Maping
1/25 000 TOP 25 map reference AX LES THERMES 2148 ET (INSTITUT GEOGRAPHIQUE NATIONAL edition)
Donkeys transportation 54 Euros
Different stages
For small or tired legs, we can imagine easier tours. Before May, you won't go to the Chioula Plateau, because the weather is still rather cold.
Accomodation
Genuine accomodation is available every day, gite or refuge, either bedrooms or 4 to 6 beds small dormitories.
A donkey park is set near by. Booking is compulsory to make sure, otherwise carry a tent in case.
You can also camp in the neighbourhood of the gites and refuge. Sometimes, you can be charged for sanitary use and common room.Camping in the wild is always possible in that area and we shalll indicate some nice places near springs.

TRIP DESCRIPTION
DAY 1 : from PRADES (1250 m) to BELCAIRE (1000 m)-3 hours
You cross the small Aillou plateau dominated by Montaillou. Even if the ruins of its castle are scarce, the 20 inhabitants village is well-known history.Pamiers bishop, Jacques Fournier , a very famous inquisitor (and ethnologist beforehand), left many registers in which he recorded the village inhabitants’ testimonials. Taking those documents as a basis that accurately described the life of lower and modest classes, Emmanuel Leroy Ladurie wrote his history book «Montaillou, village occitan ». You go to Belcaire , in the heart of the Plateau de Sault. You can spend here a pleasant day. The pond is reserved each afternoon for swimming and it always enjoys walkers (this by removing the ride on day 4 of the plateau Chioula). Hotel 04 68 20 31 05.Village camp site. Shops.

DAY 2: from BELCAIRE (1000 m) to COMUS (1200 m)-4 hours
Along wide forestry tracks, you will reach Comus, a charming village, where you’ll meet Anne and her excellent welcome in her gite.You go to the belvedere overlooking the Montsegur castle and Gorges de la Frau Gîte .Tel 04 68 20 33 69 .http://www.gites-comus.com.Possible  meals in the gîte .Providing at Camurac (2 km). Gîte d'étape 04 68 20 33 69-

DAY 3: from COMUS (1200 m) to REFUGE DE CHIOULA (1600 m)-5 hours
You walk through mountain pastures and forests, going to Chioula refuge and its magnificent panorama of the Pyrenean peaks.
Chioula refuge. 05 61 64 06 97 http://www.refugeduchioula.com. Camping possible nearby .

DAY 4 : Walk around CHIOULA REFUGE
Right in the middle of the forests and the pastures, Chioula refuge is the starting point of many easy walks . On one side you are above the Ariège Valley, with Sault Plateau on the other side, surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

DAY 5 : from CHIOULA REFUGE (1600 m) to PRADES ( 1250 m)-4 hours
Following GR107, allong pastoral and forestry paths, you will reach Prades,your starting point.

Maping
1/25 000 TOP 25 reference AX LES THERMES 2148 ET
(INSTITUT GEOGRAPHIQUE NATIONAL edition) is compulsory.
The Top 25 BOURG MADAME map 2249 OT will be necessary in the reserve.
Donkeys transportation 23 Euros
Different stages
If you sleep in accomodation, steps 1 and 3 can not be modified because of the scarcity of accommodation. If you are camping, they can be cut. You'll camp near 2 springs halfway. Step 2 can be cut by sleeping into the cottage "La Forge" in Ascou
The hike of day 4 will be adapted to the strength of your legs. It is also very pleasant to do nothing near the lake!

Accomodation
Accomodation is possible every day, gite or refuge, from 4 to 12 beds, small dormitories.
A donkey park is set near by. Booking is compulsory to make sure, otherwise carry a spare tent.
You can also camp in the neighbourhood of the refuge.
Sometimes, you can be charged for sanitary use and common room.
Camping in the wild is always possible in that area.

TREK DESCRIPTION
DAY 1 : from UNAC (700 m) to CHIOULA REFUGE (1600 m) -5 hours
You leave the bottom of the valley where Unac is sheltered to reach the first heights and discover a wonderful panorama of the Pyrenean range.
Accomodation: Chioula refuge tel.05 61 64 06 97-http://www.refugeduchioula.com - Possible camping near the refuge - No provisions available.
DAY 2 : from CHIOULA REFUGE (1600 m) to ORLU (850 m) -4 hours
Very varied landscapes, going through typical sunny villages and forests. You will come to Orlu, small village by the side of the Oriège river..
Village camp site : 05 61.64.30.09 - small grocery - Gîte with dormitories or bedrooms and restaurant : 05 61.64.61.88. http://www.aurelaismontagnard.com/
DAY 3 : from ORLU (850 m) to EN BEYS LAKE (1954 m)-6 hours
Fairly Long and difficult because of the big ehmb. Fortunately,all your efforts will be rewarded when getting to Orlu National Reserve, wide natural space, privileged observation spot of wild animals. You enjoy the high mountain atmosphere: summer flocks with ringing bells, swift isards, marmot whistling, rhododendrons flowering round the lake.
Managed refuge with dormitories : 05 61.64.24.24- http://www.refuge-enbeys.com-Possible camping near the refuge - Possible meals but no provisions..

DAY 4 : ORLU RESERVE (2000m)
Beyond the En Beys refuge, the paths are not suitable for donkeys. So you'll leave them in the park, and wallk for a day or a few hours, discovering lakes, flora, and fauna,both particularly abundant.
Night : En Beys refuge or camping in the wilderness
DAY 5 : from EN BEYS LAKE (2000 m) to ORLU (1000 m)-4 hours
Well, you have to walk away from those enchanted areas! You stop walking at Orlu. You leave the donkeys in a park and go back to Unac by taxi.