Our top hikes

One kilometer on foot, two kilometers...

Whether you’re a fan of long excursions or more of a Sunday stroll with the family, here’s a selection of our most beautiful hikes at the gateway to Ariège. They promise you moments of pure happiness, in full nature, with incredible landscapes. Great sensations await you on the paths and trails of the Arize and Lèze valleys, through the parc naturel régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises.

The loop

the three dolmens

This loop from Le Mas d’Azil circles the Natura 2000 site. A real feast for the eyes, magnificent landscapes open up to you, constantly changing, with the mysterious and captivating dolmens as the highlight.

Wooded areas, farms and hamlets and wide-open spaces mark out the hike. No chance of getting bored, I promise! We’ll be back for more, even with the 446 meters of positive ascent…

16 km – 5h – Medium level

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The stone path

From the Grotte du Mas d’Azil, this is the perfect family hike! An hour in the forest with little difference in altitude, it’s perfect for a breath of fresh air and to introduce the youngest (and oldest!) to hiking. Every season, the forest changes its face. A dry-stone hut along the way will arouse your curiosity. If you feel like it, there’s an alternative route that takes you up to the village from the quère.

3 km – 2h – Easy level

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Around the Carla-Bayle

If Carla-Bayle is an artistic landmark in the Ariège region, it’s also a magical place, dominating the valley with its grandiose vistas. A network of trails lets you discover the hillsides without losing any of the incredible views over the lake and the Pyrenean ranges. The Chemin de Cabanac, accessible to as many people as possible, circles the village. Bonus: direct access to the ancient medieval bastide with half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, ramparts and colorful artists’ galleries.

8 km – 2h30 – Easy

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Around Lake Filheit

A stone’s throw from the village of Le Mas d’Azil, Lac de Filheit is a nugget! Nestled in an unspoilt environment, this lake is the kingdom of fishermen and lovers of flora and fauna. The path crosses the woods before following the shoreline. A bath in nature, calm and restful.

7.5 km – 2 h – Easy

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From the lake to the bastide of St-Ybars

Evade to a small ridge path to reach the pretty bastide overlooking the Lèze valley. A lovely path between nature and heritage!

You’ll appreciate the calm and beauty of the surrounding countryside with its uninterrupted view of the Pyrenees mountain range. The village with its typical narrow streets will seduce you with its half-timbered houses and pink Toulouse bricks. At the foot of the ramparts, a hidden path leads down to the lake. The scenery, reflected in the water, is breathtaking! The ideal place to take a break…

4.5 km – 1 h – Easy

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Le sentier du solitaire

Amateurs of sporty hikes, the Mas d’Azil cave is the perfect spot. The rocky ledge juts out in front of you, overlooking the Arize River. The challenge begins! The tricky, athletic, but oh-so-satisfying climb is quickly rewarded: from the plateau above the cave, the magnificent view of the entire village will leave you speechless! With a little luck, you’ll also be able to watch birds of prey being carried by the wind, or hear jackdaws (crows) calling. A beautiful descent among the oaks completes the effort.

Pay close attention: the route is lined with interpretation panels on the local flora and fauna…

3.5 km – 2h30 – Fairly difficult