Our most beautiful villages in Ariège
Discover the hidden treasures of the Ariège through its picturesque villages and historic sites, from Mirepoix to Ayet en Bethmale. Each destination reveals a unique facet of the history and culture of this magnificent region, promising visitors unforgettable discoveries. From the colorful bastide town of Mirepoix, with its central square and half-timbered houses, to the snow-capped peaks visible from Saint-Lizier, each place offers a unique experience, enriched by the heritage, local traditions and natural beauty of the Ariège landscape.
Mirepoix and Saint-Lizier: medieval jewels of the Ariège region
Mirepoix
Warm, welcoming and full of color, the charming bastide town of Mirepoix in Ariège will welcome you in all seasons. The beautiful bastide town of Mirepoix is located in the Pays des Pyrénées Cathare, which has been awarded the Pays d’Art et d’Histoire label. Just 45 minutes from the l’Arize campsite, Mirepoix in Ariège is a bastide not to be missed! You’ll love Mirepoix’s central square. Lined with half-timbered houses, it’s made for conviviality, with its cafés and stores nestling under the roofs. Just imagine! Their oak pillars are over 800 years old.
Local and organic produce will conquer your heart at the renowned Monday market, held in the village hall.
Take advantage of Monday to visit the rock church at Vals, you’ll be enchanted… The Château de Lagarde and refresh yourself at Lac de Montbel…
Saint-Lizier
Situated on a small hill in the Salat valley above St Girons, St Lizier is dominated by the imposing silhouette of the 14th-century bishops’ palace, facing the snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees.
An ancient Gallo-Roman town and 6th-century bishopric, it is listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages.
The Church of St. Lizier with its collection of 11th-century frescoes, the Romanesque cloister adjoining the church, the 18th-century pharmacy, the Trésor des Evèques du Couserans (Couserans bishop’s treasury), and the narrow caladées (cobbled streets with pebbles laid vertically on edge) lined with old half-timbered houses.
Seix, Tourtouse and Saint-Martin-D’Oydes: medieval legacies in the Ariège valleys
Seix
Typical Ariege mountain village, crossed by the Salat river.
The village is dominated by its 16th-century “Château du Roy”.
Tourtouse
A sleepy little Volvestre village surrounded by rolling, bucolic countryside. Here you can discover the ruins of a keep, machicolations, curtain walls, loopholes and the “town” gate. Beautiful remains that lead us to believe that Tourtouse had its hours of glory. Under the Ancien Régime, Tourtouse was the “seigneurial land of the bishops of Couserans”, and prince-bishop Bruno de Ruade had a wing of the old fortified castle and the church rebuilt on the site of the former castle chapel.
Saint-Martin-D’Oydes
This small village of around 300 inhabitants is one of the few villages built in a circle around the church. In medieval times, this enabled better defense of the inhabitants. A moat, now filled in, formed an outer defensive line, and the square tower of the church served as a last refuge for the inhabitants in the event of an attack. St Martin d’Oydes lies in the middle of the Terrefort hills near Pamiers.
Camon, Le Carla-Bayle and Ayet en Bethmale: picturesque pearls of the Ariège region
Camon
Classed as one of France’s most beautiful villages, this fortress-village huddles around its abbey-chateau, offering a panoramic view over a landscape of green hills where vines were once grown. It is located in the Hers valley on the edge of the département.
Camon is also known as the village of a hundred rosebushes, as the village’s alleys and facades are adorned with rose bushes.
Le Carla-Bayle
Carla Bayle is an ancient hilltop citadel fortified in the 14th century by Gaston Phoebus. It’s a peaceful village on a balcony overlooking the Pyrenees.
The village is a hub of artistic activity.
At the foot of the Carla-Bayle bastide, discover an 11-hectare swimming lake. Mountain biking and hiking trails also start from the lake.
Ayet in Bethmale
A small village built of natural stone with picturesque slate roofs, it clings to the hillside and overlooks the Bethmale valley, well known for its traditions, folklore, cheeses and clogs.
Beautiful 14th-century church with wall tower.
A particularly beautiful approach down the Col de la Core.
On the way down, make a short stop at Lac de Bethmale, a trail around the lake with picnic tables.
