A person rock climbing on a mountain cliffA person in sportswear is climbing a steep rocky cliff. The mountain is covered with vegetation and rocks. The sky is clear with a few scattered clouds.
©An adventure in the great outdoors for thrill-seekers.

Mountain biking and climbing day in Ariège

Mountain adventures and thrills
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Just 2 hours from Toulouse, a perfect playground awaits thrill-seekers. In the Ariege Pyrenees, when the weather’s fine, it’s time for mountain biking and climbing! A bath of oxygen and nature to disconnect from routine and enjoy physical sensations in a wild and preserved nature. We’ll take you to the top of the world !

On the way to the top

Mountain biking for men, climbing for women

Today, we’re leaving Toulouse in the predicted sweltering heat, to cool off in the mountains ofAriège. Brice, Guillaume and Mathieu are planning a mountain bike descent ofAx 3 Domaines with an instructor on the winding trails. It’s true that the last time they went out on their own, they came back covered in bruises, and we were a little worried… With Tiphaine, we’re planning to get some height…So we put on our “comfort” shoes, as recommended by our guide Fred, and set off to climb the Dent d’Orlu. I’m so excited to be setting off on my first big route! It’s called “Tapas sans Dalle”, and Tiphaine misleads me by calling it “t’as pas 100 balles”! The mood in the car is relaxed, but I can feel a little apprehension rising in the pit of my stomach… We drop the guys off at Ax-les-Thermes where Ludovic, the mountain bike instructor , is waiting for them. We leave them to talk about disc brakes and suspension, and head for Orlu.

A cyclist in protective gear pedals quickly on a forest trailA cyclist in protective gear, including a helmet and goggles, pedals quickly on a forest trail. The green trees and filtered light create a dynamic and natural atmosphere. The trail is slightly shaded, and the leaves of the trees form a carpet on the ground.
©A cyclist in full action on a forest trail, surrounded by green trees.
Aerial view of snowy mountains with low clouds and a ski slopeAerial view of snowy mountains with low clouds and a ski slope. The peaks are covered with snow and the clouds envelop the lower slopes. A small ski resort with buildings and slopes is visible below.
©The snow-capped peaks disappear into the clouds, offering a breathtaking view.
Panoramic view of lush green mountains with wildflowers in the foregroundPanoramic view of lush green mountains with dense forests and snow-capped peaks in the distance. In the foreground, wildflowers of various colors, predominantly purple, grow among the rocks and green plants. The sky is partially cloudy with sun rays filtering through the clouds.
©The mountains offer a spectacle of greenery and wildflowers in full bloom.|SAVASEM

    We attack

    On a rope

    We arrive at the parking lot, which we call “the frying pan”. I love the rattle of the quickdraws as we shake our rucksacks. The approach walk is nice in the woods, but a bit steep. It warms up my thighs, which is just as well before theclimb. We end up on a wide ridge with a superb view. The Dent lives up to its name with its canine-like shape. The mountain is already having a soothing effect on my body and mind. We set off from the vire des isards, where Fred reminds us that we’ll be doing 11 pitches of 35 to 40 meters. He checks our harnesses, knots and carabiners, while reminding us of the safety instructions. He takes the lead, I’m second and Tiphaine is at the end of the rope: off we go!

    Yellow flowers growing on a rocky mountain slopeA field of yellow flowers grows on a rocky mountain slope. The surrounding mountains are lush and green, with snow-capped peaks in the distance. The sky is clear and blue.
    ©Wild nature thrives in the alpine heights.|STEPHANE MEURISSE
    A rocky mountain with a dense forest belowA rocky mountain rises above a dense forest. The peak is steep and rocky, while the slopes are covered with lush green trees. The sky is clear and blue, providing a striking contrast to the gray rocks and green leaves.
    ©The wild and majestic nature of the mountains.
    Set of carabiners attached to a climbing harnessSeveral carabiners are attached to a blue climbing harness. The harness is worn by a person dressed in hiking clothes. The carabiners are of different sizes and colors, mostly black and silver. The scene appears to take place outdoors, likely in a hiking or climbing environment.
    ©Ready for the mountain adventure with all the necessary gear.

      Effort satisfaction

      Mission accomplished

      Climbing on this gneiss slab with its perfect grip is a delight. All on your feet, hands flat on the ground, you climb higher and higher. I have to get used to the vertiginous view, but our guide’s calm and serenity give me total confidence. At the relay station, I take the time to admire the sea of clouds above the Orlu Reserve. The sun is warming our backs but we’re not burning out, which is quite pleasant. We unroll the first 5 pitches at a cruising pace. It’s now that the passages become tricky. I arrive under a big, impressive roof, and do exactly as Fred advised. I go around to the right, then climb to the left. A very smooth passage on this part of the slab rated 5c+, but I lose a lot of energy. I’m impressed by Tiphaine – she’s so at ease everywhere! My feet are starting to swell in my little “comfort” slippers! We continue on lengths with no technical difficulties, but fatigue is making me slow down. I have the feeling that all my gear is heavier than it was at the start… Fred and Tiphaine are cheering me on.

