Walking tours
For an itinerant hike, a trek of several days, it is the classic GR10, which crosses the Pyrenees while passing by the reserves of Orlu and Valier. The way of Piedmont towards Santiago de Compostela (GR78) and the Tours de pays reveal each one of the unknown aspects of the Ariège. As for the GR7 which stretches from the Vosges to the Pyrenees, it crosses the Ariège on about 130 km. At night, stage lodges and high mountain refuges offer you shelter by the fire. On summer evenings, some of them become storytellers' dens, literary salons and even wine tasting cellars. Cathars, smugglers, shepherds, smugglers, have always played with borders. The natural barrier of the Pyrenees is pierced with secret passages that only the initiated used. About twenty cross-border itineraries bring back to life the ancestral exchanges between the valleys for hikes of 2 to 7 days. The Chemin de la liberté, used during the Second World War by those fleeing the German occupation, is a moving route. The Chemin des Bonshommes, takes you back to the Middle Ages, in the footsteps of the last Cathars.
By bike and on horseback
By bike, bicycle touring and mountain biking
From the Sunday family ride on flat ground to the repeated climbing of several steep and long passes, the range of routes offered is varied. The complete tour of the Ariège is for trained cyclists. They climb the Col de Pailhères, the Col de la Core, the Col d'Agnes, the Port de Lers... It is not by chance that the Tour de France often stops in Ariège. They are always very appreciated by the organizers of cycling races. For unusual descents, nothing beats mountain biking. 450 km of marked trails, tracks and circuits are available. The hardened cyclists will not miss the race of L'Ariégeoise, the great mountain event. It gathers each year more than 3,000 participants from all over the world. The Ronde de l'Isard, an international cycling race, gives place to young talents of the highest level in the amateur peloton.
By horse and donkey
Ideal land for horsemen, Ariège is also a place where you can ride with your foot in the stirrup. Nearly sixty equestrian centers and farms offer a wide range of stays from initiation to long rides. 1200 kilometers of paths trace thematic circuits combining the practice of the horse and the cultural discoveries with a convivial lodging in lodgings and rooms of hosts.Greenways, when railroads become greenways.
The Ariege has had a great railway activity. It was an ingenious idea to convert these railroads into dirt roads! You will walk by bike, on foot, on horseback, from station to station, on a track without rail and without motorized vehicles, crossing structures, until now forgotten. Signs will tell you about the past of these now silent tracks. Moving and rural walks between nostalgia and discovery. Greenway from Foix to Saint-Girons and in the Cathar Pyrenees, from Mirepoix to Lavelanet.
Winter sports
The vast ski area of the Ariège Pyrenees covers 10 resorts, including 4 cross-country ski resorts stretching from Mont Vallier to the border of the Capcir.
Ascou-Pailhères (1500m-2000m) is specialized in welcoming young children: the resort has a snow garden and a sledging area for them. But good skiers, including snowboarders, should also find their happiness.
Ax 3 domaines (1400m-2400m). This is the largest ski area in the Ariège and the most complete in the Pyrenees. The 3 Domains unite the slopes of Bonascre, Saquet and Campels which communicate with each other in a single and vast carpet of gliding. In addition to alpine skiing, you can practice surfing, artistic skiing or Nordic skiing. Thanks to its facilities for the disabled, Ax has been awarded the Handisport label.
Plateau de Beille (1800m-2000m). Above Les Cabannes, on the Plateau de Beille, lies the first cross-country skiing area in the Pyrenees, also the first snow stadium on a national level. The altitude guarantees one of the best snow conditions. The natural area is preserved and gives off a real breath of pure and invigorating air
Goulier Neige (1500m-2000m). Above Auzat and Vicdessos, this small Sport Nature resort at the foot of Montcalm is one of the most friendly, far from the spirit of competition.
Guzet neige(1100m-2100m). Above the Col de la Trappe, this very natural resort is planted with a colony of 350 small cozy stone and wood chalets in the middle of the fir trees.
Les Monts d'Olmes (1400m-1955m) The resort of our Olympic champion Perrine Laffont has a consistent snow coverage with a battery of snow cannons. The slopes are short, but technically interesting and very pleasant. In summer, there is no shortage of activities either: Tyrolean descent on mountain bikes, arapaho (all-terrain scooter).
Ski resort of Mijanès. The Donezan region is crowned with summits whose relief and altitude ensure a good snow cover. The most southern station of the Ariège Pyrenees plants its sticks at the limit of the Aude and the Pyrénées-Orientales guaranteeing a long-lasting sunshine.
White water sports
With 400 km of adapted rivers and 6 different levels of difficulty, in Ariège white water sports can be practiced à la carte. Canoeing, rafting, kayaking, hydrospeed, canyoning... swim, jump, slide in an aquatic, acrobatic and playful world. The lakes are a delight for windsurfers, campers, drifters, swimmers... In addition to Montbel and Le Carla-Bayle, we must mention Mercus, Mondély, Labarre... without forgetting the innumerable mountain lakes that can be reached after a little or a lot of walking.
Fishing
With 2500 km of waterways and 800 ha of water bodies, 80% of which are classified as 1st category, the Ariège is a fishing paradise where trout, carp, pike perch, shad, fountain salmon, gudgeon, American crayfish, Arctic char, barbel, roach, bream, chub and tench abound.. From high altitude torrents to large and wide rivers, from peaceful streams to capricious brooks, fishing is at the same time sport, passion, pleasure, relaxation and enjoyment of nature. 143 mountain lakes are listed for the practice of this sport.
