Ustou walks

A beautiful hike in the Uustou Valley, which passes through the hamlets of L'Echart and Ossèse, with numerous waterfalls (especially in spring). As a bonus, you can see the superb Lastien waterfall. A very beautiful hike with no difficulty. Most of the route is covered by vegetation (pleasant in strong sunlight).

Climb up to the ruined Mirabat Castle, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Couserans mountain range with Mont Valier and the plain in the foreground.

This hike, which presents no difficulty until you reach the foot of the Cirque de Cagateille, will make you sweat to reach the Étang de la Hillette. But it's well worth the effort to discover this little Pyrenean fjord!

A magnificent route in the mid- and high-mountain range, with water features in the first part, then vast horizons opening up before your eyes. This circuit requires a good level of fitness but is well worth the effort. N.B. Please take into account the difficult sections at (3) and (6). Only to be attempted in very good weather: from (4) very difficult orientation in foggy weather and from (7) exposure to thunderstorms.

A fantastic getaway leading to one of the most beautiful and largest waterfalls in the Pyrenees.

An easy path leads to the Ars waterfall. A slightly more challenging trail climbs up the Ars valley to admire its ponds.

Boucle au départ d'Aulus-Les-Bains vers la cascade d'Ars et retour par la cascade du Fouillet. Randonnée très agréable, en forêt sur quasiment tout le parcours, avec pour récompense deux cascades mirifiques. Majestueuse, la cascade d'Ars est haute de 246 m en 3 ressauts et sa partie médiane large de 60 m. La cascade du Fouillet, de moindre envergure, est tout aussi belle et impressionnante.

Loop starting from Alus-Les-Bains with varied landscapes. Hike to be undertaken after the snow has completely disappeared (check in advance). Several passages through peat, in the middle of streams and avalanche corridors.Please note: look carefully for markings and signposts, which are not always very visible.

A round-trip route dominated by water, in the cool valley of the Estours and Artigue streams.

Nice hike from the Cirque de Gérac with views of the valley and Mont Valier in the background. Two passages with iron steps and a succession of two ponds before arriving at the summer hut and the Étang de la Réglisse nestled at the foot of the cliffs.

The climb is divided into two stages: the Cirque de Garbettou, which is easy to access, with its waterfall and streams, and the steeper, rockier climb to the Étang du Garbet, with its turquoise reflections, waterfall and occasional snowfields. 26/08/2024: Allow an extra 30 minutes on average to complete this hike.

Circular around Coumebière with beautiful views of the surrounding peaks. It will allow you to discover the Étang de Labant, an old mine and the Girantes plateau, which is not as flat as its name might suggest, all at the foot of the 1,975 m Mont Ceint.

A beautiful blue pond at the foot of the granite Mont Garias with a beautiful view of Mont Valier during the ascent

This hike, accessible to all, offers a taste of the high mountains. After the Étang de Labant, the route leads to the Pic de Cabanatous, a marvellous lookout point over the Étangs de Bassiès and beyond to the great summits of the Ariège. On the way back, the Étang d'Alate is the perfect place to stop for a break before heading back to the Port de Saleix, a very important ancient communication route that facilitated trade between the Couserans and Vicdessos regions.

A short family walk offering 180° views of the Couserans mountains, including Vallier, for almost the entire route. Most of the walk is along a very quiet road. It is best to do this walk in the morning to avoid the mountains being in silhouette.

This circuit provides access to the dry stone hamlet of Les Orris. It is a magnificent pastoral village, used for summer grazing, set in lush green surroundings opposite the Pic des Trois Seigneurs. The hamlet of Les Goutets was used from the 1800s until around 1950.

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.

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.

A pretty lake nestled at the foot of the mountains and a shepherd's hut in summer surrounded by mountains with, on the way back, a beautiful view of the Bethmale Valley.

A circular route that allows you to discover a low-altitude pond nestled in the middle of the forest, then a mountain pond in the heart of the mountain pastures, passing by the Campuls hut, and to meet the herds in summer. Author's note: this hike was published a long time ago: for any changes to the original route, please consult the comments at the end of the file.

Start from the village of Alos and its castle. After a steep climb, you will discover the panorama of the Ariège Pyrenees and, at the summit of the Pic de la Quère, a small part of the Mont Valier.

A short hike accessible to all, best done with snowshoes. In addition to its short distance, low altitude and easy level of difficulty, you will be treated to magnificent landscapes all the way to the final cirque of the Cabane de Campuls. The site is very popular in summer, but much less so in winter.

A breathtaking hike leading to Étang d'Ayès from Lac de Bethmale via Cirque de Campuls and its wonderful waterfall.

This short hike will allow you to see the Lafont Tower and enjoy a superb 360° view from the summit of Cap de Campets.

The second day is a high-mountain stage passing through the highest point of this itinerary: Pic d'Estats, as well as two other peaks over 3,000 m nearby, Pic du Montcalm and Pic de Verdaguer. The route is largely over scree and rocky terrain, which will greatly appeal to mineral enthusiasts. The trail largely follows the Porta del Cel hike and the GR®T61. Although not particularly technical, this stage should not be taken lightly due to its altitude (three peaks over 3,000 metres), its length, its elevation gain and its trails composed of loose stones that can make progress difficult.

A gentle walk to the Artigue waterfalls.

This high mountain hike allows you to climb the two iconic peaks of the Vicdessos valley in Ariège: the Pique d'Estats and Montcalm! Montcalm (3,077 m) is the first "3,000" peak in the Pyrenees when coming from the Mediterranean, and Pique d'Estats (3,143 m) is the highest peak in Catalonia, which explains their symbolic status. Please note that the descent is described as dangerous by some hikers. See the reviews and let us know if you have any information, but please remain cautious

A lovely loop around the Ruisseau de l'Artigue and Estats. This loop allows you to avoid the crowds that can gather in summer due to the easy access to the waterfall and the canyoning activity.

A very beautiful hike, but one that has to be earned. 1,000 metres of elevation gain over a short distance. The variety of paths taken, including rivers, forests, mountainsides and lakes, will make you forget the difficulty. The view of the Bassiès massif on the way up and down is truly magnificent. The best part: the welcome at the refuge is very warm. From the refuge, you can continue on to several other lakes, or enjoy the beautiful view of all the 3,000-metre peaks around Montcalm.