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Vaychis walks
Ax-les-Thermes - Mérens via the Chemin de Llatta
Visorando Member
8.43 mi
+3,563 ft
-2,087 ft
7h 00
Difficult
Departure from Ax-les-Thermes (Ariège)
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.
From Ax-les-Thermes to the Prat Redoun refuge
9.35 mi
+3,701 ft
-115 ft
7h 30
Difficult
Departure from Ax-les-Thermes (Ariège)
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.
From Ax-les-Thermes to La Tour de Carol
45.50 mi
+13,317 ft
-11,549 ft
5 days
Difficult
Departure from Ax-les-Thermes (Ariège)
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.
The Chioula Signal from the Col du Chioula
1.42 mi
+233 ft
-233 ft
0h 50
Easy
Departure from Caussou (Ariège)
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.
The Refuge du Chioula from the Col du Chioula
3.56 mi
+531 ft
-531 ft
2h 05
Easy
Departure from Caussou (Ariège)
Easy short hike for families from the Col du Chioula to the Refuge du Chioula.
Return through the pleasant, shaded forest.
From Ax-les-Thermes to Orgeix
5.29 mi
+1,043 ft
-1,024 ft
3h 20
Moderate
Departure from Ax-les-Thermes (Ariège)
This pleasant hike will take you to the charming village of Orgeix, where you can explore its castle on the shores of Lake Campauleil.
Ascou and Sorgeat from Ax-les-Thermes
5.18 mi
+1,237 ft
-1,220 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Ax-les-Thermes (Ariège)
Short circular loop passing through Ascou and Sorgeat.
The Embizon Pond
10.48 mi
+3,402 ft
-3,383 ft
7h 45
Difficult
Departure from Savignac-les-Ormeaux (Ariège)
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.
Via Roc de l'Orri d'Ignaux
8.48 mi
+2,303 ft
-2,300 ft
5h 55
Moderate
Departure from Sorgeat (Ariège)
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.
A trip to the Ariège region around the Refuge du Chioula
7.11 mi
+1,155 ft
-1,135 ft
4h 15
Moderate
Departure from Prades (Ariège) (Ariège)
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.
Pic Fourcat from Col de Marmare
5.00 mi
+1,919 ft
-1,906 ft
3 hrs
Moderate
Departure from Prades (Ariège) (Ariège)
On the outskirts of Ax les Thermes, this walk along the ridges offers exceptional panoramic views.
Pic Fourcat
7.70 mi
+2,096 ft
-2,096 ft
5h 20
Moderate
Departure from Prades (Ariège) (Ariège)
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".
Five Passes Route in the Pays d'Aillou
8.88 mi
+1,644 ft
-1,634 ft
5h 30
Moderate
Departure from Prades (Ariège) (Ariège)
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.
Botanical walk at Bonascre
4.23 mi
+738 ft
-732 ft
2h 35
Easy
Departure from Ax-les-Thermes (Ariège)
A short family walk based on the botanical walk offered by the Bonascre resort.
The Cabane de Sauzet as seen from Luzenac-Garanou station
8.73 mi
+2,497 ft
-2,497 ft
6h 10
Difficult
Departure from Garanou (Ariège)
This forest path follows the course of the Ruisseau de Lavail. It is a very shaded round-trip walk, right in the heart of the forest, which leads out onto the large plain where the Cabane de Sauzet is situated. The cool air and the murmur of the stream will ensure you have a pleasant time, despite the constant effort required as the route has virtually no flat sections. You should plan for several breaks, but you’ll easily find plenty of places to access the river to cool off.
The church at Axiat and Lordat Castle as seen from Luzenac Garanou station
6.47 mi
+1,516 ft
-1,506 ft
4h 20
Moderate
Departure from Garanou (Ariège)
From the railway tracks to the peaks of the Ariège! Setting off from Luzenac station, escape on a unique trail amidst the cool mountain streams, shady forests and the majestic ruins of Lordat Castle. A circular route combining nature and history, accessible by train.
Chioula Mountain Hut from Ascou
10.23 mi
+2,503 ft
-2,490 ft
6h 55
Difficult
Departure from Ascou (Ariège)
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.
Around Lordat Castle
5.04 mi
+1,286 ft
-1,289 ft
3h 25
Moderate
Departure from Lordat (Ariège)
Perched on a rocky promontory, Lordat Castle guards and dominates the Ariège valley. This hike takes you around it, offering panoramic views and typical mountain villages.
Yellow markings. Be careful as the markings are sometimes difficult to see.
Circular of the six villages around the Rocher du Courbas
7.97 mi
+1,539 ft
-1,535 ft
5h 00
Moderate
Departure from Lordat (Ariège)
Starting from Lordat, this route takes you through six small mountain villages, all well exposed and offering beautiful views of the surrounding peaks and the Ariège valley. Alternating between small sunken paths, stream crossings and balcony trails, the route is not difficult, but you will need to save your strength for the last part, which involves a steep climb of a few hundred metres.