Up to the Pyrenees Mountains,

practical information on what you need and what not staying, hiking, walking or trekking the French, Andorran or Spanish Pyrenees

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How do I get to the Pyrenees ? Most of our treks and Pyrenees guided hikes start from our house in Miglos or not to far from there. Toulouse and Carcassonne are the nearest airports. Only for our trekking in the Canigou and Puigmal massifs flying to Perpignan is easier. For links to flights, train, taxi and car rental see below. 

What do I really need in my rucksack ? Here is a list of what you really need. what isn't on the list is not really needed. Tents, sleeping mats and gas cookers are available. Click here

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How to get to the Pyrenees mountains

The address of the house is : Le Castel , 09400 Miglos

You don't need a car if your coming for trekking, you can get easily here by train or (cheaper!) by plane. However when you're coming for holidays staying at the house you need a car: shops are in Tarascon (about 10' driving). 

• by plane : RyanAir has cheaper flights to Carcassonne from where you can get to Tarascon sur Ariège by train (OK for hiking) or rent a car (you need a car staying at The friends of the Pyrenees house).
• renting a car have a look here car rental
• by car by drive to Toulouse. From Toulouse take the  A66 ( Toulouse , Pamiers), the N20 (Foix, Tarascon sur Ariège) and the D8 (Tarascon sur Ariège, Capoulet). One can get to Miglos from Niaux but driving along the D8 until Capoulet is easier : turn the litle road up to your left, about 1 km and there you are. Our house looks like it is on the photo below. For a detailed route description from your home to Miglos have a look here :
• by train : several night trains from Paris to Toulouse and one of them going through to Tarascon sur Ariège. At Tarascon station ask for a taxi. For train Tabels have a look at the French railways. Once you're in Tarascon sur Ariège phone for a taxi : 05 61 05 61 83 or 05 61 05 62 89. For information on how to get from Perpignan to Saillagouse where the Canigou-Puigmal trek starts click the Canigou Trek page 

• To get In Tarascon sur Ariège the night before hikes start you have to leave in London Stansted (RyanAir) early in the morning the day before to Carcassone. 

  At Carcassonne Airport take bus or taxi to Carcassonne main station (in French : "gare SNCF"). Trains to Toulouse leave there at  about 12.30, 12.45 and 13.00 all these leave  you plenty of time to visit Toulouse's most beautiful old city center and get a train at about 5 p.m. from Toulouse to Tarascon sur Ariège (arrival Tarascon sur Ariège at about 7 p.m.). Once you're in Tarascon sur Ariège phone for a taxi : 05 61 05 61 83 or 05 61 05 62 89 to drive you to "Le Castel à Miglos".

  Please don't arrive earlier : the housekeeper needs the week-ends for cleaning and Richard for relaxing.

  Link French railways national SNCF timetablel 

  To get to Saillagouse, meeting point for the Puigmal-Canigo trek, RyanAir flies to Perpignan see the Puigmal-Canigou page

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What you really need to have in your rucksack to hike the Pyrenees?

1.Basics:

• a lightweight tent.  A 3-man tent usually sleeps 2 comfortably, should weight max. 3,5kg.  Prefer a 2-man tent  if you intend to walk alone = sleeps 1 in comfort, weight less than 3 kg, should have a double roof. Watch out walking alone: any problem could become a danger. 

• a 70 litre rucksack.  There are good ones weighting under 2kg empty

• a light foam-rubber or inflatable mattress + a warm and light synthetic sleeping bag (max. 2kg) (Down takes moist)

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"Friends of the Pyrenees"?

Offers a cheap low cost non profit alternative to commercial trekking tours and holiday renting.

What you pay is a participation in our real yearly organization costs as a membership fee. This makes it possible to take part in our nu guru no mysticism hiking mountain retreat and/or stay at the house for up to 12 weeks a year. You could ask our guide for a made to measure trek too, high reductions for members.

This low cost is possible because we don't need nor want to make profit and  none is paid.

This is our hobby, we love the Pyrenees Mountains and like to meet people from different countries with similar interest. What you get is a simple but nice place to stay, an old period farm, and professionally guided hikes and treks off the beaten paths all over the Pyrenees.

Membership fees are : 450€ for hikers, 700€ for families.  Groups : 1.400€. a year (Full year : starting upon receipt)