| Auberge de l'Arac |
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Castet d'Aleu 09320 Aleu Ariège-Pyrénées France Tel +33(0)561968715 aubergepyrenees@orange.fr |
Walking
www.ariege.com walking info - good introduction to the area and the 16 Circuits in the Canton of Massat are ideal for people staying at the auberge The Rough Guide to the Pyrenees - the latest edition of the Rough Guide to the Pyrenees and well worth buying. Although it covers a vast area, the walking information it contains is ideal for getting you started. |
With its stunning valleys and soaring peaks, the Ariege offers some of the best walking in Europe, whatever your ability. Crisscrossed by some of the major hiking routes such as the GR10 and the HRP , there are also countless smaller hiking trails walkable in a day or even a few hours. You can test yourself on Mt. Valier itself, or simply hike up above the auberge to Soulan and appreciate the magnificent views of the snow-capped mountains. 
The mixed geology of the Ariege provides a variety of walking terrain. In the east, around Foix and Tarascon, the horizon is dominated by jagged limestone rocks and the vegetation is much more Mediterranean. This is the land of the Cathars and home to the famous Montsegur. 
To the south-west is the Couserans, a jumble of lush green valleys, mountain lakes and serious Pyrenean peaks. Here you are more likely to come across herds of grazing cattle or horses than other people as you cross its verdant plateaus. And if you walk far enough, you can even step over into Spain. 
As keen walkers ourselves, we are more than happy to discuss possible routes with you and also provide a wide range of maps for the local area. The links below will also help to whet your appetite before you even get here!