The Alzen Chapel (via the discovery trail)

Family hike starting from a pretty little village in the Pyrenean foothills.
You can admire beautiful landscapes ranging from the Toulouse plain to the Pyrenees while discovering old summer pastures and built heritage such as the Ste Croix chapel.

Admire the view of the Plantaurel massif and the villages of the Léze valley, the Fautils summer pasture, the forest, the Sainte-Croix d'Alzen chapel and the Paulis wash house

Step by step :
Go back up to the school.

• At the crossroads of the Calvary (large stone cross) turn left for 100m, then right towards the hamlet of Vidallac.

• Pass in front of a large watering trough and take the path on the right, due south facing the mountain. This path, quite steep at first, then becomes gentler and wider as it continues to the east of the summer pastures.

• Cross a forest track which leads to the highest point of the hike at an altitude of 940 m. Don't hesitate to return to the Fautils summer pasture by passing the metal barrier, in order to climb to the very top and admire the view of the Plantaurel massif and the villages of the Léze valley.

• From the summer pasture, continue the path west towards Alzen via Les Saurats to the information mast.

• Below, at the pass, continue on this path until you reach the forest track which you should take on the left. The path passes close to the source of the Grésale (ferruginous water), and continues for 1km in the heart of our forests.

• At the Col de l'Homme, continue straight on to Antébu, at the crossroads turn left, then turn right to cross the hamlet and turn right at the exit of the hamlet.

• At the next intersection, turn right, then when you reach Chemin de Mounet, turn left. At the next intersection, turn right onto the path.

• Further on, follow the fork to the left, continue straight ahead and cross the Alzen stream

• Climb towards the chapel. Take advantage of the bench to catch your breath before the final climb, which will take you to the Sainte-Croix chapel.

• Take the path that goes back down to the village. At the parking lot, take a detour to the Paulis washhouse, which has been completely restored by the town.

Additional Information :
You are in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees Natural Park.

We encourage you to adopt responsible behavior in this fragile and shared environment.

- Stay on the trails and take your waste with you.

- Observe the flora without picking it.

- Stay discreet, for wild animals.

- In summer pasture areas, remember to close fences and gates. Do not approach or feed the animals. If a Patou (a livestock protection dog) approaches you, move away slowly and calmly. Do not make large gestures or shout, even if it barks, as it will consider you a threat. If it follows you, ignore it.

- Swimming in lakes is not recommended. Sunscreen (even organic!) and other cosmetics are a source of pollution in this fragile environment.

- Bivouacking is permitted, but only between 19 p.m. and 9 a.m., and more than an hour's walk from a parking lot.

- During periods of drought, all fires are prohibited. In other cases, fires are only permitted more than 200 meters from a forest. Stoves should be used instead of natural fireplaces.

- In the unlikely event of an encounter with a bear (which will try to avoid us at all costs): approach calmly, move away gradually, and do not run.

We advise you to keep dogs on a leash, especially in summer pasture areas where it would be dangerous for you and your dog if it approached the herds due to the presence of Patous.

Working Languages

• French

In detail

• Distance: 8 km
• Positive elevation: 340 m
• Daily duration: 03h00
• Route type: loop
• Marking precision: yellow
• Type of land: Pebbles
• Type of land: Earth
• Type of land: Hard surface (tar, cement, floor)

Equipment

• Shaded Picnic area.
• Parking in the area

Services