispet could prove very difficult. Otherwise, there are remarkable views of the Pique d’Endron, Vicdessos, the Pic des Trois Seigneur, Montcalm and others...

A beautiful route alternating between beech forests, stunning views of the Os Valley and old iron mines, starting from the small village of Sem, above Vicdessos. Best done in dry, clear weather.

A magnificent circular route through the forest with numerous information panels along the route, offering welcome breaks during the tough climb and breathtaking panoramic views. With two must-see sights, the Refuge de Grail (closed) and the Col de Grisoul! This short but steep hike in the Vicdessos valley reveals an important part of the mining history of the Ariège. Here, in the heart of the mountains, the Mines du Rancié began with modern open-pit iron ore extraction at an altitude of over 1,500 metres, before more and more tunnels were dug, descending ever deeper! Connected to each other, they saved many lives during the frequent rockfalls that led to their permanent closure in 1931, despite the fact that the deposit was far from exhausted.

Second day of a three-day trip (August 2023) starting from Vicdessos (Val de Sos). A challenging hike at the start. From (2) to (8), gradient 30%, distance 3 km, elevation gain 1000 m. After (6), the stunning scenery makes the effort required to reach the Crête du Sarrasi (8) well worth it. From this high vantage point, a lovely descent follows, with stunning views throughout. From the Col de Grail (13), the return journey via theGR®10is much more comfortable. Please note: the section from (6) to (12) is exposed.

First day completed during a three-day trip (August 2023) from Vicdessos (Val de Sos). Please note: the proposed route, which is in perfect condition, is only roughly marked except for the section of theGR®10. This hike is classified as difficult due to the need for good orientation skills, the poor condition ofthe GR®10, the numerous steps to climb, the duration, etc. If it is a simple return trip to the refuge via theGR®10, then the hike can be classified as moderate.

The granite cirque of Bassiès, near the Montcalm massif, is impressive for its size and its lakes. It is accessed from the right bank of the steeply-sided Bassiès stream via a comfortable but steep path that passes through a beautiful forest before coming out onto a rocky outcrop that marks the first lake. The descent is on the other bank, which is just as steep, following a well-maintained stony mule track.

A difficult but exceptional hike offering panoramic views of the Ariège Pyrenees. After a steep climb to the Bassiès lakes, you will walk along them before gaining height and reaching the Pic de Cabanatous, a viewpoint offering a 360° view from Tarbésou to Mont Vallier.

The Pique d'Endron, which can be seen majestically from Goulier, is located on a ridge separating the Siguer and Vicdessos valleys. Magnificent viewpoint with a 360° panorama of all the great peaks around, and below, the Étangs d'Izourt and Gnioure lakes.

The Pique d'Endron is a central viewpoint in the Haute-Ariège. From here, you can see the Montcalm massif and the Bassiès massif with its terraced lakes up close, and you can look out over two large ponds: Gnioure with its small island and Izourt. The view to the north stretches far into the distance. The outing is relatively short but quite challenging with its 1,000 m elevation gain, dizzying views and a short passage where you have to "use your hands".

A beautiful circular starting from Port de Lers, passing by Pic de Girantes (or Mont Ceint) with magnificent 360° views, then descending to Port de Saleix and climbing back up to Port de Bassiès with superb views of the refuge and the Bassiès lakes. Return via Pas de la Portère via a difficult climb.

Do not underestimate these two days, which pack in significant gradients over a relatively short distance.The first day is interesting for the discoveries it offers and a section with virtually no signposting. The arrival at the refuge is magnificent.Spending the night at the Refuge de Bassiès allows you to look forward to the return journey on the second day with greater peace of mind.A visit to the Étangs de Bassiès can be planned for the second day from the refuge, leaving some of your kit there. You can then collect all your kit for the challenging return walk to the Port de Lers car park.

The first day takes you to the Bassiès Refuge, passing huts, a valley, mountain passes, an old mine, a pond, and various cols and mountain passes. The stretch from the Col de las Fouzès to the Port de Bassiès is particularly beautiful.The route follows paths and tracks that are difficult due to their terrain (rock, scree, unmarked).See practical information * From (3) to (6), an unmarked path with gradients of 15% and 25%, with Patou sheep present from (4). From (12) to (18), a marked path with gradients of 16% to 30%.Allow approximately 6 hours for the walk.

A circular walk in a magnificent landscape bathed in a calm and soothing atmosphere. This loop will delight lovers of peace and quiet as well as those wishing to reconnect with nature.