The 10 best hikes to do in Ariège

Do you want to go hiking with your family in Ariège? Are you looking for beautiful, easy hikes near Toulouse or the Ariège lakes? This region offers many possibilities. It is crossed by the Long-Distance Hiking Trails. You'll climb mountain trails. The Ariège Pyrenees Natural Park protects its flora and fauna and offers a preserved setting, ideal for observing nature. We've selected the 10 best hiking trails for you to discover Ariège.

Photos from the article Toulouse Pyrenees Guide unless otherwise stated

Opening photo © Cottevieille | Adobe Stock

1) The GR 10

The GR are the stars of hiking! The Grande Randonnée trails mark the ancient Ways of Saint-Jacques de Compostelle. The GR 10 is an exceptional route. It allows you to cross the Pyrenees, over 1100 kilometers only in Ariège, from Mazères to l'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre. It offers you panoramas of the Pyrenean mountains of great beauty, notably on the Pic du Midi de Bigorre or the Pic de Bacanère. You will pass through numerous passes, sometimes exceeding 2000 meters in altitude! You can take refreshing breaks on the banks of the high-altitude lakes. It is also dotted with picturesque villages, with a small but very interesting local heritage.

Photo © Yvann K | Adobe Stock

2) The Petrifying Waterfalls of Roquefort-les-Cascades

The Petrifying Waterfalls of Roquefort-les-Cascades are natural wonders. They are located in the heart of the Ariège forests , in the eastern part of the Plantaurel Massif. A well-marked trail takes you from the village of Roquefort-les-Cascades to the mountain. It is a short walk, less than a kilometer, on an easy path. It runs along the river and the walk is truly charming. It is ideal for a family outing.

Photo © Yannick | Adobe Stock

3) The Camon Hills Thematic Trail

The Camon themed trail allows you to gain some height to admire this " most beautiful village in France " and to tour Camon. You start from the village of Camon and you will make a loop on the hills. This short hike of nearly 4 kilometers, for about an hour of walking, is very easy, with low elevation changes. At the start, stroll through the narrow streets to admire the medieval monuments of Camon. Then, take the Grande Rue to begin the route. You will enjoy the view of the vineyards that surround it. A guided tour from the Tourist Office will take you to discover the 120 dry stone huts, traditional of the region's wine heritage.

Photo @ Lesley Williamson

4) High-altitude hikes in green resorts

In the summer months, ski areas transform into green resorts. These are ideal locations for family hikes in the forest or for challenging mountain pass climbs.

• The Monts d'Olmes resort in Pays d'Olmes is equipped with the Sources chairlift, which operates in the summer. It offers direct access to numerous high-altitude hikes. The Fagebelle Ponds tour is an easy loop, suitable for families.
• The Beille plateau offers original and fun activities: Nordic walking, mountain biking trails, horse riding, canirando, canikart, bivouacs, discovery of pastoralism with tastings of local products...
• The spa resort of Aulus-les-Bains is a great place for a stroll in the heart of the forest, crisscrossed by charming rivers.

However, be careful : high-altitude hiking can be dangerous, especially during periods when the weather is unstable. The Ariège Pyrénées Tourist Office lists various routes based on themes or tourist attractions. Guides are available to help you select routes suited to your level, and to provide advice and guidance.

Photo © Filip | Adobe Stock

5) Montségur and the Cathar Trail of the Bonshommes

Montségur is part of the Pays d'Olmes region. Montségur Castle and its Cathar past have made the town infamous. Hikers will enjoy taking the mountain trail that leads to the castle. However, it is inaccessible from December to February. Once at the summit, you can relax during the guided tour and enjoy the sumptuous scenery. More adventurous hikers can tackle the Col de Montségur and the Montagne de la Frau.

Photo © Yad177 | Adobe Stock

6) The Saint-Barthélemy Regional Nature Reserve

Numerous trails crisscross the Massif Saint-Barthélemy Regional Nature Reserve. It centers around its mountain peak. Here, you can observe the typical flora and fauna of the Ariège Pyrenees, such as the Droseras or the Androsace de Vandelli. Starting from Montferrier, the hike takes you to the heart of the Tabe Massif. The Pic du Soularac peaks at over 2,300 meters, a daunting goal! It's aimed at experienced hikers. Allow 7 hours to cover its 15 kilometers, with steep elevation changes.

Photo © Aterrom | Adobe Stock

7) the Prayols Forest Waterfalls

The Piche Waterfalls are the main attractions of this 7-kilometer hiking loop. While it may be a bit long for short legs, it's still suitable for families because the route is easy and has a low elevation gain. You'll start from Prayols, on the Three Waterfalls Trail, and explore its forested area, part of the Pyrenees Ariégeoises Regional Natural Park.

8) The Devil's Bridge

Starting from the town of Thuyets, a 6-kilometer hiking loop takes you along a path steeped in legend. Allow 3 hours of walking to reach this mysterious bridge. Legend has it that the Devil's Bridge was built by monks from Gellone. But every night the devil inexorably destroyed the bridge. Guilhem then made a pact with the devil, disguised as a man, to build a stronger bridge...

Photo @ Lesley Williamson

9) Lake Bethmale, in Couserans

This hike takes you through the magnificent Couserans Valley, part of the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Natural Park. It begins in Ayet and continues through the town of Saint-Lizier, along a 10-km trail. Lake Bethmale is a peaceful and quiet fishing spot. You can relax on the banks and listen to the birds singing.

Photo @ Lesley Williamson

10) The vineyards of Ariège

The Ariège wine region is made up of hillsides and valleys, making it a pleasant place to wander. You'll find numerous marked trails and hikes. It's also an opportunity to discover Ariège's winegrowing heritage, its traditions, and its ancestral know-how. Discover the Domaine de Lastronques vineyard in the Lèze Valley.

Explore the Chemin des Vignes, a 9 km hiking trail to discover the region's wine-growing landscapes.

You're now ready to explore the Ariège trails. We wish you wonderful walks in Ariège.

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