The Mas d’Azil and its caves
At 20km
The village shelters a famous prehistoric site and its caves, the village and its population gave birth to a civilization: the Azilian. A guided tour of the cave will give you the opportunity to relive the details of the daily life of the first inhabitants.
Good addresses
To try a tasty vegetarian and non-vegetarian world cuisine, the Restaurant Le Kiwi (5, Place du Bout de la Ville).
La Fabrique des Créatrices Workshop (8, Avenue de la Grotte) : objects made by local artists.
At 6 km, Bakery Les Croustades de Clermont (Peyruc, 09420 Clermont): to taste the excellent apple puffs, a specialty of the region.
More prehistoric caves
Carla Bayle
and its artists village
At 16km
Small village perched at an altitude of 400 m, it was the refuge of the Huguenots (Protestants) during their persecution in the 17th century. The village overlooks the valleys of the Lèze and Arize rivers and offers a magnificent 360 ° view of the lake and the Pyrenees.
It has experienced a revival in recent years thanks to the settlement of artists from various backgrounds. During the summer, the village turns into a very large “Art Gallery” and weekly jazz concerts are organized.
Foix its medieval castle
At 26km
In the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees, this small town with character will win you over with the charm of its town center and its many restaurants, but above all by the presence of its medieval castle from the 12th century.
The latter underwent major development work in 2019 in order to offer 2,000 m² of immersive scenography.
Good addresses
Restaurant Le Passe temps (21, rue des Marchands) : small sympathic restaurant, fresh and local products and quality cook
Restaurant La Ciboulette (Route St Pierre de Rivière, Lieu-dit La Rochelle) : a little outside of Foix in a green place, a very beautiful setting and tasty cuisine.
La bastide de Mirepoix
At 32km
Mirepoix is a very bustling from April to November. It’s worth taking the time to stop and contemplate this small medieval town in its smallest details to measure the work and the quality of the constructions
You could appreciate its superb half-timbered houses on wooden galleries, its cathedral whose spire rises to 65 m in height and its small alleys.
The central square hosts a farmer market every Monday, and many fairs throughout the year, as well as many cafes and restaurants under the arcades.
Good addresses
Restaurant Le Grain de Sel : highly recommended for lovers of traditional French cuisine.
Restaurant Chez llobet (en face de la cathédrale) : family cooking in an old-fashioned bistro atmosphere
La Cave d’Amont (Chemin des Gravières) : to taste the natural wines and vinegars of Paul Dubosc.
Prehistoric park – Tarascon-sur-Ariège
At 40km
Both a park and a museum, it offers numerous activities and educational workshops.
Good address
Maison Lacube aux Cabannes : Farmers have created this boutique restaurant and offer excellent cuisine based on their own farm products
Toulouse
At 65km
The capital of Occitania is nicknamed the “Pink City” because of its many brick and tile buildings that take on a pink hue at sunset.
It enjoys a magnificent location on the banks of the Garonne and is home to a rich historical heritage with several renowned museums
Montsegur Castle
At 55km
One of the most important buildings named “Cathar castles” is the Château de Montsegur. It stands at an altitude of 1,207 m, on the highest part of a rocky point. Its construction started in 1206 and according to the archives, it was one of the last refuges of the Cathar people prosecuted during the period of the Inquisition. Its visit is worth the trip both by the power of its construction and by the historical dimension it contains.
Carcassonne
At 79km
Famous for its medieval city, listed as World Heritage Site, its numerous watchtowers and its double walled enclosure, the construction of which dates back to the Gallo-Romanesque period is undoubtedly a place to which you should dedicate an exclusive visit.
Good addresses :
– Restaurant Le Plô : nice terrace inside the city walls, good traditional cuisine.
– Restaurant L’Escargot : very good tapas plates inside the city walls. pleine cité.
Castelnaudary
At 82km
Small town in the heart of the Cathar country, located halfway between Toulouse and Carcassonne, it is worth a visit if you want to get away by following the Canal du Midi and discover its locks. Its restaurants also attracts many visitors thanks to a local specialty: the famous cassoulet, which is the specialty, among other restaurants, of Maison Escudier (11, rue de Dunkerque).