In summary
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Sports
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Duration3 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAriège / Pyrenees
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AgeFrom 13 - 70 years
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CO₂-Emissions29.8 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
In a few words
Dare to venture into the mountains ! Come and discover the Ariège Pyrenees , reconnect with nature, meet wonderful people, and recharge your batteries . Marvel at the sunset over the river or the flight of a bird of prey above a wild ridge, watch the chamois bounding down the valleys ... So many precious moments that will leave you with unforgettable memories !
The highlights
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Direct night train from Paris
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Your hosts are also your guides: mountain leader and nature guide
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Maximum group size: 8 people per stay - Free private hire for groups of 6 or more
Photos
olwenn - verified review - july 2025
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The chosen routes follow tracks or trails; they are rarely off-trail. Occasionally, short sections require attention. This stay is intended for people generally in good physical condition , with no contraindications to day hiking in the mountains.
The elevation gain and walking time are estimates that may change depending on weather conditions and/or the pace of the participants.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 10 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 497 m
- Average daily descent: 497 m
Management
French
DE Mountain Guide
BPJEPS "Hiking Activities"
You will be supervised by Marie and Damien, qualified professionals specializing in the region.
Program
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Between lakes and peaks
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 17km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 440 m
- Negative elevation 440 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Arrival at the gîte around 11:00 AM. If you arrive by train, we will pick you up at the station. After a picnic lunch, we will set off into the neighboring valley for a hike to a series of charming lakes, the largest of which is surrounded by granite ridges and peaks, giving the area a beautiful mountain atmosphere. We may also be lucky enough to see the Merens horses that roam freely here during the warmer months.
Day 1 -
National Wildlife Reserve
- Transportation Minibus - 00h15 - 8km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 470 m
- Negative elevation 470 m
- Accommodation Cottage
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Experience a true immersion in mountain life with this hike in the Orlu National Wildlife Reserve. We'll begin by walking along a wide track used primarily for transporting equipment and the men and women who work in the Reserve: the rangers, scientists, as well as the refuge wardens and, in summer, the herdsman. Once we reach the "Marmot Meadow," it's time for observation: searching for these charming little mammals with their stocky silhouettes basking in the sun on a rock; scanning the mountainsides for chamois bounding down the steep slopes with disconcerting agility; trying to identify a bird of prey spotted in the sky...: discovery, observation, and wonder will be on the agenda before continuing along the path to the En Beys refuge: a view of a waterfall awaits during a break amidst the peaks.
Day 2 -
Lakes of Donezan, Little Quebec of Ariège
- Transportation Minibus - 00h30 - 22km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 580 m
- Negative elevation 580 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A beautiful and scenic loop hike, crossing a mountain pass offering breathtaking views of the landscapes of the "Little Quebec of Ariège," with its lakes in shades of blue, and another offering a magnificent panorama of the western Pyrenees. A feeling of freedom and fresh air is guaranteed! Afterwards, we'll descend to enjoy a picnic by one of the lakes. On the way back, we'll have the privilege of discovering a remarkable wetland, formed millions of years ago, home to unique flora and fauna.
Day 3
Note
The guide reserves the right to modify this program for various reasons, such as weather or the physical condition of the participants. Elevation gain and walking time are estimates and may change depending on weather conditions and/or the pace of the participants.
Accommodation
A comfortable gîte nestled in the heart of a small village in Ariège , surrounded by mountains. It's a place where life is good, food is good, sleep is good, laughter is good, sharing is good, relaxation is good and relaxation is good… Marie and Damien warmly welcome you to one of the 4 rooms they have renovated with natural materials, in an authentic style and a "chalet" atmosphere.
A cozy lounge area with a wood-burning stove and a zen space with a library are at your disposal, as well as numerous outdoor spaces inviting you to relax and contemplate the sparkling river and surrounding mountains…
Access
Your partner provides free transfers between Ax-les-Thermes train station and the gîte, as well as between the town centre of Ax-les-Thermes and the gîte if you have booked an extra night before or after your stay in one of the hotels in this charming little spa town.
Go to the starting point
🚂 Ax-les-Thermes train station is 4 km away.
Direct night train from Paris Austerlitz. Other trains: TER from Toulouse Matabiau.
• Free and peaceful parking is available in the village's municipal car park.
• 🚗 1 hour 40 minutes from Toulouse (Direction Foix / Andorra).
Price details
The price includes
- 2 nights in a gîte (shared room for two or twin people)
- Full board
- Guided hikes and nature activities led by qualified professionals
- Transportation to and from Ax-Les-Thermes train station if you arrived by train
- Transfers by minibus to the starting points of hikes (and back)
The price does not include
- Transport to the meeting point (excluding free transfers between Ax-Les-Thermes SNCF train station and the Gîte)
- Drinks and other snacks
- Personal expenses
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (
For example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return date. Consider visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
⚠️ For this stay, you must also bring your health insurance card or mutual insurance certificate.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Your guide is equipped with a first aid kit, but it is not intended to meet your needs for minor emergencies.
Equipment to bring
- 1 backpack of 25-30L
- 1 large plastic bag to slip into your backpack to protect your belongings from the elements and/or 1 rain cover
- 1 waterproof pouch containing: your identity documents, health insurance card, supplementary health insurance card
- 1 pair of telescopic hiking poles
- 1 pair of good quality sunglasses (protection level 3)
- Sunscreen with a good protection factor
- 1 1.5 liter water bottle (1 liter minimum) or hydration bladder with drinking tube
- 1 plastic or aluminum cup with insulated handle
- 1 folding pocket knife (Opinel type)
- hiking cutlery (knife-fork-spoon)
- 1 headlamp or flashlight
- 1 survival blanket: always keep it in your backpack; an unexpected delay due to an incident can occur even during an easy hike.
- Paper tissues
- Toiletries
- Spare glasses (if you wear contact lenses or prescription glasses)
Clothing to bring
- 1 hat, or fleece headband and/or a neck warmer
- 1 hat, or cap
- 1 pair of hiking gloves
- 1 or 2 short-sleeved t-shirts made of breathable material
- 1 long-sleeved thermal base layer in breathable material (ideally: merino wool)
- 1 fleece jacket or "second layer" type jacket
- 1 lightweight and compressible down jacket
- 1 waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood
- 2 sturdy trekking pants
- underwear suitable for sports
- 3 pairs of hiking socks
- One pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with a fairly flexible, lugged sole like Vibram. These must be tested before your trip.
- Comfortable clothes and shoes for the evening
- Flip-flops or slippers are recommended for the cottage (shoes are not allowed upstairs).
They traveled with us
