Ventenac walks

From hamlets to villages, forests to woods, set off to discover the hidden charms of this little corner of Ariège! Take a breather and discover a 400-year-old oak tree, small wash basins, old stone shepherds' huts (orrys), views of the Péreille Gorges... and a few steep slopes, one with a 17% gradient and another with a 20% gradient!

A pleasant short hike for families with children. No particular difficulty.

Circular hike from Roquefort-les-Cascades to Roc des Abeilles via the ruins of Château de Teyrac and back via Jean de Lamic, Les Monges and Daribeau on the other side of the valley. The route passes through two impressive climbing spots with routes rated from 4 to 7c. Some fairly steep passages where you need to use your hands.

A beautiful hike, without any real difficulty, on the heights of Roquefixade, near Foix, and at the Roquefort Waterfalls. The first part of the hike is uphill through the woods until you reach the cliffs on the heights of Roquefixade (castle, ridge and cave) before re-entering the forest to the waterfalls and picnic tables.

A very short walk in the woods to discover the Roquefort waterfalls.

A real little circular hike (unmarked) with the most remarkable view of the Pays de Dun, enhanced along the way by the panoramas of the Cami del Castel and the orientation table. A gem not to be missed! But be careful on the very steep descent from Pic Galinié!

A circular route for a family hike with wide, safe paths, starting from the village of Ilhat (from below). The outward route runs along the top of the cliff with a beautiful view to the south over the Pyrenees. The return route runs along the bottom of the cliff. A path through the woods leads to the hamlet of Gréoulou. There are many alternative paths, but some of them are dead ends! So it's best to stick to the trail.

A short, easy hike suitable for families. Splendid views over the Hers valley and the Douctouyre valley.

Walk through the ruins of Roquefixade Castle and the Coulzonne Cave.

A pleasant walk in the hills above Roquefixade, near Foix. Passing by its Cathar castle and the Grotte de l'Église Catholique, used to celebrate Mass during the French Revolution. A varied route: heath, woods and clearings. Suitable for families, but caution is advised along the cliff ridge.

A beautiful hike, mostly through woods and without difficulty. Various routes are listed in a booklet available at the stopover lodge. At the start, our route is marked as No. 6.

A nature route! A path through valleys and ridges with magnificent views of the Monts d'Olmes. Originally route no. 14 in the Pays de Mirepoix, the signposting is now quite old.

Circular starting from Nalzen, climbing to the village of Freychenet, then taking the Col de la Lauze road and returning via the hamlet of Gabachou. This section of road is pleasant in wet weather at the foot of Mont Fourcat.

A short family walk to the Merovingian cemetery in Tabariane from the church square in Teilhet. You will discover magnificent views of the Hers valley and the Ariège Pyrenees.

Circular starting from the village of Montgailhard, near Foix, climbing up the Côtes, then to Saint-Genès. Hike through the woods during the ascent and descent. May be a little slippery if it is very wet. The passage along the ridge offers a beautiful view to the south over the Pyrenees, from Soularac in the east to Pique d'Endron, then to Roc de Batail in the west.

The village of Montgailhard is dominated by the famous Pic de Montgailhard or Pain de Sucre, rising proudly to an altitude of 627 m. But there is another, lesser-known peak called Carsabel, which is well worth a visit because, at 615 m above sea level, it has nothing to be ashamed of compared to its big brother. Less imposing and much less easily accessible, but without any major technical difficulties, you do, however, have to brave the complications of its winding and unclear paths to reach its summit in the middle of the forest. This is the domain of wild boars, roe deer and other mammals and birds of this region of the Pyrenean foothills, but also of foresters who (moderately) exploit its slopes.Part of the route follows the paths of the plain, in the municipal park or the old paths along the banks of the River Lios.An unusual route, reserved for hikers seeking a challenge or runners looking to diversify their routes.

Circular starting from the hamlet of Prayols through the woods. Provides access to the three beautiful Cascades de la Piche waterfalls, as well as an orientation table describing the valley to the east that leads to Lavelanet. Beautiful view of Roquefixade and Mont Fourcat.

A family-friendly route that is not too long but has a slight incline and, above all, a beautiful view of the Tabe massif, Saint-Barthélémy and Mont Fourcat. The path continues a little further but is a dead end above the cliffs of the Gorges de Péreille. The return journey can be made via a slightly sloping trail, then a path that can be muddy after rain.

Hike starting from Lavelanet with a very steep climb through the woods, followed by magnificent panoramic views of Montségur Castle, to reach the Croix de Morenci and its charming metal origami bison sculptures. Beautiful view of Mont Fourcat as well.