Walking in the Ariege-Pyrenees

Whether you consider yourself a seasoned walker or you just like an afternoon stroll when you are on holiday, you are sure to be delighted at the variety and sheer beauty of the walking routes in this part of France. A number of walks pass directly by our chambre d'hote, including a link path to the GR du Pays d'Olmes, which joins the famous Sentier Cathare: Le Chemin des Bonhommes (GR107 Cathar Trail).

Suggested routes

Of particular note is the route from our village of Carla de Roquefort to the magnificent waterfalls at Roquefort les Cascades (40 mins) and on to the hill summit above the Cathar chateau of Roquefixade (a further 90 mins). The round trip will take about 5 hours, for you are sure to stop at the cascades and the chateau itself to enjoy the scenery. We can even arrange a lunchtime meal for you at the Gite d'Etape in the pretty village of Roquefixade, nestled on the hillside below the chateau. If the walk to get there is enough for you, we can always arrange to collect you from the village - returning by the scenic route of course. A small fee to cover fuel costs will be charged.

Another great walking area only 30 mins car ride from us is the countryside around a particularly imposing Cathar monument - the Fortress of Montsegur. Perched atop a natural hill or pog, Montsegur is framed by the twin peaks of Mont d'Olmes. Rising to a height of 2368 metres, Mont d'Olmes is popular for walkers in the summer and great for snowshoe and cross-country enthusiasts in the winter, due to its wide open piste and mountain-top walking areas.

Extended Route (2-3 days): Tour du Pays d'Olmes

(Text taken from www.randonnees-Ariege.com): A loop approximately 64 km long, enabling you to explore the Pays d'Olmes on foot over several days. Some natural belvederes allow you to discover the panoramas of this land steeped in the history of the Cathars and an industrial past that still survives: the brick chimneys of the textile mills or the factories making horn combs mark the landscape just as evocatively as do the remains of Montsegur and Roquefixade castles. The GR passes through the Pays D'Olmes' three main valleys: the Hers (Frau Gorge, Fontestorbes Fountain, Belesta and Lesparrou), the Touyre, a textile manufacturing valley, and the Douctouyre river which passes through the villages of the Plantaurel hillsides.

At La Maison de Roquefort we are very happy to arrange collection each walk day, so you can return for a well-earned meal and a welcoming bed for the night. We can even make the booking arrangements and transfer your belongings to your next night's accommodation should you plan an extended walking trip. As mentioned earlier, there will be a small fee for transportation services to cover fuel costs. For further information on walking in the Ariege (an easy-to-use site in French and English) visit:

Ariege Wildlife Report by local vet Graham Hart

For walking books and maps of the Ariege-Pyrenees region visit this English site:

Best Walks France

For hundreds of photos of the Ariege visit this French website:

Photos Ariege

La Maison de Roquefort is a relaxing, friendly B&B (Chambres d'Hôtes) in the Ariege-Pyrenees region of Southern France. Your hosts, Kay & Mike will go out of their way to ensure your holiday is a successful one, helping you to settle in and get your bearings on your first day, arranging suitable drop-off and collection points, preparing packed lunches, cooking you a welcoming evening meal, or perhaps guiding you to the many picturesque and historic places of interest in the area. Their own experiences over recent years have proven invaluable when deciding what to offer their guests, so be sure of a wonderfully warm and relaxing time when you stay at La Maison de Roquefort.