Les Étangs, hiking trails in the Savignac Valley and historic buildings showcase the different sides of Savignac-les-Ormeaux. If you’re looking for a place to stay here, you can plan your visit around walks and picnics, longer hikes or local history. When planning, it’s worth taking into account the route details and seasonal conditions for each activity.
Les Étangs and the Savignac Valley
Les Étangs are former sand pits that have been transformed into a natural area. There are free opportunities to walk, picnic and relax. Fishing is also possible, but you’ll need a fishing permit. You can get one at the reception desk of the local campground or at the tourist office in Ax. Check the current requirements before you arrive.
The Savignac Valley is one of the access routes to the Rulhe Massif. The Ruisseau du Najar runs through it, and it includes several jasses used as pastureland, as well as a few shepherds’ huts that also serve as shelters. The stream, pastures and huts give this landscape a different character from the natural area of Les Étangs.
Hiking trails and choosing a route
The Tour des montagnes d’Ax hiking trail runs through the valley and provides access to the Refuge du Rulhe via the Col de Belh. The trail along the Ruisseau du Najar passes a waterfall and then reaches Prat Redon. The routes described have different destinations: one crosses the pass to the refuge, while the other follows the stream to Prat Redon.
The Chemin de la Quère loop has specific route details: it is 6.9 kilometres long, takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, involves 200 metres of ascent and is rated as difficult, above intermediate level. The loop can be started from Savignac-les-Ormeaux. Large parking areas, as well as the Malazéou and La Marmotte campgrounds, provide access. Check seasonal trail conditions and the parking and campground rules before setting out.
Hiking and yoga
Planet Rando Yoga in Savignac-les-Ormeaux offers excursions on foot, snowshoes or skis. They combine outdoor hikes with daytime yoga breaks. The range of trips also includes day hikes, multi-day hikes with overnight stays in shelters lasting two to six days, and Rando-Yoga trips lasting two to four days. The activities and durations therefore vary. As seasonal availability may change, check the current programme before booking.
Château de Savignac and local history
The façades and roofs of the Château de Savignac are protected: they have been listed as a historic monument since 10 December 1976. The intact north and west façades date back to the 15th century. The south façade has three storeys and is flanked by two dovecote towers. Their four-sided roofs are covered with fish-scale-cut slate tiles. These details give the building a distinctive architectural character.
Another historic landmark is the Savignac-les-Ormeaux war memorial, erected in 1921. The château and war memorial offer a cultural and historical counterpoint to the town’s nature and hiking themes.
Seasonal information
The free SAVIGN’AX shuttle bus operates seasonally and stops in the centre of Savignac-les-Ormeaux and at Camping La Marmotte. If you plan to use it, check the operating days and timetable before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Saverdun, Goulier, Sorgeat, La Bastide-De-Sérou, Loubières, Rivèrenert, Saint-Jean-D'aigues-Vives, Château De Montségur.
For the broader travel guide: Ariège.
