Saint-girons, Ariège, Midi-Pyrénées

The road to freedom is a historic route. The Couserans, which borders Spain, has been a strategic crossing point since time immemorial, particularly during the darkest hours of our history. History of the road to freedom : After the German offensive of May 1940 and the division of France into two parts occupied zone in the North and a free zone in the South, many civilians and soldiers, fleeing a world of persecution, imprisonment and executions that was inseparable from Nazi barbarism, took refuge as soon as they could in this free zone, synonymous with hope. Their common denominator was the vital need to leave France and reach Spain by crossing the Pyrenees, either simply out of an instinct for survival, or to resist inexorably the unbearable oppression. Nearly 3,000 people - 2,506 men and 158 women - crossed the Spanish border through the Couserans during the Second World War. Among the various routes, one of the most emblematic and representative is the Chemin de la Liberté, already mentioned above, linking Saint-Girons to Sort across the Pyrenees, via Mont-Valier.

Starting in Saint-Girons, this trail offers great views over the Salat valley and the high peaks. After just a few climbs, you'll already be in the mountains!

A fun walk with interpretation panels to discover the geological curiosities of the Sourroque Massif, including the Degaudez chasm. Great for the whole family!

During this country walk, you'll have the chance to contemplate beautiful panoramic views of the Pyrenean mountain range and the valleys. Discover the old marble quarry and pass by the rock-climbing crags.

This pretty loop takes you through the woods and meadows of the Couserans region, where you can admire beautiful views of the border chain and some fine barns. A beautiful loop around the village of Moulis in the Castillonnais valley.

A very sunny walk. The path passes through undergrowth and rises above the Vallée du Lez, offering superb views of the high border peaks.

This looping route passes through small villages and hedgerows, offering a variety of panoramic views of the Pyrenees and the surrounding hills. Part of the trail follows the Chemin de la Liberté.

The Tour Sainte Catherine offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Balaguères valley and the high peaks of the Castillonnais. This vestige, visible from afar, is the only evidence of a castral dating from the 12th to 13th centuries.

Departing from the small village of Contrazy, this pleasant hike will take you between forest and open views, to contemplate the hills of the foothills topped by the Pyrenean massif. A walk that takes you to the highest point in the Volvestre Ariègeois at an altitude of 698 m (signposted).

Departing from the small village of Contrazy, this pleasant hike will take you between forest and open views, to contemplate the hills of the foothills topped by the Pyrenean massif. This walk will take you to the highest point in the Volvestre Ariègeois at an altitude of 698 m (signposted). This walk begins on a very pretty path leading up to the ‘old canton of St Girons’. As you follow this boundary, you'll be treated to a beautiful panoramic view of the hilly commune of Montesquieu-Avantès and its farms scattered throughout the landscape. At the end of the forest (marked by a milestone), you will know that you are at the meeting point of three cantons, Le Mas d'Azil to the east, St Girons to the south and Ste Croix to the west, and four communes, Camarade, Montesquieu-Aventès, Contrazy and Mauvezin de Ste Croix. On the way back to Contrazy, just before the village, you'll discover a magnificent view of Lasserre and the Pyrenees, overlooking the church at Montardit. You can also enjoy a view of the fir forest, which in autumn offers a patchwork of colours from the dark green of the firs to the shimmering colours of the broad-leaved trees.

Paul Fontvieille offers up exceptional cuisine inspired by the Pyrenees, always guided by the search for perfection.

This quiet, family-run campsite is located in the Haut Couserans, in the heart of the Ariège, at the foot of the second largest cirque of the Pyrenees: the Cagateille cirque, near the alpine ski resort of Guzet. The team welcomes you during all school holidays and from June to September at the municipal campsite of Saint-Lizier d'Ustou, a village situated 750 m above sea level in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Nature Park. From this pied-à-terre, you can discover the cultural heritage of the Haut-Salat (the colporteurs or bear tamers museums, the transhumance festival and much more), explore its nature in every season through various activities (fishing, hiking & walking, downhill skiing, kayaking, mountain biking, trail biking, paragliding, and a high-ropes course).

