Foix Heights Loop

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Geological Significance · Historical Significance · Views · Wildflowers

Pleasant route that will allow you to discover the streets of Foix and its castle, while rewarding you with views of the Ariege river and of the Pyrenees.

Free parking near the kayak base / sport complex.
Paid parking available in town as well.

The trail offers shade most of the way.

Trail running friendly, although beware of some steep sections + some sections where the path is fairly narrow.

Route starts at the nearby Foix kayak base:

- Follow the route for 1.1km/0.7mi
- Go through the streets of Foix for 400 more meters / .2mi
- Cross the Old Bridge and start your ascent using the Les Terrasses du Pech trail
- Leave the trail at the fork, at 2.9km/1.8mi. ⚠️ Start a challenging climb for a few meters / feet.
- At 3.2km/1.9mi, go left at the fork.
- At 3.7km/2.2mi, go right at the intersection to join the GR spur.
- ⚠️ The GR passes within someone's property (large farm/field). Stay on path and be mindful to close any gates for animals.
- At 6.2km/3.8mi the spur merges back with the GR 107-307. Follow the GR South.
- At 7.2km/4.4mi leave the GR and keep going down the valley
- At 7.6km/4.7mi, follow a small shepherd trail until you reach the Sezenac connecting trail .
- At 9.5km/5.9mi, the connecting trail ends. Run through the small Foix suburbs until you reach the roundabout.
- Go through the roundabout (10.2km/6.3mi) and stays on the sidewalk until 10.8km/6.7mi.
- Then, go through the Parc De Bouycheres. At the SE corner of the park, there is a walkway to cross the river again and to reach the original route start.

This trail has a lot to offer:
- Tree canopy at 5km/3.1mi
- Lavender field at 6.1km/3.8mi
- Mountain flower field at 8km/4.9mi
- A variety of plum trees close to 9.1km/5.6mi

You can also admire hundreds of Eurasian vultures circling around the valley.