The most beautiful hikes in Ariège
The 10 most beautiful hikes to do in Ariège
Located in the Occitanie region, the department ofAriège is famous for its beautiful landscapes, its natural heritage, its numerous monuments and tourist sites.
Thanks to these riches, this destination is recognized as being favored by tourists, vacationers and especially hikers. You can explore the Ariège Pyrenees with your family or friends, on foot, by bike, on horseback or by car.
Here are some of the most important tourist routes that you can take during your visit:
The blue pond
L’étang bleu is a small pond located in the valley of the Courbière, west of the communes of Courbit and Rabat-les-Trois-Seigneurs. With its intense blue color, due to its depth, this lake of the French Pyrenees is appreciated by fishermen, tourists and hikers.
This circuit of hike will offer you an impregnable sight on the high mountain ariégeoise and on its small ponds high perched. Despite the presence of steep climbs, this route is simple and safe, and can perfectly be done by children.
It starts at the Pla du Ressec parking lot, a rest and picnic area where you can recharge your batteries before the long walk. You will then cross the Courbière stream which will lead you to the Debès du Ressec wood and the Baratus stream. After passing the small orri, you will follow a series of laces where you will be able to see the Rocher de l’Aigle and arrive on the jasse de l’étang bleu.
You will find several ruins of shepherds’ huts. You must continue westward to the small knoll overlooking the Rives and Tirou ponds. From there you will have a unique panorama on all the surroundings.
For the return trip, take the Cirque d’Embans path to the Bois du Cirier. You will then continue towards the Courbière, in the direction of the circus of Embans, will cross the meadow and will arrive at the hut of Embanels. Turn right and follow the trail to the forest road that will lead you to your starting point.
The castle of Roquefixade and the cave of Coulzonne
The castle of Roquefixade is located at the top of a huge cliff, which will give you a unique view on the Ariege and its surroundings. Suspended at 1033 m height, this fortress is maintained by a stone arch spanning a fault in the rock. The cave of Coulzonne, also called cave of the Catholic Church, was used to celebrate masses during the French Revolution.
This hiking trail starts on the village square of Roquefixade, and continues to the castle. Take the opportunity to discover all the remains of this historic building in Ariège. Then, continue on the yellow marked path that leads to the Coulzonne cave. Then turn right into the meadows of Coulzonne and join the fork. Continue on the Cathar path, marked with red and white markers, which leads to the monument to the dead of the Battle of Roquefixade. Continuing west-northwest on the small road, you can return to the starting point.
The Soum de Bazillac from the Prat d’Albis
Go on an adventure on this 16.7 km loop. This tour starts from Prat d’Albis, a 1,211-meter high climb that has become a hot spot for paragliders. During this course, you must cross streams like the one of Caugue or Couers.
You can also walk on the Col du Touron which leads to the Pas de Bazillac, which will lead to the Pointe du Picou. From there, you can admire the Pyrenees chain, the valley of the Ganac stream and the plain of Basse-Ariège.
Once you have reached this summit, which is theobjective of this hike, you can go back down towards the Pas de Bazillac, the Pla d’Estal, the Pla des Peyres and the cistern leading back to the trail you started with.
The waterfalls of Roquefort
Live a unique experience in the petrifying waterfalls of Roquefort-les-Cascades, a real paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Explore every nook and cranny of this natural site as you cross the streams, venture around the majestic 30-meter high tufa rock where the three waterfalls follow one another.
This succession of waterfalls offers a magnificent spectacle in winter, autumn and spring during the periods of rain and snowmelt. You can also contemplate the limestone caves, rest on the rocks, picnic or walk along the trees.
The way to the mine
It is a course of about 6km. It starts at the place of the Tourist Office of Vicdessos, continues towards the Palet de Sanson, which offers a breathtaking view on the valley, and towards the village of Sem.
Then, you can take the Trémie and Poudrière path, go down the ore towards Cabre, cross the footbridges over the stream, go towards the village of Arconac by passing the bridge and join Vicdessos via the D708A.
The Decauville tunnels in the Orle valley
It is an average circuit with a distance of about 11 km. Originally, the Decauville track was only a narrow gauge rail that was used by wagons pulled by mules. But today, only the tunnels and the balcony path remain, offering hikers an incredible panorama of the Orle valley.
This route starts at the parking lot of La Pucelle and the path of the port of Orle. Then, after a series of twists and turns, you will arrive at the Decauville track. After about 5.5 km, you can descend into the valley near the hamlet of Artiguepla and return to the starting point.
The tooth of Orlu
With its altitude of 2,222 meters, its steep and steep south side, the dent d’Orlu has become a favorite destination for hikers and rock climbers. It is part of the medium altitude peaks of the Pyrenees chain, and of the national reserve of hunting and wild fauna of Orlu.
This place is home to incredible animal and plant species that you can discover during your walk. By reaching its summit, you can also enjoy a magnificent view of the valley. This route lasts about 3h10 min and is about 5 km long.
The peak of Estibat from the pass of Port
This 10 km loop circuit starts at the Col de Port, where you will have an exceptional view of the Saurat valley and the Tabe massif, and passes by the Estibat peak where you can admire the whole Pyrenean chain.
Once you arrive at Gour du Souil, you will see tables, a hut and a pond. It’s the perfect place to have a picnic with your family and contemplate the landscape.
The loop of the Pic des Trois Seigneurs
The Pic des Trois Seigneurs reaches an altitude of 2,199 meters. It is a quiet and exotic path that makes you discover the most beautiful landscapes of the Ariegean Pyrenees. This 11 km loop is quite difficult, so it is reserved for experienced hikers.
The course has some fairly technical sections, especially when there is snow. It starts at the place of Vicdessos, passes by the Bridge of Ganioule and thepond of Arbu. Take the opportunity to swim, rest and eat a little while enjoying the scenery. After crossing the steep passages, you will arrive at the Pic des Trois Seigneurs and can continue your way to reach the Pic de Barrès. The descent will then lead you to the port of Lers, the starting point.
The loop of the ponds of Fontargente
The three ponds of Fontargente are located in Ariège in the Aston valley. They are characterized by lakes with clear waters, mountainous landscapes, grassy ridges, high rock faces and are surrounded by sharp peaks like the Pico de Rulje or the Pico Negro de Juclar.
If you want to take this route, you have to cover a distance of about 8 km. This circuit begins at the Pla de las Peyres parking lot, continues along the marked trail and ends at the 3 ponds, passing by the Refuge du Ruhle.
Where to stay in Ariège to enjoy hiking ?
After a long walk, you probably need a place to stay. Why not come to one of Marc & Montmija‘s vacation villages. These accommodations are all located in the heart of the Pyrenees, close to various hiking trails.
If your trail is in Ax-les-Thermes, you can for example stay in the vacation village Le Tarbesou, located at 1400m altitude on the plateau of Bonascre. In addition to the panoramic views of the region, you will enjoy fully equipped rooms with all the comforts.
You can also take part in the various activities organized by the animation teams such as shows, aquagym, swimming pool, petanque tournaments, fishing…
They also organize hikes and walks to help you discover the wild nature of the Ariège mountains, as well as its cultural and culinary treasures. A club has been specially created to entertain your children.