Let's go to discover the Couserans, green lung of Ariège, this wild part of the Ariège territory will know charm with its lush nature and pretty villages. But as they say, it's not the destination that counts, but the journey! So let yourself be tempted by a alternative route to join Saint-Girons, a side path that will lead you to unsuspected treasures.
STEP 1: Departure from Foix, on the road to new adventures!
Since the town of Foix where the castle looks at you from all its height, you will start this route on the Ariège roads. Take your baskets (a lovely walk awaits you during the next stage) and off we go for a day of discoveries until Saint-Girons.
STEP 2: Le Moulin de la Laurède, in the heart of a lush forest
In the heart of a magnificent green forest in the Barguillère valley is the Laurède mill. A discovery that is worth it, in fact, the mill is accessible only on foot. The quickest route to get there is 1,6km, or 40 minutes round trip from balade. Today, it is an association that takes care of the mill and makes it work (yes! It still works!), you can see it at work during commented tours organized by this same association.
STEP 3: L’Auberge des Myrtilles: happiness for the taste buds
Walking digs! After the nice walk to Laurède mill, meet at the Auberge des Myrtilles for the lunch break gourmet with flavors from Ariège, cooked as in the past. If the weather is good, you will eat under a lime tree facing the Pyrenees, paradise on earth...
STEP 4: Col de Péguère, viewpoint over the Pyrenees
Sated, you can continue your roadtrip like it should be. Direction the Péguère pass to take in the full view. You will arrive face to face with Pyrenees, with a view exceptional panoramic view. The best thing about this spot is that you can stop or not. You will see this sublime landscape from your car, or, if you want to gain some height, you can stop and go up to the Cape of Carmil .
STEP 5: Combelongue Abbey and its remarkable garden
That's it, you are now in the Couserans, you cross the village of Rimont. Before continuing your journey to go to Saint-Girons, you need to make a stop at Combelongue Abbey. Classified in monuments, you will be charmed by its Romanesque architecture the abbey gardens, as for them, have even more surprises in store for you! The sublime landscape treatment of the Abbey (medieval garden, French garden, green theater, orchard, etc.) has earned it the label "Remarkable Garden".
STEP 6: Saint-Girons, capital of Couserans
Pretty town, “capital” of Couserans, let yourself be charmed by Saint-Girons. City known for its remarkable local market, it is just as pleasant to walk there, especially along the Salat.
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