This walk offers you a magnificent view of the Massif de Tabe.
Around Lake Montbel

Montbel lake: its creation engulfed two old farms including that of Rey, now destroyed, and which constitutes a small island in the middle of the lake. It straddles the three municipalities of Léran, Montbel and Chalabre. Intended for irrigation, the project, which started in 1977, led to its impoundment at the end of 1984. This achievement was facilitated by the topography of the town, a real natural basin fed by a gallery (penstock) of 800 meters, connected to Hers Vif. Covering an area of ​​570 hectares, its capacity is 60 million m3.
The church of Montbel: The Saint-Vincent church, in Montbel, located opposite the town hall, was built in 1211. Fell into ruins then rebuilt in 1846, it was restored several times in 1971, 1994 and 1995.
The hamlet of Baylards: has been a place of rather special discoveries in recent years, such as those of polished stones.
Belvedere: At the entrance to the dam, climb the stairs leading to the top of the observatory from where you will have a magnificent view of the Tabe massif. (description see trail 2) and the lake.

Ranking & labels

  • Registered with the PDIPR

Location

Cathar Pyrenees

Located to the east of Ariège, on the border of the Aude, this territory, labeled "Country of Art and History", revolves around [...]

Learn more

Equipments & services

Equipments

  • Parking

Services

  • Pet Friendly
  • Catering

Your itinerary

Map List
Download
Join the starting point
Download kml

1 - Beginning of the hike

At the nautical base of La Régate, cross the dike located on the left then enter the undergrowth on the right.
Go along the edge of the lake (yellow markers) to the dam.

2 - Pass near a fish farm

At the dam, cross the dike then turn right (fence).
Follow the border path which crosses a pine forest and will lead you to a fish farm (cannot be visited).

3 - Take the paved road

From there, take the paved road that returns to the village of Montbel via the Fort farm.

4 - Join the hamlet of Baylards

At the Montbel beach car park (located under the telephone cabin), stay as close as possible to the lake to reach and cross the small Montbel dyke.
Go left on the path that leads to the small Luga dyke.
There, the yellow markers disappear to give way to the white and red markers of the GR7b which will have to follow to the right crossing the dike then the island of Luga and finally continue on the dike of La Fajane to reach the hamlet of Baylards.

5 - Go to the refreshment bar "Au Coin Sauvage"

At Baylards, turn right on 300 mothers and at the small Tuilerie dyke where the penstock from the Hers river arrives and where you will find a refreshment bar.

6 - End of the hike

Reach the starting point.