Gourmet getaway in the heart of Couserans: everything is good in Saint-Girons!

Nestled at the foot of the Ariège Pyrenees , Saint-Girons is renowned for its warm welcome . Crossed by two torrents, the Salat and the Lez , the smiling city has everything to please. Its picturesque streets are surrounded by a beautiful hilly and green landscape , but what attracts crowds in the gastronomic capital of Couserans is the Saturday morning market . High in colors and flavors, this meeting of all the craftsmen who came down from the mountains to sell the best of regional products , is for many, eagerly awaited for its conviviality!

The Saint-Girons market, the most beautiful in the region!

Every Saturday morning , it is the same ritual in Saint-Girons . The city, which usually has “only” 6,500 inhabitants, becomes a giant, cheerful and colorful crowd. Here, we hear all languages spoken, in a very baba-cool atmosphere. The 120 or so passionate exhibitors found there offer mostly organic, natural local products, without pesticides or GMOs , such as Bethmale cheese , or products from regional crafts such as wool . Our favorite stand is undoubtedly that of Guillaume, from the Jardins d'Illas , offering a range of old varieties of vegetables , guaranteed without crossing, and cultivated with animal traction.

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Good cheese from the region

A little massage?

After the market, you will not miss the tradition of drinking a coffee on the terrace of Bouchon , the small bar in the square , listening to listen to the musicians who warm the atmosphere. And finally, take a look at the Bouquinerie des Arcades . Located in front of Le Bouchon, the shelves in this pretty old-style shop are full of second-hand books from floor to ceiling.

An inspired cellist at the Saint-Girons market

La Bouquinerie des Arcades

A little foam at La Brouche craft brewery?

In Ariège , micro-breweries are growing like mushrooms, to the delight of our taste buds. And Saint-Girons is not to be outdone on the subject! Since 2005, Pierre-Jean, Eric, Bastien, Marie-Hélène and Maxime have brewed 1,000 hectoliters of beer per year in their brewery in the city center . Their star? La Brouche , a light blonde with spring water and organic malt that has made their reputation in the region. Since then, the range has expanded, and Pierre-Jean's son has even created a range of handcrafted lemonades which completes it wonderfully.

La Brouche, craft brewery of Ariège-Pyrénées

You will know everything about brewing!

The brasserie can be visited free of charge from Wednesday to Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. On site, you can admire the gigantic copper vats containing the precious elixir, understand the manufacturing process , taste it , and even leave with a few bottles to brighten up your evenings.

The huge beer vats

It's not just the blonde in life!

You must taste!

Delight and tradition at the Croustades Boutique in Saint-Girons

Whether stuffed with plums, apples or pears , the croustade has been part of the couserannese heritage for more than four centuries. Flour , melted butter , egg yolks , sugar , and a hint of rum , this is the secret of this improved puff pastry that cracks in the mouth and contains a precious and tender fruit compote. A real little bomb in the mouth!

The croustade, gourmet pride of Couserans

This delicious dessert is also the subject of a small regional war which will make the best croustade . One thing is certain, the best crisp in Saint-Girons , you will taste it at the Boutique in Croustades , where since 1983, Martine Crespo operates according to tradition, with good products from the region.

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Article written by Léa Dürr for the Toulouse Pyrénées Guide

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