Things to do at Massif du Montcalm, one of the highest peaks in the Ariège region
The Massif du Montcalm, between French and Catalan landscapes, is one of the highest peaks in the Ariege Pyrenees. When the snow melts, the Pyrenees massif offers visitors an immense playground for outdoor activities.
A natural gem in the French Pyrenees
Straddling the Ariège department , Andorra and the Val d’Aran on the Spanish side of the border, the Montcalm massif is one of the highest peaks in the Ariege Pyrenees. Nicknamed the “roof of the Ariège “, the Montcalm peak rises to 3,077 m above sea level. It can be seen for miles around, offering breathtaking views over the Vicdessos valley.
Somewhere above the Auzat valley , in the heart of the Parc Régional Naturel des Pyrénées Ariégeoises, the Pays du Montcalm stretches over 10,000 hectares of stone and green, vertical cliffs, verdant valleys, mountain lakes and refreshing waterfalls.
What to do at Montcalm Mountain
The Montcalm massif is not only impressive, it’s also a fantastic playground for nature lovers and sports-loving families. You’ll find hiking, climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, canyoning (Marc canyon), canoeing, kayaking and accrobranche. If you’re looking for a change of scenery and authentic experiences, you’ve come to the perfect destination!
Montcalm, from peak to peak
Take on the Montcalm massif! In the south of Ariège, on the border with Andorra, this mythical Pyrenean massif is made up of three peaks topping 3,000 meters:
- Pic du Montcalm (3,077 m),
- Pique d’Estats (3,143 m),
- Pic du Port de Sullo (3,085 m between Spain and France).
Hiking in the Montcalm Massif: departure from Auzat
The Massif du Montcalm is a paradise for nature lovers. There are several hiking trails to discover in the Haute-Ariège, on the border with Spain. It’s the perfect opportunity to strap on your hiking boots and set off on an assault on the massif!
Pic du Montcalm and d’Estats loop (via Les Tables du Montcalm): this high-mountain hike takes you up two emblematic peaks in the Vicdessos valley in Ariège. Climb the “original route” and return via the Pinet refuge. Distance: 18 km, duration: 11 h. Difficulty level. Departure from Auzat(Ariège).
Places of interest :
- Refuge de l’étang du Pinet: in the heart of the Montcalm massif and the Auzat-Vicdessos valley , this refuge is located at 2242 m on the edge of the Pinet pond. A must for hikers climbing the Montcalm and Estats peaks, this magnificent lookout offers a breathtaking view over the granite Artigues valley.
- Cascade de l’Artigue: located in Auzat, in the glacial valley of Vicdessos, the cascade de l’Artigue offers a refreshing and picturesque stopover for Montcalm hikers. Nestled at an altitude of 1,250 metres, the waterfall flows into a turquoise-blue basin. You can swim here in summer. However, the water is very cold.
The Challenge du Montcalm, the trail that goes up and up and up
Montcalm is also a name that echoes in the ears of runners looking for a sporting challenge and spectacular scenery. Every year since 1989, this internationally renowned nature race has taken place in mid-August. The PICaPICA is the showpiece of the event, reserved for the trail elite: 109 km to cover, with 11,500 m of ascent!
Several distances are on offer, allowing trail enthusiasts to tackle more accessible courses, such as the 70 km, the Montcalm Marathon (42 km), the Trail des Novis (25 km), the Trail des Mineurs (13 km) or the Kilomètre Vertical or KV (3.5 km).
Situated 15 minutes from Auzat, our campsite in the Pyrénées-Orientales region welcomes a large number of sports enthusiasts every year, ready to take on the Montcalm mountains. Please note that the number of participants is limited to 600, so register now!