Le Couserans

Le Couseransis a province of Gascony, a territory located on the west part of the Ariège. It is composed of several valleys (18!!) with landscapes at various altitudes, between foothills and high mountains. The main town is Saint-Girons. It is a landstill "rustic" in the positive sense of the word, full of traditions. The Mont Valier and the Pic du Crabère (the most famous peaks) are synonymous with outdoor activities in summer and in winter. The ski resorts are visited by families and by Alpine and Nordic ski enthusiasts. The Pyrénées Ariègeois Regional Nature Park is part of this 100% natural territory. Thanks to the mountains, it is also a land of water, water is omnipresent via the many rivers, small waterfalls and streams which wind around the characterful towns and villages. The Couseransis also synonymous with pleasure with the Aulus-les-Bains spas, in short there is something for everyone, for holidays in the fresh air. 

Saint-Lizier

Is the religious capital of the Couserans, due to its position as the episcopal see of the department during the 5th century. The land around the town has been inhabited since Prehistoric times; an excavation site has revealed human occupation since the Magdalenian era. The Compostelle Road of the Pyrenean Piémont goes through town and 84 objects and several historic monuments are present in the commune. Saint-Lizieris part of the Grands Sites de Midi Pyrénées, an important recognition of this not to be missed tourism capital! In Saint-Lizier, visit the prehistoric shelter, the beautiful Saint-Lizier Cathedral, The Palais des évêques Museum, the treasure of the archbishop as well as the Notre Dame du Marsan Chapel.

Guide Toulouse Pyrénées’ Best Tips:

• Do you know what a “Georgette” is? It is a culinary instrument, invented in Saint-Lizier. Anutensil inspired by the cutlery of the Canadians Inuits, made of spoon, a forkand a sharpened handle like a knife. All of this on one object. In 2016, the Georgette received a golden medal at the Lépine Competition. Maybe the future of cutlery?
• Visit the 8th century pharmacy, a sort of museum, with faience and period instruments, educational guided tour with fun anecdotes!
• A superb theme park for all the family: Au Pays des Traces, learn everything to recognise everything on a nature trail.
• There is a lovely Roman bridge to see at the village’s exit. 

Saint-Girons

Is the most important town of the Couserans, located at a crossroad between the foothills and the mountains. It is also a trade crossroad; the town was on the salt road towards Spain and was part of an important industrial period.

The weekly market of Saint-Girons, on Saturday morning, is one of the ‘not to be missed’ of the Couserans, a moment where the traditions (culinary and others)of the surrounding mountains merge. It is renowned all the way up to Toulouse! On the heritage side, visit the Saint-Girons Church and its great organ; the Vicomtes Castle, which houses a library; and the Saint-Valier church.

Guide Toulouse Pyrénées’Best Tips: 

• Visit the Chemin de la Liberté Museum (Free Road Museum), which retrace the epic of the passage of the Pyrenees to escape occupied France during World War II.
• Do you like the Monségur cheese? It is made only by the Fromageries Occitanes in Saint-Lizier!
• Go to the Ariège Pyrénées Brasserie Artisanale (craft brewery) or the Orge Folle Brewery, for a malted visit and of course, a tasting...
• Not far from Saint-Girons, in Rimont, we recommend the visit of the Combelongue Abbey.
• At the beginning of August, you can attend the annual Festival des Rencontres Internationales Traditions et Ethnie (Annual International Festival of folk and customs).

La Bastide de Sérou

A well located place for a nature holiday! At the east of Couserans, towards Foix, the Bastide of Sérou is a dynamic commune, where it is pleasant to have a walk. Discover the Unjat Chapel, with the Pyrenees Mountains as backdrop, several beautiful 18th century houses, the Tour du Loup (Wolf Tower) and a great covered hall market. Discover also the Ferme aux Reptiles (Reptiles Farm), breeding and exhibition of snakes, tortoises, iguanas and other cold blood creatures! Enjoy the eco-vivarium all in wood and powered by solar panels. The Mondely Lake is a great place to observe the animals of this eco system, many hiking trails are available, as well as activities at the summer nautical centre. 

Guide Toulouse Pyrénées’ Best Tips:

• Grab your mountain bike for a long rideon the Foix Green Way, connecting Saint-Girons and passing by the commune.
• The Golf enthusiasts can practice their swing at the Ariège Pyrénées Eco Golf. 

Seix

Labelled "Station Verte" (Green Resort), with an altitude compromising between 500 to 2,800 metres, the Seix commune is watered by the Salat River and close to Spain. If the mine industry was the main activity and income generator in the past, today it is tourism. While out walking, discover:  La Garde Castle, the Exhibition Centre and Museum located in the Seix Castle, the Mirabat Castle, the church and its Barroccopediment. But in Seix, there are also a lot of nature activities, hiking (appreciate the beautiful GR10 close to the quarries of Vert d'Estours), water activities and... relaxation! The Valier Reserve, a nature reserve which peaks at 2,838 metres with the famous Mont-Valier is a real pleasure all year round. Photographers and patient walkers see many wild animals, rare birds and transhumant pastoral herds.

Guide Toulouse Pyrénées’ Best Tips:

• Check the beautiful view from the Haut SalatBridge!
• Close to the Notre Dame de Pitié Chapel, discover the Jardin de Curé (The Priest’s Garden), a very pleasant and surprising green space, managed by volunteers who are delighted to talk about their work.  

Bethmale

The beautiful rocky mountain as evoked in its Gascony name, is a valley in the heart of the Pyrénées Ariégeoises, a well preserved nature area with emerald colours... There are many hiking trails, well signed and suited (depending on the section) to all ages. The Bethmale Lake is beautiful and easily accessible, even for disabled access. Fishing enthusiasts and hikers alike love it! 

Guide Toulouse Pyrénées’ Best Tips:

• Close to the village of Ayet, you can see a surprisingmonument, a menhir: the "Peyro-Quillado", a mysteriousgranite block of 2.1m high...
• The Ayes Lake, where it is possible to bath during summer, is relatively accessible with your family (depending on the age of the children), from the car parkat Mount Nera 2h35 walk with a climb of 340metres.
• In front of the Arrien Village, are the ruins of the Brame-Vaque Dungeon,like a set from a film...

• Cheese enthusiasts will be happy to taste the Bethmale, an uncooked creamy hard cheese, made from the milk of Gascony’s cow.

Aulus-les-bains

Another nature destination, for leisure and...spas! In Aulus-les-Bains, we get active at altitude and we go back to the village to relax. In winter, the snow covers the commune and in summer, the mountains are so green that they are blinding! The resort of Guzetis very nearby for skiers.  Since 1824, Aulus-les-Bain has exploited the healing properties of its waters. Spa patients can choose different packages of treatments and for the fun, there is a family aqua-relaxation area.
Top Tip: Spa packages include outdoor activities (snowshoe, hiking...). InAulus-les-Bains,is  the splendid Ars Waterfalls on three levels are ward for a good 4 hour hike (difficult for children under 6 years old).