Fantastic DAYS OUT for all the FAMILY in and around the ARIEGE, south west France
Puivert Chateau and beach - 45 minute drive
How about a castle and beach trip? Why not try the impressive Cathar Castle at Puivert. In beautiful surroundings the castle could fill a couple of hours exploring, then you can cool down and have fun in the clean, safe swimming lake in the village. You can hire 'peddlelo' and canoes. The beach is soft, fine sand which is cleaned daily.You could then visit the charming Medieval town of Mirepoix.....
St Girons Market and St Lizier - 45 minutes
Every Saturday throughout the year, one of the largest markets in Southern France is held at St Girons. The market is crammed with fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese and meats. Many local artisans have stalls selling everything from ironwork to silks. Wander around this extensive, quintessential French market. Buy a delicious picnic, then drive a few mile
s to the beautiful, quiet town of St Lizier. A perfect picnic place can be found just above the Bishops Palace. A pleasant couple of hours then can be spent wandering the streets of St Lizier. The cloisters in the abbey are a definite highlight.
Cathar Castles at Roquefixade and Montsegur - 45/50 min
This is 'Cathar
Country', a land of history, mystery and splendour. Visit two of the
most impressive and exciting castles in the Region. Perched high on
rocky crags, the Chateaus of Roquefixade and Montsegur each look out over
the valleys below and towards the surrounding high Pyrenees.
Both the
castles are accessible with decent footwear, from we suggest ages 4+, as
the paths are steep in places! Water and other refreshments are
required during the warmer months. Ice creams and other 'goodies' are
available at the car parks or in the villages.
Ax and the Wolves - 1 hour
drive
A very pleasant drive down the Ariege valley to Ax Les Thermes. Lunch or pick-up a picnic, dabble your feet in the warm volcanic pool. Then a beautiful 20 minute drive through the spectacular Orlu valley to the 'Maison de Loupes'.
Alternatively, you may want to go Marmot spotting along the slightly higher levels of the Orlu valley, through the National Nature Reserve. The Marmots are wild but approachable and can be seen close to the path-side after about an hour's walk.
Cite de l'espace, Toulouse - 1 hour
drive
If there is a rainy day, or just for a change of scene(?), then a day out at 'Space City' near Toulouse (as seen on BBC's 'Holiday' 7th Feb 07) is definitely worth a visit - plenty for all the family! The Imax 'Space Station' film is a must for all and the restaurants serve very good quality and reasonably priced lunches for adults and the little ones....definitely a recommended visit.
Toulouse itself is also well worth a visit - cosmopolitan shopping and wonderful architecture.
Plateau de Beille -
1 hour 15 minutes
Above Tarascon, a nordic skiing area that is fantastic at any time of the year for walking, cycling, skiing, sledging or just for enjoying the magnificent views. There is a good cafe/restaurant, toilets, ice cream, etc!
Carcassonne - 1 hour 20 minutes drive
The famous walled 'Cite de Carcassonne' is NOT TO BE MISSED! The medieval 'Cite' was reconstructed in the 19th Century and has complete walls, fortifications, a castle, churches, plus many shops and restaurants.
Mediterranean - 2 hour drive
Superb, long, sandy and very clean beaches can be found all along the Mediterranean coast, from the beautiful fishing town of Collioure to well beyond the cosmopolitan city of Montpellier. The beach at Narbonne Plage is as good as anywhere. Why not relax on the soft, clean sand, swim in the shallow, warm Med, then have a meal or stroll around the beautiful and historic Roman town of Narbonne?
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