With a local guide you will be taken through the major sites of the Pyrenees, such as the Étang des Bésines and be offered the chance to discover Haute Ariege, its natural valleys, lakes, flora and fauna but also its culture, traditions and its people... After the hikes, for four evenings, a Turkish bath, sauna, mud baths, swimming pool and fitness room invite you to relax and at the end of the day the host will treat you to fine cuisine made from local produce.

Day 1
Arrival and time to settle into your hotel La Grande Cordée. If you come by train thanks to book the shuttle from Ax les Thermes train station to hotel when you book you trip. At 6pm welcome drink and presentation of the week’s activities by your guide.

Day 2
After breakfast you will be leaving for the mountain with your guide. As a starting point you will be discovering the mountain villages on the Soulane river (the south-facing side).
14 km, 4.5 hours, +350m, -350m

Day 3
The Pic de Tarbesou offers a magnificent 360 degrees panoramic view, from the Pic du Midi de Bigorre in the west to Canigou in the east!!
12 km, 4.5 hours, +500m, -500m

Day 4
Today’s hike takes you back in time and gives you an insight into the lives of the Cathar people.
17km, 5 hours 45 min, +480m, -480m

Day 5
This infrequently visited valley alone represents everything the Pyrenees stands for. There are pastoral farms with herds and huts, many different animals including marmots, wonderful diverse landscapes and at the bottom, nestled in the foot of the cliffs, awaits a beautiful lake!!
10km, 5 hours, +680m, -680m

Day 6
Today’s easy and very pretty trail quietly takes you to the side of the mountain to l’Étang des Bésines, a fisherman’s paradise. The pine trees bordering the pond provide walkers with protective shade.
16km, 5 hours, +500m, -500m

Day 7
End of stay after breakfast.

Start
At 18:00 at La Grande Cordée, in Ax-les-Thermes.
End
At La Grande Cordée after breakfast
How to get there
SNCF station in Ax-les-Thermes (09)
Accommodation
Full board in double or twin bedrooms at the hotel La Grande Cordée with bathroom and WC. Single rooms upon request for a supplementary charge and dependent on availability. Buffet-style breakfast and evening meal at accommodation, picnics at midday on terrain. Traditional specialities guaranteed to be made from natural ingredients. Accommodation in gite available on demand with a 30€ discount.
Number of people
of 5 to 15
Level of difficulty
Moderate. No specific challenges, however mountains can be dangerous so follow the instructions from your guide. Walks of between 4-6 hours a day, on marked trails in mid-mountain areas.
Guide
A state-certified mountain guide, specialising in the Haute Ariege area.
Carrying
Only personal belongings for during the day and your picnic.
Price includes
Fullboard accommodation, local transfers, visitors’ taxes, accompaniment, 4 x access to the spa area.
Price does not include
Transport to and from start/finishing points, insurance, drinks, lunch on day 1 and day 7, individual spa treatments, daily cleaning of rooms.

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