ITINERARY
Day 1 / Arrival and Welcome
Guests will be picked up at the Foix train station at 11:00 AM. Following a picnic lunch, we will visit the interactive museum at the Chateau de Foix as an introduction to the history of the trail on which we are about to embark on our hike. We will settle into our lodging in Foix to check backpacks, enjoy a homemade meal, and prepare for an early start the next morning.
Pickup Time / 11 AM
Pickup Location / Foix Gare (train station)
Included / Picnic lunch, entry to museum, dinner
Lodging / Chambre d’hôte
Day 2-5 / Foix to Ax-les-Thermes
As the morning light illuminates the Ariège side of the Pyrenees Mountains, we wake up to an awe-inspiring view of Château de Foix, standing tall on steep cliffs above. Over the next four days, the group will hike along forestry tracks, rocky gorges, paved roads, and narrow pathways, taking in breathtaking valley and ridge views. Along this path, we will pass Cathar castles, including Montségur Castle, an impressive and historically significant edifice that fills visitors with both a sense of wonder and a feeling of sadness at its tragic history.
Included / Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging/ Gîte or Chambre d’hôte
Day 6 / Ax-les-Thermes Rest Day
We spend the day in Ax-les-Thermes, a charming spa town famous for its thermal baths and rich history. Hikers can relax and rejuvenate tired muscles in the soothing thermal waters or explore the quaint streets and historic buildings of Ax-les-Thermes, a well-deserved reward after multiple days of hiking through the rugged beauty of the Pyrenees. This unforgettable first leg of the Chemin des Bonshommes is a natural stopping place for hikers who do not have time to complete the entire tour. See below for more information about choosing the length of your tour.
Included / Breakfast, dinner
Lodging/ Chambre d’hôte
Day 7-12 / Ax-les-Thermes to Berga, Spain
The group departs Ax-les-Thermes early in the morning towards the Col de Joux with promises of thrilling mountain adventures. Hikers ascend through rugged terrain, passing by alpine lakes and lush forests. As the trail climbs higher, captivating panoramic views of the Pyrenees unfold. Over the next few days, hikers will climb to high mountain passes and descend into picturesque valleys, offering stunning vistas of rugged peaks and lush landscapes. Hikers traverse winding paths, crossing mountain streams and alpine meadows along the way. This remote mountain region requires camping under the stars in La Portella Blanca, a high mountain pass. Hikers are rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas. The group crosses into Spain for the last portion of the adventure, ending in Berga, having completed a north to south Pyrenean traverse.
Included / Breakfast, dinner
Lodging/ Gîte or tent
Day 13-14 / Transition Days
Having reached the terminus of the Chemin des Bonshommes in Berga, Spain, hikers will travel back to Foix via train. Enjoy the stunning views of the region you just traversed as you take a well-earned load off your feet. Stay overnight in Foix to prepare for the following day’s journey back to Toulouse airport.
Included / Breakfast, dinner
Lodging / Chambre d’hôte
Preparing for the Chemin des Bonshommes
The duration, ascent, and descent for each day vary. The maximums are listed below to allow you to prepare for your tour.
Daily Profile of the Route / DISTANCE 30 km / 18.6 mi | ASCENT 1,150 m/3,773 ft | DESCENT 1,485 m/4,872 ft | MAX ELEVATION 1,975 m/6,480 ft | MAX DURATION 8.5 hours
Short on Time? / Choose the 7-day option
The Chemin des Bonshommes is a beautiful trail that can be completed in 14 days. However, we understand that not everyone has that much time to spare. Hence, we invite you to join us for 7 days this time, and you can return later to complete the trail on another tour. If you wish to explore this trail, click the "Book Now" button to see the available options.
This itinerary is given for your information and may be changed at the discretion of the leaders depending on the weather conditions, physical ability of clients and the trail 'options' we decide together.