RIDE THE WAVES OF THE NOGUERA PALLARESA AND ENJOY RIVERBOARDING! RIDE THE WAVES OF THE NOGUERA PALLARESA AND ENJOY RIVERBOARDING! In the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees, head out into the water with your float and surf the waves of the Noguera Pallaresa. Visitors will enjoy the 8km section of the river with it's whitewater. Participants are supervised by guides and followed with cars the entire route.

IN THE HEART OF THE SPANISH PYRENEES, EXPLORE THE COLLEGATS GORGE BY CANYONING! Accompanied by your expert guide, head out to discvoer the waterfalls, rocks, and natural pools in Collegats. Visitors will be able to admire and master the canyon as they make their way down. On the program: hikiing, rappelling, natural slides, a bit of swimming and a few jumps! Mix all these fun activities together and have an adventure that is fit for all skill levels! 

EXPLORE NATURE AS YOU RAFT THE NOGUERA PALLARESA IN THE HEART OF THE SPANISH PYRENEES! EXPLORE NATURE AS YOU RAFT THE NOGUERA PALLARESA IN THE HEART OF THE SPANISH PYRENEES! Depart from Sort and board the inflatable rafts that will take you down the Noguera Pallaresa River. Accompanied by your expert guide, learn all about rafting and navigating the waters. You will cover about 18 km of the river. Discover the landscape around the river as you also enjoy rafting.

HEAD OUT IN YOUR RAFT AND NAVIGATE THE NOGUERA PALLARESA RIVER IN THE HEART OF THE SPANISH PYRENEES! HEAD OUT IN YOUR RAFT AND NAVIGATE THE NOGUERA PALLARESA RIVER IN THE HEART OF THE SPANISH PYRENEES! Accompanied by your guide, set out in your raft for an adventure. In the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees, you will navigate along the Noguera Pallaresa River, which flows through mountains and forests. As a family or with friends, enjoy this fun rafting trip that is adapted for all levels.

FOR AN EXPERIENCE FULL OF ADRENALINE, LOOK NO FURTHER THAN BUNGEE JUMPING! In the heart of the Spanish Pyrenees, meet at a stone bridge that crosses the Noguera Pallaresa, and enjoy the view of the river and landscape around you. After a briefing, visitors will get to jump from more than 16 meters high. Attached to a bungee cord, you will get the feeling off free fall. After the jump, there is relief! Adrenaline junkies won't want to miss this!

Come and Discover the Mysteries of the Universe at the Cité de l'Espace! For a day trip, explore the park and enjoy the amazing scientific attractions! DISCOVER THE MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE AT THE CITÉ DE L'ESPACE! SPEND A DAY EXPLORING THE PARK AND ENJOY THE AMAZING SCIENTIFIC ATTRACTIONS ON OFFER! Near to central Toulouse, the European park of space adventure opens its doors to you! Discover 2,500m2 of interactive, cutting-edge exhibitions and see some real life-sized spacecraft such as the Ariane 5 rocket! You can also step aboard the MIR Space Station, an exact replica of the famous Russian space station that was used for ground tests, or have the privilege of feeling what it's like to walk on the Moon in the Moon Runner simulator. A giant screen that broadcasts films shot in space, a next generation planetarium, a rotating seat to test your resistance to disorientation, an astronomical simulator... there's everything you need to experience a trip into the cosmos! Restaurants are also available in the park. Come and share a timeless experience at the Cité de l'Espace! 

Discover the Pink City at your Leisure and Enjoy Many Benefits Thanks to the Toulouse Pass! Discover the Pink City at your Leisure and Enjoy Many Benefits Thanks to the Toulouse Pass! Valid for durations of 24h, 48h or 72h, your Pass will allow you to fully appreciate your escapade in Toulouse. Enter many tourist attractions for free and use the urban transport network. You'll also have preferential rates for some sites. This pass guarantees: * About twenty totally free services; museums, monuments, cruises etc * Over 30 reductions in many tourist sites * You will have unlimited access to the Tisséo network (métro, bus, tramway) * Roundtrip ticket for the airport shuttlebus The benefit of discovering Toulouse completely at your own leisure!

