Axat: Discover gorges, the river and circular routes
Accommodation in Axat
Axat between gorges, the river and circular routes
When planning a trip to Axat, the gorges, river activities and marked routes offer a range of ways to explore the area. If you’re looking for a hotel in Axat, you can first consider whether you’d like your stay to focus on a hike, a circular route, a river activity or a Vélorail ride. For walking routes, duration, distance, elevation gain and difficulty are especially useful for comparing options; for the Vélorail routes, distance and destinations are the key differences.
Gorges de Saint Georges and river activities
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, with rock faces about 300 metres high. A 12-kilometre sporting river route suitable for rafting also runs through the Gorges de la Pierre Lys and the Gorges de Saint Georges. Rafting on this stretch depends on river and safety conditions.
Kayakers can also be seen at the Aude slalom course in Axat. This offers another perspective on the river, but it is not the same as the stretch through the gorges that is suitable for rafting. If you’re interested in fishing, Axat has a 250-metre no-kill stretch between the Pont Neuf and the EDF footbridge upstream. It is reserved exclusively for fly-fishing. Barbed hooks are not allowed or must be crimped; caught fish must be released. Check the current fishing regulations before heading out.
Hikes by duration and difficulty
The hike through the ForĂŞt de Fontanilles starts at Place J. Estrade in Axat. It takes about two hours, is of moderate difficulty and has an elevation gain of 200 metres. The Sentier du Train is also listed as taking about two hours, with an elevation gain of 200 metres; this circular walk starts at Axat railway station and is considered easy. The Sentier du Train is also a family-friendly trail with views of Axat, Artigues and the Gorges de Saint Georges. The route passes through varied vegetation.
The two walks are roughly the same length, so their main differences are their stated difficulty and starting points. The ForĂŞt de Fontanilles route is of moderate difficulty, while the Sentier du Train is easy; conditions on the forest trail can vary seasonally. Check the condition of the trails and markers locally before setting off.
Another option is the marked Boucle de Saint Georges. It starts at Axat railway station, is nine kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 275 metres and takes about one hour. The marked Boucle du château starts at Axat town hall and covers 19.5 kilometres. Notable views along the route include those of the Château de Puilaurens. For both circular routes, it’s advisable to check trail conditions and markers locally before setting off. No duration is given for the Boucle du château, so compare it with routes that have an approximate walking time based on its length and the views described.
Explore by VĂ©lorail
The two Vélorail routes differ in length and destination. «Les Radeliers» runs for 2.7 kilometres from Axat railway station to the former Saint-Martin-Lys railway station, where the arrival platform is located. The route follows the river, passing through galleries and tunnels and over bridges. Wood was once transported on this river.
«Les Bûcherons» runs for 4.4 kilometres from Axat railway station to Col Campérié. Both routes therefore start at the station, but have different lengths and endpoints. If a Vélorail ride is part of your plans, check booking and operating conditions before your trip. This makes it easier to choose between Axat’s activities based on the route profile and the experiences you have in mind.
Discover more destinations: La Digne-d'Amont, Bellegarde-du-Razès, Capendu, Villegailhenc, Pauligne, Caunes-Minervois, Ornaisons, Fontiers-Cabardès
Return to the overview of destinations: Aude.
