The 10 best hikes to do in Ariège

Looking for a family hike in Ariège? Searching for beautiful, easy hikes near Toulouse or the Ariège lakes? This region offers numerous possibilities. It's crisscrossed by long-distance hiking trails (GRs), allowing you to climb mountain paths. The Ariège Pyrenees Regional Natural Park protects its flora and fauna, providing a pristine environment ideal for nature observation. We've selected the 10 best hiking routes for you to discover Ariège.

1) The GR 10

The GR trails are the stars of hiking! These long-distance hiking trails mark the ancient routes of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James ). The GR 10 is an exceptional route. It allows you to traverse the Pyrenees, covering 1,100 kilometers entirely within the Ariège department, from Mazères to L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Pyrenean mountains, including the Pic du Midi de Bigorre and the Pic de Bacanère. You'll cross numerous mountain passes, some exceeding 2,000 meters in altitude! You can enjoy refreshing breaks on the shores of high-altitude lakes. The trail is also dotted with picturesque villages, each boasting a fascinating local heritage.

2) The Petrifying Waterfalls of Roquefort-les-Cascades

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

3) The Camon Hills Thematic Trail

The Camon themed trail offers a chance to gain some elevation and admire this " most beautiful village in France " while exploring the village itself. Starting in Camon, the trail loops through the surrounding hills. This short hike of approximately 4 kilometers, taking about an hour, is very easy, with minimal elevation gain. Begin by strolling through the narrow streets to admire Camon's medieval monuments. Then, take the main street to start the trail. You'll enjoy views of the surrounding vineyards. A guided tour from the Tourist Office will introduce you to the 120 dry-stone huts, traditional features of the region's winemaking heritage.

4) High-altitude hikes in green resorts

In the summer season, ski resorts transform into green resorts. They are ideal locations for family hikes in the forest or for sporty ascents of mountain passes.

• The Monts d'Olmes resort in the Pays d'Olmes region is equipped with the Sources chairlift, which operates in the summer. From here, you have direct access to numerous high-altitude hikes. The Fagebelle Ponds loop is an easy hike, suitable for families.
• The Plateau de Beille offers original and fun activities: Nordic walking, mountain biking trails, horseback riding, cani-hiking, cani-karting, bivouacking, discovering pastoralism with tastings of local products...
• The spa town of Aulus-les-Bains is a great place for a walk in the heart of the forest, crisscrossed by charming rivers.

However, be careful : hiking at altitude can be dangerous, especially during periods of unstable weather. The Ariège Pyrénées tourist office lists various routes based on themes or points of interest. Guides are available to help you select routes suited to your level, offer advice, and accompany you.

5) Montségur and the Cathar Trail of the Bonshommes

Montségur is part of the Pays d'Olmes region. The Château de Montségur and its Cathar past have given the town a somewhat infamous reputation. Walkers will enjoy the mountain path leading 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 magnificent scenery. More adventurous hikers can tackle the Col de Montségur and the Montagne de la Frau.

6) The Saint-Barthélemy Regional Nature Reserve

Numerous trails crisscross the Saint-Barthélemy Massif Regional Nature Reserve, centered around its mountain peak. Here you can observe the typical flora and fauna of the Ariège Pyrenees, such as sundews (Drosera) and Vandelli's androsace (Androsace Vandelli). Starting from Montferrier, the hike takes you into the heart of the Tabe Massif. The Pic du Soularac, rising to over 2,300 meters, is a challenging objective! This hike is suitable for experienced hikers. Allow 7 hours to cover its 15 kilometers, with significant elevation changes.

7) The waterfalls of the Prayols forest

The Piche waterfalls are the main attraction of this 7-kilometer hiking loop. While it might be a bit long for little legs, it's still suitable for families as the route is easy and has minimal elevation gain. You start in Prayols, on the Chemin des Trois Cascades (Three Waterfalls Trail), and explore its forested area, which is part of the Pyrénées Ariégeoises Regional Natural Park.

8) The Devil's Bridge

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

9) Lake Bethmale, in the Couserans

This hike takes you through the magnificent Couserans Valley, part of the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Natural Park. It starts in Ayet and continues through the commune of Saint-Lizier, covering 10 km of trail. Lake Bethmale is a calm and peaceful fishing spot. You can relax on its banks and listen to the birdsong.

10) The vineyards of Ariège

The Ariège wine region is made up of hillsides and valleys, perfect for leisurely strolls. You'll find numerous marked trails and hiking routes. It's also an opportunity to discover Ariège viticulture, its traditions, and its time-honored expertise. Explore the Domaine de Lastronques vineyard in the Lèze Valley.

Explore the Vineyard Trail, a 9km hiking circuit to discover the wine-growing landscapes of the region.

You are now ready to explore the paths of Ariège. We wish you wonderful walks in Ariège.

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