Culture and sightseeing
Towns and villages
15 minutes from Mirepoix :
- Camon: fragrant with climbing roses, this fortified village, officially recognised as one of the most beautiful in France, huddles around its 10th century Benedictine abbey.
25 minutes from Foix :
- Pamiers: this attractive little town is a staging post on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The pretty historic centre is dominated by the Cathedral of Saint Antonin.
Churches
15 minutes from Mirepoix :
- The church in Vals : a 10th century church hewn out of the rock and decorated with 12th century frescos, on the Pyrenean Foothills route of St James's Way to Santiago de Compostela. A real curiosity.
Châteaux
20 minutes from Montségur :
- Château de Roquefixade : a Cathar castle very like Montségur, in ruins on top of a rocky spur. Fine viewpoint over the Pays d’Olmes and Lauragais region.
Markets
5 minutes from Saint-Lizier :
- Saint Girons market (every Saturday) : Ariège's most colourful and popular market, a warmly welcoming mixture of locals, holidaymakers, farmers and hippies who have made their home in the Ariège countryside.
Visitor attractions
10 minutes from Foix :
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Les Forges de Pyrène : a historical view of Ariège in this amazing reconstruction of a hamlet. The houses and barns are home to a blacksmith and his workshop, a gold panner, an artisan distiller and his stills, etc.
Tél : 05 34 09 30 60 – www.forges-de-pyrene.com
10 minutes from the cave at Le Mas d’Azil :
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The Affabuloscope at Le Mas d’Azil : an exhibition of machines created by the genius of inventors who never existed (including a deficit-widener, a word-weighing machine, etc.). Surreal and great fun.
Tél. 05 61 69 72 10 – www.affabuloscope.fr
Natural curiosity
20 minutes from Montségur:
- The intermittent spring at Fontestorbes: on the edge of the village of Bélesta, this spring flows and stops on a roughly 40-minute cycle. A unique phenomenon that is most impressive in summer when the water level is low.
Other Top Tourist Destinations in Occitania / Pyrenees-Mediterranean
40 from Mirepoix :
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Toulouse : the charming capital of the Occitania region. A major city with a village feel that boasts more than 2,000 years of history. www.toulouse-visit.com
55 from Mirepoix :
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Sorèze, Revel/Saint Ferréol : the Lac de Saint Ferréol, the main reservoir for the Canal du Midi, is set in enchanting surroundings. www.auxsourcesducanaldumidi.com
Outdoor activities
Hiking
From Foix :
- Le Chemin des Bonshommes : from Foix to Berga in Spain, this legendary footpath takes you past the castles at Roquefixade and Montségur in the footsteps of the Cathars fleeing the Inquisition. It can be completed in one go (12 days) or in sections. It can also be completed on horseback or by mountain bike.
Hiking
From Mirepoix :
- The Cathar Pyrenees Voie Verte: a 42km traffic-free cycle path from Mirepoix to Lavelanet. It follows the course of the old railway line built for Lavelanet's textile industry in the early 19th century.
Swimming
25 minutes from Mirepoix :
- Lac de Montbel : a magnificent 600-hectare lake with an indented shoreline. Seasonal activities include swimming (two beaches with lifeguards), sailing, migratory bird watching and walking around the lake (16 km).
Gardens
20 minutes from Mirepoix :
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The Parc aux Bambous, Lapenne : a superb bamboo garden created by Jean Denat in the middle of the countryside, officially recognised as a 'Jardin remarquable'.
www.parcauxbambous.com
Fairs and festivals
25 minutes from Foix :
- Musiques au pays de Gabriel Fauré, Pamiers : a vibrant tribute to the composer Gabriel Fauré, born in Pamiers in 1845. In June, September and October.
- Fiesta in Pamiers: salsa, flamenco, street entertainment and other colourful and festive goings-on. In July.
5 minutes from Saint-Lizier :
- Théâtrales en Couserans, Saint-Girons: theatre and puppetry on a different theme every year. In June, July and Augus