ITINERARY
Day 1 / Welcome ot the Pyrenees Mountains
Arrive in the medieval town of Foix, where our journey begins. After a scenic drive, we begin at the Maison du Chemin de la Liberté, grounding our journey in the real accounts of civilians, guides, and escapees who risked everything to help others cross to freedom.
Pickup Time / 11 AM
Pickup Location / Foix Gare
Included / Picnic lunch, dinner
Lodging / Hotel
Day 2 / A Taste of the Big Mountains
We visit the stunning Lac de Bethmale, famous for its emerald-green waters. From here, we hike up to Le Col de la Core, a panoramic mountain pass where we enjoy a picnic lunch with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks. On the way back to the lodging, we pass through the quintessential mountain village of Seix.
Profile of the Hike / Distance 3.7 km | Ascent 310 m | Descent 0 m | Duration 1 hour | Optional: 3.5 KM out and back with 460 m of ascent/descent to the Cap de Bouirex
Included / Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Lodging / Hotel
Day 3 / Ridge of the Maquisards
In Rimont, we hike the hills that once sheltered members of the French Resistance, focusing on the hidden networks of support, many sustained by women and local families, that made resistance possible.
Profile of the Hike / Profile of the hike: Distance 11 km / 6.8 mi | Ascent 360 m / 1,181 ft | Descent 360 m / 1,181 ft | Duration 3 hours 30 minutes
Included / Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Lodging / Hotel
Day 4 / In the Footsteps of a Passeur
Today, we walk a section of the Chemin de la Liberté, following the path of those who valiantly crossed the Pyrenees to escape persecution, and the passeurs who shepherded them across. This section of the trail weaves into the impressive Massif de Sourroque, home to some of the region’s most intriguing geological formations, including deep gouffres (sinkholes), gentle streams, and otherworldly forests.
Profile of the Hike / Distance: 12.7 km / 7.9 mi | Ascent 630 m / 2,067 ft | Descent 630 m / 2,067 ft | Duration 4 hours
Included / Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Lodging / Hotel
Day 5 / Market Day in a Pyrenean Village
Discover the essence of local culture with a visit to a traditional market, where handcrafted items, fresh produce, and regional specialties await. The visit blends the spirit of the present with echoes of the past, especially at the bustling market. It is an enduring medieval tradition, where vibrant colors, lively conversations, and authentic flavors seamlessly link history to modern life. On this day, lunch is not provided to allow you to explore the local flavors.
Included / Breakfast, dinner
Lodging / Hotel
Day 6 / The Iconic Domaine de Valier
Enjoy an exhilarating hike near Mont Valier, one of the most iconic peaks in the Couserans and a strategic landmark on the Chemin de la Liberté. This intermediate trail takes us through alpine meadows and dramatic ridges, offering unforgettable views of the Pyrenees wilderness and invite reflection on resilience, endurance, and hope. We finish with a well-earned lunch at La Maison du Valier, a cozy mountain refuge with delicious regional dishes.
Profile of the Hike / Distance: 10.8 km / 6.7 mi | Ascent 500 m / 1,640 ft | Descent 420 m / 1,378 ft | Duration 4 hours
Included / Breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Lodging / Hotel
Day 7 / Subterranean Waterways & Farewell
Our final day includes a visit to Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation, a small but powerful museum that focuses on the bravery of those who resisted during the Second World War. After this, you return to Foix and bid farewell to the group.
Included / Breakfast, picnic lunch, entry to musuem
Dropoff Time / 3 PM
Dropoff Location / Foix Gare
This itinerary is given for your information and may be changed at the discretion of the leaders depending on the weather conditions, the physical ability of clients, and the trail 'options' decided together.