Cathar Pyrenees, visits and discovery

Located to the east of Ariège, on the border of the Aude, this territory, labeled “Country of Art and History”, is structured around two cantonal capitals: Lavelanet and Mirepoix.
Between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, nature and history have combined to create grandiose sites and places reminiscent of past centuries. Relive the Cathar epic, the history of the weavers and the atmosphere of the Middle Ages ...

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Mirepoix and Montségur, the 2 jewels

Mirepoix, essential medieval country house whose heart beats around its surprising XNUMXth century cutlery. The castle of Montségur: last bastion of the Cathar church that it is essential to visit to discover and understand the history of its fellows.

Les terrasses et maisons à colombages de Mirepoix Ariège Pyrénées — Terraces in Mirepoix © Ariège Pyrénées Tourisme / S.Meurisse

Terraces in Mirepoix © Ariège Pyrénées Tourisme / S.Meurisse

Discover these two essentials

The destination of the Cathar Pyrenees is the cradle of lesser-known places, but of incredible beauty: the cave church of Vals, the castle of Roquefixity, the fortified village of Camon, the only Plus Beaux Villages de France in Ariège.

Exceptional natural sites, summer, winter

In addition to the extraordinary historical remains, the Cathar Pyrenees are the landmark of atypical and unspoiled natural places: the Belesta forest, the ravens chasm, the Fontestorbes intermittent fountain, the imposing Montbel lake… As well as a privileged place for all craftsmen and artists: stained glass artists, potters, woodturners, sculptors…

Roses à Camon — Roses in Camon © Ariège Pyrénées Tourisme / S.Meurisse

La fontaine de Fonterstorbes — Roses in Camon © Ariège Pyrénées Tourisme / S.Meurisse

Winter is in the Monts d'Olmes that travelers like to meet: the ski resort for children who grow up.

50 minutes from Foix and 1h45 from Toulouse, with its 21 km of slopes for 18 tracks, skiing, tobogganing, walks or snowshoeing are possible all winter. The Monts d'Olmes resort has everything to please families, groups of friends, toddlers.

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