Set up in the natural canyon carved out of the Pyrenees by the River Ardour, this via ferrata course is a fun and sporty way for families or groups of friends to make the most out of the stunning landscapes. SET UP IN THE NATURAL CANYON CARVED OUT OF THE PYRENEES BY THE RIVER ARDOUR, THIS VIA FERRATA COURSE IS A FUN AND SPORTY WAY FOR FAMILIES OR GROUPS OF FRIENDS TO MAKE THE MOST OUT OF THE STUNNING LANDSCAPES. Zip lines, rope swings, monkey bridges, and all kinds of challenges await you within this exceptional site. Make your way along the rock face, following the cable that's fixed into the stone with the aid of well-placed hand and footholds: thrills guaranteed! The itinerary is adapted for all levels, from 3 to 83 years! An activity leader will be present to take care of the little kids while the bigger ones take on the via ferrata course accompanied by expert mountain guides. The itinerary is fully secure and all equipment adheres to strict safety regulations. You will be provided with everything you need: harness, helmet, ropes and carabiners. At the end of your activity, tea and coffee will be served in a traditional shepherd's hut. All participants, young and old, will be presented with an Ardour climbing certificate, as well as photos and a personalized film of the day's highlights.

Discover Ichnology (the study of fossil footprints) in this unique theme park!

Sanctuaire dédié à la Vierge Marie, très connu dans la région.Point d'eau et tables de pique-nique.Dans cette clairière, le sentier balisé part vers la droite ; cependant vous pouvez aller jusqu'à la chapelle, (point d’eau), la contourner à l'arrière pour revenir sur le sentier qui descend dans le bois sur le versant nord (panneau indiquant Roche aux corbeaux et fontaine-attention, pour la fontaine accès pentu et non balisé-). Suivez le sentier qui descend en sous-bois vers les affleurements de roches calcaires de la Roche aux corbeaux. Passez auprès de celle-ci et suivez le sentier pentu. Plus bas, à l'intersection avec une piste plus large, tournez à gauche et redescendez en direction de la route goudronnée en bas du chemin de croix.Alternative : possibilité lorsque vous êtes à la chapelle, de redescendre vers votre véhicule en empruntant la route goudronnée qui suit le calvaire. A la croix VII, vue panoramique sur le village de Valentine, la centrale EDF, le lac de Sède.

The massif of Tabe is the high mountain of Pays d'Olmes. Thus, from certain altitudes you may be lucky enough to see a herd of Isards, a flock of mouflons, the capercaillie or ptarmigan. During the day you can admire the flight of some raptors.

The Orris is a dry stone construction without binder with vault in piles of medium mountain load.

The existence of the castle of Roquefixade is attested since 1034. The first lords all bear the name of Bernard Amiel de Pailhès. During the crusade against the Albigenses, they are of all the fighting alongside the counts of Toulouse and Foix of which they are the vassals. In 1278, the castle was purchased by the king who will maintain and remodel the fortifications and maintain a garrison including a castellan, a watchman, a porter, twelve sergeants and watchdogs.

Paul Fontvieille offers up exceptional cuisine inspired by the Pyrenees, always guided by the search for perfection.

Large bistro in the heart of the village with a spacious bar, restaurant, wine cellar, covered terrace and large garden.

Auberge Les Myrtilles' guests are generally mountain lovers who also enjoy delicious and healthy food. This combination of delicious and healthy food is always the inspiration behind the dishes created in our kitchen. We always start from as much fresh produce as possible. Our cuisine can be best described as honest, balanced and also sometimes surprising.

The « Chalet de Beauregard » a high-altitude inn, offers mountain cuisine infused with the flavours of Ariège.

Authenticity and conviviality in a chic and relaxed atmosphere. La Table du Pavillon is a charming local restaurant offering modernised regional cuisine. In winter by the fireplace and in summer on the flowered terrace in the shade of century-old trees: our different areas invite you to stroll according to your desires and the weather. By reservation only.

Products from here and nearby! Bistro and grocery shop catering, stop by to eat a bite : simple and seasonal cuisine based on local products. Daily specials on site or to take away, local products, cheeses and delicatessen, fruits, vegetables, bread depot, local newspapers, group meals.

In the heart of the village of Durfort, Le Cyrano, a village café, welcomes you to its terrace on the banks of the river. Bread depot - Postcards - Candy bars - Animated evenings.

Local and family cuisine Situated in the former shoemaker's workshop of the Abbey-School of Sorèze, this restaurant will delight you with its cuisine à la bonne franquette. The specialities frésinat (tarnais dish) cassoulet tripe and many other specialities including omelettes with seasonal mushrooms from the natural park of the Haut Languedoc.

