This summer, choose Ariège and its hiking trails

Ariège and its Ariège Pyrenees natural park conceal natural treasures to discover with family or friends.

The Ariège trails are less than an hour and a half from Toulouse, and just over two hours from Perpignan and Andorra. They are available to the most seasoned hikers, as well as to neophyte hikers. There really is something for all tastes and all levels in Ariège. In the heart of unspoiled nature, waterfalls, ponds, lakes, rocky peaks, castles and caves can be discovered along marked paths. And you don't need high mountain equipment or exceptional physical conditions to fall in love.

The falls

For the youngest, it will take just 25 minutes to marvel at the Roquefort waterfalls, and 1h15 to reach the Artigue waterfalls from Auzat. In just two short hours from Viviès, you will be able to access with your family a splendid point of view on the Hers valley.

The Dent d'Orlu

The Dent d'Orlu is well known to climbers because of its vertiginous wall of 1000 meters above sea level. It is in fact accessible to walkers from the north face. However, they will need 5 hours of effort and 700 meters of vertical drop, to access the breathtaking panorama. An exceptional belvedere opens magnificently on all the mountains of Ariège.

Iconic peaks

For the more athletic, from Auzat an exceptional high mountain hike of nearly 10 am will allow you to climb the two emblematic peaks of the valley of Vicdessos, the Pique d'Estats and the Montcalm. Thrills guaranteed when you reach the top of Catalonia and the first Pyrenean “3000” from the Mediterranean. Be careful, this hike and its 2000 meters of vertical drop, however, is intended for experienced hikers.

An extraordinary biodiversity

Throughout these Ariège adventures, young and old will only have to open their eyes wide to marvel at a so rich biodiversity. Perhaps you will come across chamois, otters and marmots during your explorations? Looking up to the sky, you will see the ballet of a bearded vulture, considered the largest raptor in Europe, that of a vulture or even a golden eagle. In Ariège, nearly 60 species of orchids are available to the most curious observers. In winter, the astonishing green spheres adorned with white berries hanging from bare trees betray the presence of mistletoe, a symbol of strength and power, but above all a sign of unspoiled nature.

Do not wait any longer, Ariège is available to you now. You will thus see that Ariège deserves its motto… “Ariège, the Pyrenees with a capital A!”