Le Chemin de la Liberté
Commemorative hike on the escape routes of World War II
About Chemin de la Liberté
In the footsteps of those who refused Nazi oppression
During World War II, between 1940 and 1944, thousands of men and women attempted to cross the Franco-Spanish border through the Pyrenees to escape Nazi occupation, join the Resistance, or reach North Africa or the Allied forces. Among the many escape routes, the one crossing the Couserans, from Saint-Girons to Esterri d'Aneu in Spanish Catalonia, was one of the most perilous: high mountain passes, steep trails, extreme weather conditions, and enemy patrols made the crossing extremely dangerous. Many lost their lives.
A commemorative hike since 1994
In 1994, for the 50th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and the Liberation of France, the association Le Chemin de la Liberté in Saint-Girons inaugurated an annual commemorative hike retracing the steps of these escapees. Since then, every summer in July — traditionally around July 14th — around a hundred hikers set off from Saint-Girons, a refuge town with Pyrenean charm, and cross the Couserans mountains in four days of hiking to Esterri d'Aneu in Spain. This hike, recognized by the President of the Republic, is limited to 120 participants.
Four days of effort and remembrance in the high mountains
Le Chemin de la Liberté is a demanding hike that follows high mountain trails, crossing passes over 2,000 meters in altitude, traversing dense forests, summer pastures, and spectacular landscapes. Participants, guided by the Club Alpin Français of Saint-Girons and affiliated clubs, walk the same paths as the escapees of 1940-1944, discovering emotionally charged sites: clandestine passages, hiding places, rallying points, and historical testimonies mark the route.
A living duty of remembrance
Beyond the physical effort, Le Chemin de la Liberté is an act of remembrance and transmission. In Saint-Girons, the Maison du Chemin de la Liberté (a museum located on Boulevard Aristide Bergès) preserves and transmits the history of these clandestine crossings through documents, testimonies, and period objects. Each year, the commemorative hike provides an opportunity to meet descendants of escapees, listen to their stories, and perpetuate the memory of all those who risked their lives for freedom. The association works to ensure this memory never fades.
Chemin de la Liberté — edition 2026
32nd edition of Le Chemin de la Liberté, from July 9 to 12, 2026. Commemorative mountain hike starting from Saint-Girons (Ariège) towards Esterri d'Aneu in Spanish Catalonia, along the escape routes used during the Second World War. Two options offered: the Grande Traversée (Great Crossing) over 4 days (July 9-12) and the Haute Montagne (High Mountain) over 2 days (July 11-12). Registrations on HelloAsso, closing on May 31, 2026.
32nd edition: July 9-12, 2026
For its 32nd year, the Le Chemin de la Liberté association organizes its commemorative hike following in the footsteps of those who refused Nazi oppression during the Second World War. Hikers leave Saint-Girons to reach Spain via the central Pyrenees, taking one of the main escape routes from Couserans, now recognized as a path of memory.
Two Options
- The Grande Traversée (Great Crossing) — 4 days, from July 9 to 12, 2026, from Saint-Girons to Esterri d'Aneu (Spain).
- The Haute Montagne (High Mountain) — 2 days, July 11 and 12, 2026, on the most alpine part of the route.
Supervision and Level
Technical supervision is provided by the Club Alpin Français (CAF) and the Eterlou Seixois club, affiliated with the French Federation of Alpine and Mountain Clubs. The itinerary follows a high-mountain route with passages over névés (snowfields): it is accessible to experienced, well-trained, and properly equipped hikers. A medical certificate of fitness for hiking above 2000 m and individual insurance are required.
Registration
Membership in the association (30 €) is mandatory and is added to the participation fees, to be paid at the time of registration. Registrations are made online via HelloAsso and close on May 31, 2026.
Programme Chemin de la Liberté 2026
Program — July 9-12, 2026 (Grande Traversée, 4 days)
- July 9 — Stage 1: departure from Saint-Girons (391 m) to the hamlet of Aunac (766 m), approximately 23 km.
- July 10 — Stage 2: from Aunac (766 m) to the Subéra hut (1,499 m).
- July 11 — Stage 3: from the Subéra hut (1,499 m) to the Estagnous refuge (2,245 m).
- July 12 — Stage 4: from the Estagnous refuge to the Spanish side, arrival near Esterri d'Aneu / Alos de Isil.
Haute Montagne (High Mountain) option (2 days): July 11 and 12, 2026, on the high-altitude section of the route.
Highlights Chemin de la Liberté 2026
- 32nd edition of Le Chemin de la Liberté
- 4 days of hiking from Saint-Girons to Esterri d'Aneu
- World War II escape routes
- 120 participants maximum
- Supervision by the Club Alpin Français
- Duty of remembrance and sporting challenge
Prices Chemin de la Liberté 2026
Practical information — Chemin de la Liberté
Access
- Departure: Saint-Girons, 09200
- Arrival: Esterri d'Aneu, Catalonia (Spain)
- By car: From Toulouse (110 km), take the A64 motorway, exit at Boussens, then take the D117 towards Saint-Girons.
Registration
- Number of places: Limited to 120 participants
- Required level: Good physical condition, experience in mountain hiking
- Registration: On the official website chemindelaliberte.fr
Prices
- Registration: Fee-based (inquire with the association)
Contact
- Phone: 05 61 66 35 68
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Maison du Chemin de la Liberté, Boulevard Aristide Bergès, 09200 Saint-Girons
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Vous avez repéré une erreur ou une information manquante ?
Aidez-nous à garder cette fiche à jour. Toute proposition est relue par notre équipe avant publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Where does it take place — Chemin de la Liberté
Maison du Chemin de la Liberté - Saint-Girons
Boulevard Aristide Bergès, 09200 Saint-Girons