The mythical passes of the Pyrenees

Day 1: 20 km stage: Reception at the hotel Le Manoir d'Agnès in Tarascon-sur-Ariège.
The city of Tarascon-sur-Ariège is at the crossroads of the valleys, such a strategic point to allow you to cross the road of the passes. It is an essential step to immerse yourself in the prehistoric past of Ariège that we invite you to discover.
To start, visit the Grotte de Niaux, classified as a Great Occitan Site, with its real cave paintings dating back 14 years.
Then you will be welcomed at the Prehistoric Park.
Installation in the rooms, dinner at the restaurant. Overnight.

Day 2: 147 km stage: After breakfast, take the pretty ledge road on the mountainside on the sunny side of the valley. This typical mountain road is dotted with small Romanesque chapels, such as that of Axiat or Unac, which your guide, Mélanie, will show you around.
On your way, be sure to stop off at Ax-les-Thermes, a charming spa town which has the hottest waters in the Pyrenees (up to 77°C). Open-air pools allow you to take advantage of these waters with high mineral content, rich in sulfur and with well-known anti-inflammatory properties.
For the lunch break we have selected for you the panoramic restaurant of the Col du Chioula (1 m).
A gourmet stage at the top of the pass which connects the upper Ariège valley and the Sault plateau!
The ascent of the Col de Pailhères, one of the highest passes that the professionals of the Grande Boucle had to climb for the 100th of the Tour de France in 2013 from the village of Mijanés will lead you to the Port of Pailhères, (2 m ). Please note: access is closed in winter due to snow. Admirable point of view on the laces which characterize this road which winds up the side of the mountain to descend on the Donezan, known as the Ariege Quebec.
The next stage takes you to the Plateau de Beille, the largest Nordic ski area in the Pyrenees, located at an altitude of 1 m. In summer, Jason Lacube, charismatic breeder from the valley, welcomes you for a walk to meet the herd on the pastures. He will tell you about his profession, all punctuated by anecdotes and Pyrenean songs. You surely know him, you saw him on TV on France 800 in the program Échappées Belles!
On the way back down, stop at the Breeder's Shop in the village of Les cabannes to discover all the flavors of local producers and artisans.
Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

Day 3: 174 km stage: Breakfast and getaway in the Ariège Pyrenees Natural Park.
Your day begins in the valley of the Montcalm massif, the highest peak in Ariège (3 m). On the road leading to Vicdessos you will see the castle of Miglos, an old medieval fortress.
Direction the Port of Lers at 1 m on the road of the passes and passage to the Etang de Lers known to geologists around the world for lherzolite, a rare magmatic rock, which gives the landscape a lunar aspect in full contrast with the vegetation. .
Continue along the cols route, passing the Col d'Agnes (1 m), well known thanks to the Tour de France.
The landscape is wonderful ! Do not miss the barns of Cominac, a small hamlet with houses with typical architecture with their bird's-eye roof.
Lunch at Le Carré de l'Ange restaurant in Saint-Lizier.
Guided tour of the episcopal city of Saint-Lizier, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stopover on the way to Santiago de Compostela, classified as a Grand Site Occitanie.
The cathedral, its cloister, the treasury and the XNUMXth century pharmacy are absolutely beautiful. Magnificent panorama of the Pyrenees and Mont Valier from the terraces of the Palais des Évêques.
Visit and tasting of Pyrenean cheese at the Gourmand mill in Engomer.
Return to Tarascon via Massat and the Col de Port.
Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Breakfast. : End of benefits.