High green pastures on top of the world teeming with wild flowers in late spring and butterflies in summer; snowcapped peaks and craggy cliffs where eagles and vultures wheel; blue mountain lakes; cool dappled forests and rivers; ancient villages and hamlets … the countryside of the Ariège Pyrenees is a real walkers’ paradise.

WALKING THE ARIEGE

There are around 5000 kilometres of marked paths at all levels, whether your idea of a good walk is a gentle stroll from village to village in the foothills and valleys, a full day (or longer) hike in the high mountains, or something in between. Although some of the highest walks need a head for heights and some mountain walking/scrambling experience, many of the peaks, lakes and high pastures can be easily reached by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness – and because the area is less well known than the central Pyrenees and the Alps you often won’t meet another soul. Wherever you choose to walk, expect stunning panoramas of the mountain chain.

WALKING FOR EVERYONE

There are endless kilometres of yellow marked paths leading from pretty much every village and from numerous trailheads around the department - 'petite randonnée' or 'promenade et randonnée' depending on who you believe! Often circular, it's these that form the basis of many of the walk in the topo-guides; many, though not all, are marked on the walking maps as well.

You might choose to follow parts of the GR (Grande Randonnée) paths, for example: 
The Tours de Pays, marked with red and yellow;
The famous GR10, which follows the Pyrenees from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, passing through the Ariège; marked with red and white;
The GR78, one of the variants of the Chemin de St Jacques de Compostelle, which passes close to Maison Grillou; marked with red and white.

The old railway line beween Foix and St Girons has recently been converted into a 40km long Voie Verte (green road) for walkers and cyclists. It runs through our village, and is perfect for wet weather walking.
Our independent walking holidays offer you the freedom to walk where, when and how you choose.  We’ve put together guides to many local walks at all levels from strolling to scrambling and if you want us to we can help you plan your unique walking holiday, either on your arrival or before you get here. We’ll provide you with a portfolio of suitable walks that take account of your preferences, interests and fitness level.

You'll just need to bring walking boots (recommended) or shoes, depending on the type of walking you intend to do, and a waterproof layer. We have all the local walking maps and guides (known as topo-guides) here, which we’re slowly translating into English as time permits, and for those travelling to us by air, we provide walking poles and can also provide a rucksack and a ‘just in case’ kit with compass, whistle and survival sac. 

HOW TO BOOK A WALKING HOLIDAY

Nothing more simple! Just book your stay in the normal way. If you know you want to do some walking while you're here, whether or not you have specific plans, it's helpful to let us know so that we can make sure resources are available for you and start to work with you to plan your portfolio.

While walking is perfectly possible all year round, we'd recommend May, June and September as the best months for walking holidays.