3 days to discover the most beautiful cities of Ariège Pyrenees! From Saint-Lizier to Foix, this roadtrip will encourage you to explore the magnificent villages of Ariège, colorful, astonishing, captivating. On the roads, take the time to appreciate the tranquility of the valleys and the beauty of the landscapes.
⌛ 3 days
🚗 Driving time: 2h
(I.e. Departure Arrival : Saint-Lizier / Foix
🛣️ 134km (loop)
DAY 1
- Departure to Saint-Lizier
- Saint-Girons route ➡️ Carla-Bayle: 🚗 38 km ⏳ 45 min
STOP n ° 1: Saint-Lizier
At the foot of the Couserans mountains, this village is a living memory of the great era of the pilgrimage to Compostela and a stage of the Pyrenean Piedmont Trail (GR78). As such, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A former Gallo-Roman site, the city has many monuments that bear witness to its rich past. The cathedral built in the XNUMXth century contains in its apse, a magnificent set of Romanesque frescoes. In the north apse, a set from the same period illustrates Celestial Jerusalem.
![Cloître de Saint Lizier Ariège Pyrénées]()
Cloister of Saint Lizier © Ariège Pyrénées Tourisme / S.Meurisse ![Peintures sur le plafond de la Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Sède à Saint Lizier]()
Paintings on the ceiling of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame-de-la-Sède in Saint Lizier © Ariège Pyrénées Tourisme / S.Meurisse
The Romanesque cloister is surmounted by a gallery added in the XNUMXth century. The Treasury of the Bishops of Saint-Lizier presents a collection of valuable goldsmith's work, the centerpiece of which is the bust of Saint-Lizier in chiseled silver dating from the Renaissance.
Free visits to the cathedral and the cloister all year round.
Stop n ° 2: Le Carla Bayle
Its heritage testifies to a prestigious past, its ramparts illuminated at night are a privileged place to walk for those who know how to appreciate the charm of picturesque alleys, half-timbered houses ... The village also overlooks the lake, located below and offers a point of incomparable view of the Pyrenees chain.
![Village du Carla Bayle Ariège Pyrénées]()
Carla Bayle village © Ariège Pyrénées Tourisme / S.Meurisse ![Vue depuis les ruelles du Carla Bayle Ariège Pyrénées]()
Narrow streets of Carla Bayle © Ariège Pyrénées Tourisme / S.Meurisse
Today considered by all as the art village of Ariège, Carla-Bayle is home to many artist galleries, some of which can be visited all year round!
Day 2
Between Carla Bayle and Mirepoix, you can stop halfway at Saint-Martin-d'Oydes, the only bastide in Occitania with a rounded shape.
Stop n ° 1: Mirepoix
- Carla-Bayle route ➡️ Mirepoix: 🚗 54 km ⏳ 1h
Take the time to stroll around Mirepoix! This beautiful medieval country house made of wood and cob, gives itself to those who know how to take the time to approach it and enter into its history ... Warm and welcoming, it will seduce you in all seasons. The city was rebuilt according to the regular plans of the bastides after a large flood in 1289. The square has retained its original and medieval structure.
![Maisons à colombages et couverts de Mirepoix Ariège Pyrénées]()
Half-timbered and covered houses in Mirepoix © Ariège Pyrénées Tourisme / S.Meurisse ![Ville de Mirepoix Ariège Pyrénées]()
City of Mirepoix © Ariège Pyrénées Tourisme / S.Meurisse
You will be able to observe the magnificent XNUMXth century covered place with its half-timbered houses.
Stop n ° 2: Camon
- Mirepoix route ➡️ Camon: 🚗 13 km ⏳ 15 min
Surrounded by the Hers by a wide loop, the peaceful village of Camon blooms in a superb setting of hillsides. A subtle invitation between history and architecture, Camon is also the village of a hundred rose bushes. He dresses in colors and scents from May.
![Porte de Camon Ariège Pyrénées]()
Porte de Camon © Ariège Pyrénées Tourisme / S.Meurisse ![Roses à Camon Ariège Pyrénées]()
Roses in Camon © Ariège Pyrénées Tourisme / S.Meurisse
Day 3
- Camon route ➡️ Foix: 🚗 44 km ⏳ 48 min
Stop n ° 1: THE town of Foix
Where to park for free in Foix:
- Parking de la Vignes (240 spaces)
- Champ de mars car park (260 spaces)
What a pleasure to stroll through the small narrow streets of Foix, the secret passages, the pontils of the rue des Grands Ducs, the half-timbered houses of the Place Parmentier, the so-called “goose” fountain which in fact represents a swan. , the grain market, the Saint-Volusien abbey ... keep your eyes wide open and dare to take the detours through the small alleys ...
Stop n ° 2: The castle
At the foot of the castle, discover the brand new 2000 m2 museum space and get to know the various Counts of Foix, their wives, their passions, their beliefs and their daily lives of hunts, wars, politics and parties. A visiting companion (also available in foreign languages) will guide you through beautiful stories punctuated by games, interactive content and augmented reality.
As for the castle, it promises an exceptional view of the town of Foix from its terraces or from the top of its towers. Participatory workshops to learn how to handle medieval weapons delight young and old!
🚨THE MUSEUM REMAINS OPEN
From November 6, 2023 to June 17, 2024, the Château de Foix closes for even greater accessibility for all and has a new elevator! The museum remains open throughout the work, come and discover it at registration deadline !
End of the roadtrip!
Return journey to Saint-Lizier 45km - 42min