the Ariège
The Ariège: Pyrenean vistas, rich history—a southwestern French jewel in nature's embrace.
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Holiday-home in a natural setting
Start your walk near your holiday cottage in nature park Mont Valier with the spectaculair Ars waterfall. In June, the rhododendrons bloom abundantly and you will find sheep, chamois and marmots. Or walk part of the GR10, from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. Beautiful tours can be made near Brie and Camon, through the valley of Laure, at Seix and Luzenac. Children will like a hike with donkeys through Haut Couserans, the green valleys of Massat and from Biert.
Or join the shepherds on their route along several sheep farms where festivities take place.
Walking, cycling, mountain biking and horse riding in Ariège
A green bike lane, ‘Voie Verte’ runs along the former railroad between Foix en Saint-Girons. The route to Santiago de Compostela between Mirepoix and Saint-Lary is also marked here. Visit the dolmen and caves, once hiding places for the huguenots near Les Mas d’Azil. Also interesting to visit is Le Chemin des Bonshommes, over which the Cathars escaped through the Pyrenees to Spain. They lived in Montaillou, Montségur, Dun and Castelnau.
Fishing in Ariège
A great fishing spot is Lac de Montbel which also has beaches for swimming or canoeing, kayaking and boating. Other good places for trout fishing are the fish pond at Aston and the lake in Lers.
Skiing and cross country skiing from your holiday letting
Cycling fans shouldn’t miss the Tour de France in July which crosses the Cols de la Core, Port de Lers or the Plateau de Beille. In winter there is of course skiing and cross country skiing, also in Ascour and Ax-3 Domaines.
Sights
Be sure to have a look at the interesting churches in Mercus and Tarascon-sur-Ariège. And visit the museum dedicated to philosopher Pierre Bayle and the museum in Vlas with Celtic excavations. Special is the subterranean river Labouiche with fossils and frescos in the cave of Niaux.
Cooking in Ariège
Visit the lively weekly markets in Pampers for specialties such as Pic de la Calabasse and Le Moulis cheeses, foie gras, confit de canard and ‘flocons d’Ariège’ sweets. On Sunday mornings, take a stroll on a flea market.
Curious which holiday cottage in Ariège might appeal to you? Have a look on Gites where you will find holiday homes and B&Bs throughout France.