Very nice, practical, shaded and free area..

Quiet location, free toilet.

Right next door to their old-fashioned house is the nursery where Claudine and Charles will welcome you to their camping-garden, a haven of greenery and calm, ideal for a relaxing vacation and to recharge your batteries. The camping-garden has 12 pitches of 80 to 100 m2, grassy, flat, shady and bordered by flowering hedges (over 300 species or varieties of ornamental plants or fruit trees). We specialize in old varieties of southwestern fruit trees and apple juice production. Claudine and Charles also offer 2 traditional tepee accommodations.

On the banks of the river, this Logis Essentiel*** hotel welcomes you to the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional on the Route des Cols. In the heart of the village, you'll be welcomed in our Logis*** hotel, with comfortable rooms meeting today's standards, equipped with bathroom, television, kettle.... On the route des cols for cycling enthusiasts, everything has been thought of to welcome you when you visit. Whether you're a mountain biker or a road cyclist, .... is a pure delight! For hiking enthusiasts, there are numerous trails starting right from the village, not forgetting the many walks in nearby villages. Local craftsmen and craftswomen in our canton have a wealth of wonderful things to offer. For your enjoyment, the inn offers a restaurant with local flavours.

The refuge is located in the Mont Valier nature reserve, an iconic Couserans peak in the heart of the Ariege Pyrenees Regional Nature Park. In the midst of this unspoilt, wild mountain landscape, after a 4-hour walk along the cross-border GR from the Pla de La Lau car park, we welcome you to the "Les Estagnous" mountain refuge. As soon as you arrive, you can introduce yourself to the warden(s) and discuss the "welcome arrangements" (obviously you have booked your overnight stay and/or meals in advance). Once you've had a rest and taken in the exceptional views, you'll go through the hikers' entrance to settle in according to the wardens' advice and, last but not least, you won't miss dinner! There's just one service for everyone, at 7.30pm! There are many hiking itineraries and multi-day tours. Summits, lakes and valleys offer a wealth of choices, not forgetting the summit of Mont Valier, just 1 hour from the refuge.

This quiet, family-run campsite is located in the Haut Couserans, in the heart of the Ariège, at the foot of the second largest cirque of the Pyrenees: the Cagateille cirque, near the alpine ski resort of Guzet. The team welcomes you during all school holidays and from June to September at the municipal campsite of Saint-Lizier d'Ustou, a village situated 750 m above sea level in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Nature Park. From this pied-à-terre, you can discover the cultural heritage of the Haut-Salat (the colporteurs or bear tamers museums, the transhumance festival and much more), explore its nature in every season through various activities (fishing, hiking & walking, downhill skiing, kayaking, mountain biking, trail biking, paragliding, and a high-ropes course).

A stopover on the GR10, the Tour du Biros, the Passaran loop, etc... the Eylie stopover gîte welcomes all overnight hikers. Sleeps 14 in 2 dormitories, half board available. Please bring your sleeping bag. Pets not allowed. In the heart of the Pyrenees, at the end of the Couserans, in the Biros valley, at an altitude of 1000m, on the GR10, the Eylie stopover gîte welcomes all overnight hikers. Sleeps 14 in 2 dormitories. Meals are available on a half-board basis. Please bring a sleeping bag or duvet for the dormitory. Pets are not allowed. Payment by cheque, cash or instant transfer.

Get away from it all and put down your bags at the Auberge des myrtilles for a while. You'll have an exceptional view of the Couserans mountains. A real haven of peace, with a friendly atmosphere and a warm welcome. Auberge les Myrtilles is a true mountain hotel in the Pyrenees, located in the heart of the Couserans in the Ariege Pyrenees. The atmosphere in our hotel is warm and relaxed. Your stay takes place in the heart of nature and the mountains, at the very end of the Haut Salat valley, in the small village of Salau, in the Ariège. We have 8 comfortable double rooms, all with en suite facilities, and we invite you to relax on the Auberge's sunny terrace. We, Patrick and Robert, welcome you in a quiet, green setting and in a family atmosphere.

The Étang d'Araing refuge is a refuge in the French Pyrenees, situated at an altitude of 1965 m in the extreme south-west of the Ariège department, at the foot of the Crabère peak, on the GR10.