The most beautiful villages of the Ariège

Saint-Lizier is considered the most beautiful town in the Ariège and in France. It is situated on a hill above the Salat river and the Baup stream. Rich in history, it was an ancient Gallo-Roman site. Its cobbled streets, secret passages and general architecture are well worth a visit.

Two cathedrals decorated with beautiful sculptures and frescoes in the Renaissance style are also the pride of this village. And that’s not all: admire the landscape lined with forests and rivers, with a view of the snow-capped Pyrenees in the distance.

For those who love rich heritage and great stories, Mirepoix should be on your address book. Its temperate climate makes it accessible all year round. The wars between Catharism and the French Catholic Church have left their mark on this village.

Old buildings and picturesque alleyways make this village a work of art in its own right. While you’re here, don’t forget to visit the big Monday morning market. Admire the Maison des Consuls, adorned with wooden sculptures of human heads, or stroll through the Place des couverts.

Saint-Martin-d’Oydes is one of only 7 elliptical medieval villages in France. The buildings forming the village are built in a circle around the parish of Saint-Martin-d’Oydes, probably to protect the church. There’s a water ditch between the circulade and the old castle.

This parish was previously called Saint-Martin-de-Duidas or Saint-Martin-de-Devotas. The origins of Saint-Martin-d’Oydes are estimated to date back to the 12th century, according to found records. To appreciatemedieval architecture while learning stories about the site, spend a day at Saint-Martin-d’Oydes.

The name Mijanès comes from the Occitan “Mejan” meaning middle. This is due to the geographical location of the village, which is situated in an intermediate position, on the side of the mountain. Like the other villages of Ariège, Mijanès is characterized by a quiet country style, with picturesque lanes and Renaissance-style buildings.

It is also home to the Noubals dam, a structure dating back to 1949. The site is a delight for locals thanks to the various activities on offer. The village is also famous for its ski resort at Mijanès-Donezan, which is almost 12 km away at an altitude of between 1,500 and 2,000 m.

Montaillou is a commune in the Ariège mountains, close to the Aude border. It is a village rich in history and culture. Closely linked to Catharism, this village is the subject of a book entitled “Montaillou, village occitan” written by Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie. You’ll be amazed by the village’s rich heritage.

Admire the remains of the castle overlooking the village, the church of Sainte-Marie and the chapel of Notre-Dame des Carnesses. Take part in hikes and discover thehistory of Montaillou as you pass through various historic sites.

It’s a small village in the heart of the Parc Régional Naturel des Pyrénées Ariégeoises. Seix was founded towards the end of the 13th century, following a parage contract between a lord and a king. During the French Revolution, the village served as a gateway to several kingdoms, including that of Aragon.

Seix enjoyed a revival in tourism in the 1980s.

If you’d like to visit this commune, there’s plenty to do, including a hike to the Niaux or Lombrives caves. You can also visit the forgotten village of Forges de Pyrène, a site dedicated to the old trades.

The reputation of Ax-les-Thermes dates back to ancient times. Located in the south-east of the Ariège department, Ax-les-Thermes is a spa resort with no fewer than 60 hot springs.

Discover Ax-les-Thermes in summer, because the ski resort isn’t its only asset.

Ax-les-Thermes also attracts visitors with its excursion center, summer resorts and Pyrenean winter sports resort. Visit mythical Ax-les-Thermes sites such as the Rocher de la Vierge and the Château de Lordat.