Walking Holiday In The French Pyrenees

We begin our journey at Toulouse Airport before driving to the small town of Ax-les-Thermes, at the confluence of the Oriège, Ariège and Lauze Rivers in the Midi-Pyrénées region of south-western France. Famed for its thermal waters, the town lies in the heart of some of the most unspoiled landscapes in southern France and provides us with the perfect base for our week-long Pyrenean adventure.

Accommodation: Hotel La Grande Cordee

After breakfast this morning we leave for the mountains with our guide, to explore the villages that lie along the Soulane River. The 14 kilometre walk allows us an opportunity to learn a little more about the flora and fauna, as well as the traditions and culture of this beautifully picturesque region of the Haute Ariège.Walking :14 kilometres, around 4.5 hours

Accommodation: Hotel La Grande Cordee

A short drive from Ax-Les-Thermes takes us to the Col de Pailheres (a famous pass on the Tour de France), starting point for our hike to the Pic de Tarbesou (2364m). The views from here are simply stunning, a magnificent 360 degree panorama stretching from the Pic du Midi de Bigorre in the west to Canigou in the east. We then descend to the Rabassoles Lakes. Scored out by a long departed glacier, these three picture-postcard lakes are a great spot for a picnic lunch.Walking :12 kilometres, around 4.5 hours
Free

Accommodation: Hotel La Grande Cordee

We have a chance to enjoy this beautiful region at our own pace today, with a couple of optional excursions available to make the most of our time here. For those who would like to take to the water there is the opportunity to canoe along the Ariège River. A tributary of the Garonne, the Ariège is considered an ideal mountain river for white-water sports. We aim to head out after breakfast, get kitted up and get to practice our paddling before heading down river. We can enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the river before completing the 12km journey. Alternatively you can stay in Ax and enjoy the relaxing and soothing hot waters at the spa.

Accommodation: Hotel La Grande Cordee

A short drive takes us to the Col du Chioula (1431m) on a popular cycling climb that has been part of the Tour de France cycle race. Our walk passes through the forests and grasslands of a large plateau frequented by Nordic skiers during the winter. We pass through the village of Montaillou with its small ruined castle. The village was one of the last bastions of Catharism whose beliefs were considered heresy by the Catholic Church. Our way back crosses the vast airy plateau of Sault via paths once used to access the valley of Aude and the Corbières.Walking: 17 kilometres, around 5 hours.

Accommodation: Hotel La Grande Cordee

This morning we explore one of the lesser known valleys that lies to the south of the River Oriège. Wandering through a pastoral landscape of farms and grazing herds, we head towards the still waters of Lac d‘Aygue Longue, lying at the base of the Col de la Barade. Our hike takes us across a richly diverse landscape that is home to marmots, chamois and the occasional golden eagle.Walking: 10 kilometres, around 5 hours.

Accommodation: Hotel La Grande Cordee

Today we take a walk to the Etang des Bésines, a beautiful lake set in the mountains and surrounded by pine forests. The 16 kilometre hike follows a fairly easy trail, skirting the side of the mountain and meandering through some wonderfully scenic landscapes to the lake shore. We head back to our hotel for our final evening.Walking: 16 kilometres, around 5 hours.

Accommodation: Hotel La Grande Cordee

Leaving Ax-Les-Thermes we leave the Pyrenees behind and transfer back to Toulouse Airport where the tour ends.