      A climber ascending a rocky wallA climber equipped with a helmet and harness is ascending a rocky wall. He is focused and using his hands and feet to progress. The wall is made of gray and smooth rocks, with some traces of vegetation.
      ©A mountaineer in action on a rocky wall.
      Person climbing a rocky wall with a safety ropeA person in sportswear is climbing a vertical rocky wall. They are equipped with a red safety rope attached to a harness. The sky is clear and blue, and the rocky wall is gray with patches of green moss.
      ©Rock climbing in nature offers unique challenges and a connection with the environment.
      Panoramic view of mountains with white clouds and a blue skyPanoramic view of mountains with rocky peaks and lush green slopes. The sky is blue with scattered white clouds, creating a striking contrast with the mountain peaks.
      ©The mountain peaks stand out against a blue sky dotted with white clouds.

        360° view

        The effort we put in gives me an indescribable feeling of well-being when we reach the summit of the Dent. No need to talk, our smiles say it all! The 360° panorama amplifies the sensation of total oxygenation! What bliss! We look towardsAx 3 Domaines, where the guys must be having a blast on their descent.

        Back down

        Back to calm

        It’s so good to put on my sneakers after 4 hours with my feet stuck in our slippers! One last photo and we’re off on the hiking trail to the “frying pan”…

        A tree with red and green leaves in front of snow-capped mountainsA tree with red and green leaves stands in front of a mountainous landscape. The mountains in the background are snow-capped and the sky is clear. The ground is covered with autumn vegetation.
        ©The beauty of mountain landscapes in autumn.
        Mountains with trails and autumnal vegetationView of a mountainous landscape with winding trails crossing autumnal vegetation. The mountains are covered with various shades of green, orange, and brown. The sky is partially cloudy with areas of clear blue visible.
        ©The mountains are adorned with warm colors in autumn.
        Two hikers with backpacks looking at a map in a field of wildflowers in the mountainsTwo people with blue backpacks stand in a field of yellow flowers, looking at a map. In the background, there are mountains covered with forests and snow-capped peaks. The sky is partly cloudy.
        ©Two friends explore mountain trails, guided by a map.|STEPHANE MEURISSE

          Around the glass of friendship

          Good memories and next adventure

          At the town square inAx-les-Thermes, we meet up with all our friends, thanks to Ludovic’s advice, and buy our 2 instructors a drink while sharing our respective adventures. Guillaume gives us a good laugh as he tells us about his sun over the bike and his landing in the nettles. Ludovic had told him to lower his saddle and position himself well on the back! Finally, we realize that our days are a success because our guides are really pros! The next trip to Ariège will be on a mountain bike for me, that’s for sure!

          Group of people on a terrace with live musicPeople are seated at tables under umbrellas, listening to a group of musicians playing live music. The surrounding buildings are lit up, creating a warm atmosphere. Tables and chairs are arranged around the stage, and people are standing, enjoying the ambiance.
          ©A lively musical evening on the terrace with people enjoying live music.

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            Everything for a beautiful day

            Living intensely

            Experiences in the Ariège Pyrenees
            Haute-Ariège, a land of history
            Fishing in the Ariege Pyrenees
            Free to pedal in the Ariege Pyrenees
            My thermal water wellness day at Ax-les-Thermes
            Nature immersion in Orlu
            Skiing in the fir trees at Ax 3 Domaines
            Snowshoeing in Chioula
            My spa treatment at Ax-Les-Thermes
            Prehistory in love
            Goulier, my favorite resort
            Family outing on the Plateau de Beille
            My anti-burn-out cure at Ussat-les-Bains
            Ariège's little extras
            The Ariege Pyrenees, your oxygen bubble!

            Looking for unspoilt nature, the great outdoors and white water? In winter, ski, snowboard, skating, snowshoeing, sledging, dog sledding, at Ax 3 Domaines, Beille, Ascou and le Chioula, Mijanés and Goulier... In summer, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding or canyoning... And all year round, enjoy the benefits of the thermal waters at Ax-les-Thermes, Ussat-les-Bains or the Bains du Couloubret. And don't miss the Grotte de Niaux and the Parc de la Préhistoire. Not forgetting the history of our mountains and their heritage, pastoralism and local produce! Book your next mountain vacation!