The Étang de Naguilles
The largest lake in the Ariège Pyrenees, reached by a path that climbs through forest cover. The Forges d’Orlu car park is reached by the D22 from Ax-les-Thermes.
All the hikes
For families
Orlu: wolf park, treetop adventure and walks in the wild
At the entrance to the Orlu national nature reserve, the valley brings together a park dedicated to wolves, a large treetop adventure park and the start of the walks to the Étang de Naguilles. A full day in nature, about 7 km from Ax-les-Thermes.
- From Ax-les-Thermesabout 7 km
- Akrobranch15 courses
- Workshops in the treesMore than 200
- National nature reserveVal d’Orlu
Wildlife park
The Maison des Loups
It is a park entirely devoted to wolves: several packs live in large enclosures, including European, Canadian and Arctic wolves. An observation tunnel lets you see them up close.
Activities, workshops and themed trails complete the visit, which children love. A snack restaurant is listed on site. Opening depends on the season: check the dates and times before setting off.
In the trees
Akrobranch d’Orlu
The Orlu treetop adventure park offers 15 courses and more than 200 workshops hung in the trees, with an area reserved for toddlers. It is set at the entrance of the Val d’Orlu national nature reserve, about 7 km from Ax-les-Thermes.
The site also offers night courses and canyoning for the more adventurous. As with the Maison des Loups, opening periods vary: check them before you come.
On foot
Walks and hikes from Orlu
The Orlu valley is the starting point of several routes, some of which cross the national hunting and wildlife reserve.
Towards the Refuge d’En Beys
A longer hike that starts at the Forges d’Orlu, goes past the Étang de Naguilles and reaches the Refuge d’En Beys. It is among the signature hikes pointed out by the tourist office.
National nature reserve. Regulations apply inside the Orlu national nature reserve: read them before setting off. They are presented on the Oriège valley website.
A day’s plan
A full day in Orlu
A sample programme, to adjust to the season’s opening times.
Morning: the wolves
Visit the Maison des Loups, enclosures, observation tunnel and themed trails.
Midday: a break
A snack restaurant is listed at the Maison des Loups; you can also plan a picnic.
Afternoon: the trees
Fifteen treetop courses, or a walk to the Étang de Naguilles for those who prefer walking.
To end the day, a stop in Ax-les-Thermes: feet in the Bassin des Ladres.
Planning your visit
Useful links
- The Maison des LoupsOfficial page: presentation of the park and practical information.tourisme-occitanie.com
- Akrobranch d’OrluOfficial page: courses, workshops and activities offered.tourisme-occitanie.com
- Vallée de l’OriègeOrlu, the national nature reserve, walks and news from the valley.vallee-oriege.com
- Étang de Naguilles hikeRoute, map and description of the walk from Orlu.visorando.com
Questions
About Orlu
How far is Orlu from Ignaux?
The Orlu valley is about 7 km from Ax-les-Thermes. The Forges d’Orlu car park is reached by the D22 road from Ax-les-Thermes.
Can you do the Maison des Loups and the treetop adventure on the same day?
Yes: both are in Orlu, close to each other, at the entrance of the national nature reserve. Plan a full day, with a lunch break.
Is there an easy walk from Orlu?
The best-known walk leads to the Étang de Naguilles, from the Forges d’Orlu car park. Maps and advice are available at the Ax-les-Thermes tourist office and on the sites listed below.
Are the opening times the same all year?
No: opening of the Maison des Loups and the treetop adventure depends on the season. Check the dates and times on the official pages before setting off.
Book
A nature day in Orlu?
Rates and availability are shown live on the Airbnb listing. A question before booking? You can ask it there too.