The Gorges de la Pierre Lys and the Gorges de Saint Georges offer 12 km of challenging river sections suitable for rafting.
Those who have chosen Axat as their destination may perhaps wish to rent a holiday apartment here.
Water and gorges
Kayakers can be observed in the slalom course on the Aude in Axat. In addition, there is a 250 m no-kill fishing section exclusively designated for fly fishing between the Pont Neuf and the EDF pedestrian bridge located upstream. Barbs are not permitted there or must be pressed down; caught fish must be released.
The Gorges de Saint Georges are located on the D118 from Axat towards Mont-Louis. They are the narrowest gorges in the Haute Vallée de l'Aude and have rock walls around 300 m high.
Hiking and circular routes
The hike through the Forêt de Fontanilles starts at Place J. Estrade in Axat. It takes around two hours, is of moderate difficulty and has an elevation gain of 200 m.
The Sentier du Train is an easy circular hike of around two hours with an elevation gain of 200 m, starting from Axat railway station. The route is suitable for families and offers original views of Axat, Artigues and the Gorges de Saint Georges through varied vegetation.
The Boucle de Saint Georges is a marked 9 km circular route starting at Axat railway station. It has an elevation gain of 275 m and takes around one hour. The Boucle du château is also a marked circular route, covering 19.5 km and starting at Axat town hall; it offers remarkable views of the Château de Puilaurens.
Vélorail and historic railway routes
The «Les Radeliers» vélorail route covers 2.7 km from Axat railway station to the former Saint-Martin Lys railway station, where the arrival platform is located. The route runs along the river through galleries, over bridges and through tunnels. Wood used to be transported along this river.
The «Les Bûcherons» vélorail route covers 4.4 km from Axat railway station to Col Campérié.
Landscape in the surrounding area
La Roque Rouge and Pic d'Estable are peaks in the immediate surroundings of Axat. The Sucques de la Serre and Rocher de Resclause peaks are also located in the surrounding area.
Culture and history
Several historical sites are located in the wider region around Axat: Château d'Usson is a castle, Château de Peyrepetuse is also a castle, and Abbaye de Saint-Michel de Cuxa is a monastery. Abbaye de Jau, a ruin site, is also located in the area around Axat.
