Axat offers several distinct ways to spend your stay: two hikes of around two hours with different levels of difficulty, two marked circular routes, VĂ©lorail and activities on the Aude. This makes it easy to plan according to how much time you have and your interests.
Hiking by time and difficulty
The hike through the ForĂŞt de Fontanilles starts at Place J. Estrade in Axat. Allow around two hours; the trail is of moderate difficulty and has an elevation gain of 200 m. Trail conditions can change with the seasons. Check the trail conditions and markings locally before setting out.
The Sentier du Train is an easy circular hike of around two hours, starting at Axat station, and also has an elevation gain of 200 m. This family-friendly trail offers unusual views of Axat, Artigues and the Gorges de Saint Georges, and passes through varied vegetation. Both hikes take roughly the same amount of time, but differ in difficulty and character: one is a moderately challenging forest trail, while the other is an easy circular route with the views described above. You should also check trail conditions and markings locally before setting out on the Sentier du Train.
Marked circular routes and gorges
The Boucle de Saint Georges is a marked circular route covering 9 km. It starts at Axat station, has an elevation gain of 275 m and takes around one hour. The also-marked Boucle du château starts at Axat town hall and is 19.5 km long; it offers remarkable views of the Château de Puilaurens. The two circular routes therefore differ considerably in length. Check trail conditions and markings locally for these routes, too.
The Gorges de Saint Georges lie along the D118 from Axat towards Mont-Louis. They are the narrowest gorges in the Haute Vallée de l’Aude; their rock walls are around 300 m high. A 12 km, challenging river route suitable for rafting runs through the Gorges de la Pierre Lys and the Gorges de Saint Georges. Operations depend on river and safety conditions. If rafting is part of your plans, take these conditions into account when planning your trip.
Activities on the Aude and VĂ©lorail
Kayakers can be watched in the slalom course on the Aude in Axat. For fly-fishing, there is a 250 m no-kill section between the Pont Neuf and the EDF footbridge upstream. The section is reserved exclusively for fly-fishing. Barbed hooks are not allowed, or must be pinched down; caught fish must be released. Check the fishing regulations before your trip.
Both Vélorail routes start at Axat station, but head to different destinations. «Les Radeliers» runs for 2.7 km to the former Saint-Martin Lys station, where the arrival platform is located. The route follows the river through galleries, over bridges and through tunnels. Wood was once transported along this river. «Les Bûcherons» runs for 4.4 km from Axat station to Col Campérié. For both activities, check reservations and operating conditions before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Ricaud, Saint-Martin-Le-Vieil, Verdun-En-Lauragais, Bouilhonnac, Conques-Sur-Orbiel, Cournanel, Coustouge, Fleury
For the overview of the wider region: Aude.
