Indian summer in Couserans in Ariège

Are you looking at the calendar and feeling nostalgic? Cheer up, the Indian summer in Ariège is a wonderful opportunity to go on holiday. The weather is still nice and warm, we walk around in T-shirts, we dip our feet in the river with a little taste of summer in the air. In the evening, it is cooler and we appreciate the mild weather without the heatwave. Ready for a holiday in Ariège, as the start of the school year looms? Let's go to Couserans !

Nature is the star of the holidays

Already the trees are changing color, the light is punctuated with magnificent orange touches. The sunsets at this time of year are unparalleled, because the light is low and still bright, nature is shimmering and still well-stocked! It is the ideal time to go hiking and walking in the countryside. The mountain is welcoming, like the inhabitants!

I offer you nature getaways in the Couserans. This region in the west of the department borders the Haute Garonne, which explains its Gascon accents. The landscape is hilly, that's the least we can say of this region with 18 valleys ! Just that, for the happiness of your sneakers and your backpack ! The Couserans is a preserved region, some would say landlocked, but that's not entirely accurate because Saint-Girons, the largest city in this part of Ariège, is only 1 hour 20 minutes' drive from the pink city. The Pyrenees Ariégeoises Natural Park awaits you and to rest from all these emotions, you might take a few days of relaxation at the Aulus-les-Bains spa ?

We walk, we hike

Around Bethmale, the town with the delicious and eponymous cheese (don't miss out on tasting it!), you will enjoy the landscapes with emerald-coloured lakes, where the surrounding mid-mountains are reflected. Go for a walk to Lake Bethmale at an altitude of over 1000 metres, where fishing is practised and the beech forest that borders it is a place conducive to recharging your batteries. Around Ayet, which is a few minutes away, there are medium and long-distance hikes for lovers of beautiful walks. Several peaks share the spotlight: Cap de Bouirex, Mont Valier, and Barlonguère mountain. Follow the guide!

On the side of La Bastide de Sérou, which is a well-located holiday resort (not far from the capital of the region: Foix ), beautiful walks await you towards the Lac de Mondely which you can walk around and enjoy a stop for a picnic with a beautiful view of the hillsides.

The Gariné tour (the name of a Pouch, a hill) is interesting because it is educational, a beautiful 3-hour loop which starts in the village.

Another 2.5 hour loop towards the mountains overlooking the town, towards the Chapelle de Joseph.

Mountain bike enthusiasts can take a ride to Saint-Girons via the Foix greenway.

The fun activity to do with the family in the Seix region is caving ! Have you ever visited the inside of a cave ? Accompanied by a professional, you will be in complete safety, he will offer you a reading of the local geology, will take you inside the earth, to appreciate the freshness, the darkness and the silence...

Chasms, underground rivers, beginners and the more experienced will find in this region something to discover a new activity or train their passion!

Not far from Seix, we recommend that you stop by Grenier à Jambons, artisan charcutiers and farm producers to discover traditional know-how.

Discover the Biros Valley, a magnificent natural setting for family hikes as well as steep peaks for the most well-equipped professionals! Classified Natura 2000, it is a magical place for observing the fauna of the Pyrenees Ariégeoises Regional Natural Park.

Local markets

To taste the local gastronomy, don't miss the many fairs and local markets.

• Wednesday morning in Saint-Lizier
• Saturday morning in Saint-Girons
• Thursday morning in Seix
• Thursday morning at the Bastide de Sérou
• Tuesday morning in Castillon-en-Couserans
• Sunday morning in Engomer

In October, many fairs and festivals take place, such as the Saint-Luc Fair, the Apple Festival, flower market, descent of the summer pastures, etc. Ask the Tourist Offices as soon as you arrive, they will be aware of local events.

We wish you a wonderful nature holiday in the Couserans! Follow us on the Toulouse Pyrénées Guide Facebook Page for ideas for outings and beautiful photos!