BuiltWithNOF

Places to explore

Stone map of the Ariege

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Carcasonne: This medieval fortress town survived intact the Cathar wars and has made it the second most visited site in France. The walls and turrets have been restored and you can appreciate its magnificent splendour. The narrow streets and small squares house many interesting craft shops and it is an excellent place to find interesting souvenirs.

Other Cathar castles within easy reach are Foix, a fairytale castle in good repair; Roquefixade which is the next village and the mountain fortress of Montsegur, the last castle to fall in the Albigensian Crusade where a massacre took place. You can see the castle from our house.

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Wander the narrow streets of Foix

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Carcasonne

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Montsegur

Mirepoix: A beautiful walled town (bastide) with its impressive square surrounded by a medieval colonnade boasts one of the best markets in the Ariege.  Monday is the day to visit.

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Grotte de Mas d’Azil

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Mirepoix on a Monday

Grotte de Mas d’Azil: The road and river run through this enormous grotto and the sound of the rushing water is very exciting. Kids love this!

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St. Girons

Wander around the many mountain villages in the beautiful Ariege sunshine ......

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Mountain villages

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.... and streams

..... or visit the local markets

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Pots: Do you have any other colours?

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Sampling the local produce

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Veg: here are your 5 a day

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Tractor - One careful owner

There are many other attractions in the locality that may be of interest and these include;

Spain and Andorra: Both only about 90 minutes away by car on a beautiful mountain road make an interesting day out. Andorra (la Vella) is a shoppers’ paradise with duty free shopping.

Albi : Under two hours drive, the Toulouse Lautrec Museum and the imposing cathedral are well worth a visit.

Figueres:  The Salvador Dali Museum is a must. There are several parts to this museum showing all aspects of his work. It can be enjoyed by adults and children alike and is a memorable day out.

St Lizier: This ancient Roman town is classed amongst the most beautiful villages of France. It is a resting point on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostella and boasts the Archbishops Palace and two Cathedrals.

The underground river of Labouiche: You can go with a guide by boat on the largest navigable underground river in Europe. An exciting experience!

Forge de Pyrennes. An outdoor museum of life and crafts in former times, this is 7 kilometres away and makes a good afternoon out.

Le Parc de l’Art Prehistorique: Life in the time of Cave men is beautifully recreated here with many activities and a great time out for the children

La Ferme aux Bisons:  The Bison farm with daily visits by tractor drawn carts or in 4x4s is not far. It has its own restaurant with produce from the farm (reservations necessary)

While you are in the area why not have a day trip out the the Languedoc region ....

The Languedoc. Click here to open this site in a new windowThe Languedoc in the South of France: Click here for everything you need to know about the Languedoc-Roussillon - weather, holidays, beaches, property, tourism and travel, Cathar castles, history, sports, food and wine, and everyday living.

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