The Ariège Pyrenees offer visitors its wide open spaces, the authenticity of a region anchored in the mountains to the south of the Toulouse plain. Here, nature rubs shoulders with the many vestiges of medieval times linked to the history of the Cathars.
Location
Cathar Pyrenees
Located to the east of Ariège, on the border of the Aude, this territory, labeled "Country of Art and History", revolves around [...]
Your program
1 - Day 1 - The fortified town of Mirepoix
You will be welcomed at the Hotel Les Minotiers*** in Mirepoix.
Starting point of your program: the bastide of Mirepoix. Mirepoix reveals its secrets and hidden treasures to you. Your guide will endeavor to reveal to you the history of this pretty country house and its monuments: the cathedral, the covered market, the Galerie des Couvert and its half-timbered houses ... Good to know: Mirepoix cathedral has one of the widest naves in Europe! And the Monday morning market is one of the most beautiful markets in the department.
Installation in the rooms, dinner at the restaurant. Overnight.
Starting point of your program: the bastide of Mirepoix. Mirepoix reveals its secrets and hidden treasures to you. Your guide will endeavor to reveal to you the history of this pretty country house and its monuments: the cathedral, the covered market, the Galerie des Couvert and its half-timbered houses ... Good to know: Mirepoix cathedral has one of the widest naves in Europe! And the Monday morning market is one of the most beautiful markets in the department.
Installation in the rooms, dinner at the restaurant. Overnight.
2 - Day 2 - The castle of Lagarde
50 km stage:
Breakfast and departure for the Château de Lagarde.
In the company of your guide, discover the main family residence of Lévis in the XNUMXth century. This castle will be modified in calmer times to become a real residential palace surrounded by its French gardens. The monument has retained its original plan and shell; today it offers majestic ruins. We would have nicknamed him "the little Versailles"!
Lunch at the Domaine de la Besse in Camon.
You will be welcomed in the old stables of the farm with a splendid view of the Pyrenean chain. You can enjoy traditional cuisine with farm and regional products.
Guided tour of the fortified village of Camon.
Discover this magnificent fortified village classified among "the most beautiful villages in France", nicknamed "the village of a hundred roses". Follow the guide through the medieval streets to the church to discover the treasure, the priory and admire the ramparts of "little Carcassonne"!
Take the road that will take you for a foray into the Aude department to stop at the Château de Chalabre.
Before returning home, don't forget to stop at Lac de Montbel: a real gem in a natural setting.
Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
In the company of your guide, discover the main family residence of Lévis in the XNUMXth century. This castle will be modified in calmer times to become a real residential palace surrounded by its French gardens. The monument has retained its original plan and shell; today it offers majestic ruins. We would have nicknamed him "the little Versailles"!
Lunch at the Domaine de la Besse in Camon.
You will be welcomed in the old stables of the farm with a splendid view of the Pyrenean chain. You can enjoy traditional cuisine with farm and regional products.
Guided tour of the fortified village of Camon.
Discover this magnificent fortified village classified among "the most beautiful villages in France", nicknamed "the village of a hundred roses". Follow the guide through the medieval streets to the church to discover the treasure, the priory and admire the ramparts of "little Carcassonne"!
Take the road that will take you for a foray into the Aude department to stop at the Château de Chalabre.
Before returning home, don't forget to stop at Lac de Montbel: a real gem in a natural setting.
Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
3 - Day 3 - The town of Foix
115 km stage:
Breakfast and direction the city of Foix. With its beautiful castle, this stage will be an opportunity to immerse yourself in medieval times. Entirely renovated, this fortress which dominates the city, offers visitors both interactive and fun activities thanks in particular to new technologies and the handling of objects straight out of the Middle Ages. Lunch on the banks of the Ariège. On the way to the Cathar castles!
After a stop at the castle of Roquefixade to learn about its history, you will be welcomed at the foot of the castle of Montségur, the last refuge of the Cathars. Your guide will offer you a conference at the foot of the castle or accompany him within the walls of the castle at an altitude of 1 m.
To recover from your emotions, visit the artisanal lemonade factory of Fontestorbes in Bélesta, whose natural ingredients give it an exceptional taste. Perhaps it is because of the water from the intermittent fountain of Fontestorbes (a true mystery of nature) which enters into its composition?... A refreshing stopover!
Do not leave without having visited the workshop and shop manufacturing horn and wood objects from local species in Bélesta.
And before leaving the department, go through Vira to meet Thomas, winemaker from Coteaux d'Engraviès, whose organic wine benefits from the IGP Ariège appellation. He will offer you a tasting on the estate and if your heart tells you, you can take a good bottle of this drink from the Pyrenees.
End of benefits.
After a stop at the castle of Roquefixade to learn about its history, you will be welcomed at the foot of the castle of Montségur, the last refuge of the Cathars. Your guide will offer you a conference at the foot of the castle or accompany him within the walls of the castle at an altitude of 1 m.
To recover from your emotions, visit the artisanal lemonade factory of Fontestorbes in Bélesta, whose natural ingredients give it an exceptional taste. Perhaps it is because of the water from the intermittent fountain of Fontestorbes (a true mystery of nature) which enters into its composition?... A refreshing stopover!
Do not leave without having visited the workshop and shop manufacturing horn and wood objects from local species in Bélesta.
And before leaving the department, go through Vira to meet Thomas, winemaker from Coteaux d'Engraviès, whose organic wine benefits from the IGP Ariège appellation. He will offer you a tasting on the estate and if your heart tells you, you can take a good bottle of this drink from the Pyrenees.
End of benefits.
Prices / Validity
Adult: from 237 €.
The price does not include
The price does not include: Transportation, personal expenses, optional travel/cancellation insurance.
The price includes
The price includes: 2 nights in a hotel** with private parking, double room basis, meals from dinner on the 1st day to lunch on the last day with wine and coffee, guided tours and entrances to the sites mentioned in the program, guarding of the car parks in the town of Foix and Camon, the road book, the tourist tax.
Stay
Accommodation
- Hotel
- 3 stars