Get in your car, we'll take you to discover the treasures of Ariège at the gates of Foix! If you like castles and diving into the heart of the Middle Ages, you won't be able to resist this roadtrip that crosses the Cathar Pyrenees. From castle to Bastide, prepare to take a real leap in time.
Number of km: 62,1 km – Driving time: 1h14 – Stages: 4 stages
STEP 1: Departure from Foix, stronghold of Ariège
You will leave from the pretty town of Foix, where proudly sits in its heart the castle of the counts of Foix. Start the day by walking through its streets and look up, a few half-timbered houses are hidden in the town. If you feel like it, you can sit on the terrace to drink a coffee under the Saint Volusien hall before taking your car towards Roquefixade.
STEP 2: Attacking the Roquefixade castle
Here you are at Roquefixity, you cannot escape the pretty view of the remains of its Cathar castle when you arrive. To see it more closely, park in the village and follow the instructions on the sign which shows you the different routes. To complete the roadtrip in one day, we advise you to take the tour n°4, the most direct way to go to the castle, count 1h30 to make the round trip.
You can take advantage of being at the top to have a picnic with a view!
After going back down at your own pace, head towards Camon village, labeled “the most beautiful village in France”.
STEP 3: Camon, village of a hundred rosebushes
Welcome to the Ariège village labeled “the most beautiful village in France”, and you will quickly understand why! Depending on the period, you may be lucky enough to see the village blooming with its hundred rose bushes, which is what it is known for.
You can relax by the river, visit its superb Abbey (only accessible by guided tour by the Cathar Pyrenees Tourist Office) or stroll along the dry stone huts.
STEP 4: Discovery of the splendid medieval bastide of Mirepoix
Medieval bastide with its many colorful facades, Mirepoix will make you finish this roadtrip in style.
Pass under the arches of the Place des Cutlery and stroll between the sublime half-timbered houses typical of the medieval era. You absolutely must enter the majestic Saint Maurice Cathedral which stands out in the heart of the village, its nave is one of the largest in Europe with its 21,60m, impressive!
It is therefore with a head full of beautiful images and historical anecdotes that this roadtrip in the heart of the roads of Ariège ends.
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