The most beautiful villages of Ariège
The beauty of our villages
Ariège is a department of the South-West of France, located in the Occitanie region. It is overflowing with natural and architectural treasures. Enter the heart of French traditions by visiting the most beautiful villages of Ariège.
Camon
Camon holds the title of the most beautiful village in France in the department of Ariege. It is a dream destination for those who want to disconnect from the busy daily life. The foundation of this village dates back to the 5th century. It was originally an abbey and then a fortified monastery.
The old vaulted door of the church, which is a vestige of this past, is currently the gateway to the village Camon is also called the “village of a hundred roses” because of the strong presence of this plant. By the way, if you want to visit this village, choose mid-May, when the roses are in bloom.
Mirepoix
For those who like rich heritage and great stories, Mirepoix must be on your address book. Its humid temperate climate , with mild winters, makes it an accessible place all year round. The wars between Catharism and the French Catholic Church have left their mark on this village.
The old buildings and picturesque streets make this village a work of art in itself. During your visit, don’t forget to stop by the big Monday morning market. Admire the House of the Consuls decorated with sculptures of human heads in wood or stroll on the square of the cutlery.
Tourtouse
Tourtouse is a French commune with about 150 inhabitants according to the 2020 census. This commune is characterized by its natural wealth: it is crossed by 3 streams, including that of Bernard Blanc. The construction of this village dates back to the XIIth century.
The monuments of the village are mainly composed ofold residences of the bishops of Couserans: vestiges of the church of the XIIIth and XIVth century, rebuilt by the bishop Bruno de Ruade towards the XVIIth century. Tourtouse attracts not only by its architectural heritage, but also by its natural wealth.
Saint-Martin-d’Oydes
Saint-Martin-d’Oydes is one of the only 7 medieval villages in the shape of an ellipse in France. The buildings forming the village are built in a circle around the parish of Saint Martin-d’Oydes, probably in order to protect the church. There is 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 origin of Saint-Martin-d’Oydes is estimated to be around the 12th century according to the collections found. To appreciate themedieval architecture while learning stories about the site, spend a day at Saint-Martin-d’Oydes.
Arrien-en-Bethmale
Arrien-en-Bethmale is one of the 2 communes that make up the Bethmale valley since 1932. From the historical point of view, it is part of the Couserans, a historical province of the Pyrenees. The commune is composed of four villages: Arrien, Aret, Tournac and Villargein.
This village is sparsely populated, which makes it the best place if you want to enjoy a country atmosphere and especially the quiet. The medieval architecture also makes the beauty of this town. Enjoy a visit to St. Peter’s Chapel, Notre Dame de Tramesaygues Church, or a picnic by Lake Bethmale.
Saint-Lizier
Saint-Lizier is considered to be the most beautiful city in the Ariège and in France. This commune is located on a hill above the Salat river and the Baup stream. Rich in history, this commune was an ancient Gallo-Roman site. Its cobbled streets, secret passages and architecture in general are worth a visit.
Two cathedrals decorated with beautiful sculptures and frescoes in the Renaissance style are also the pride of this village. Not only that, but you can also enjoy the landscape lined with forests and rivers, with a view of the snow-capped Pyrenees in the distance.
Aulus-les-bains
The Ariege also has its village dedicated to well-being, it is in Aulus-les-Bains. With its semi-continental climate, its position on the Pyrenees, Aulus-les-Bains is an exceptional tourist site. Aulusians enjoy hiking to the Cascade d’Ars or activities at the Acrolus course.
This village is also a thermal center offering various treatments. Whether it’s for treatments or just to relax, nothing beats a spa day in the thermal baths of Aulus-les-Bains.
Mijanès
The name Mijanès comes from the Occitan word “Mejan” which means middle. This is due to the geographical situation of the village, which is located in an intermediate position, on the mountain slope. Like the other villages of the Ariège, Mijanès is characterized by a quiet country style, with its picturesque streets and Renaissance style buildings.
It also houses the Noubals Dam, a structure dating back to 1949. This site makes the happiness of the inhabitants thanks to the various activities which one can practise there. A ski resort is also famous in this village: the one of Mijanès-Donezan, which is about 12 km long and has an altitude of 1500 to 2000 m.
Sentein
The municipality of Sentein was founded in the XVIII and XIX centuries, when the region had its demographic peak. If you want to explore the wilderness, Sentein is the place for you. Because of its climate and the many rivers that cross it, the commune is rich in natural heritage.
To name just one: the Isard valley, a space classified as a Natura 2000 site, which means that the fauna, flora and landscape of this space are protected. Various events such as festivals and concerts often take place there.
Montaillou
Montaillou is a commune located in the Ariege mountains near the border with the Aude. It is a village rich in history and culture. Very much linked to Catharism, this village is the subject of a book entitled “Montaillou, village occitan” written by Emmanuel Le Roy Ladurie. You will be dazzled by the richness of this town’s heritage .
Admire the remains of the castle overlooking the village, the Sainte-Marie church or the Notre-Dame des Carnesses chapel. Take part in hikes, while discovering thehistory of Montailloux by passing through different historical places.
Carla-Bayle
For confirmed or aspiring artists, the village of Carla-Bayle is a place to visit. Underneath its picturesque appearance are several art galleries and the homes of a number of artists. Whether by day or by night, Carla-Bayle has some nice surprises in store for you.
The ramparts that light up in the evening, the beauty of the narrow streets and the half-timbered houses offer a sensational spectacle to all those who walk there. This commune owes its name to Pierre Bayle, an illustrious thinker of the XVIIth century.
Seix
It is a small village located in the heart of the Natural Regional Park of the Ariegean Pyrenees. Seix was founded towards the end of the 13th century following a contract of parage between a lord and a king. During the French Revolution, the village served as a gateway to several kingdoms, including that of Aragon.
Seix had a revival of energy in the tourist field during the 1980s.
If you want to visit this village, many activities await you, 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.
Montgaillard
Montgaillard owes its name to its position in height, which symbolizes strength and made it easier to defend at the time. The origins of this village go back toantiquity, judging by the remains that can be found there. If you make a stop in this town, don’t miss the Saint-Pierre chapel and the Saint-Loup church.
In addition to these architectural monuments, the village also has a breathtaking landscape with a succession of hills, valleys and plains. Also enjoy the hikes to the observation platform of the Château de Peyrepertuse.
Lapège
Lapège is a rural commune with no more than 30 inhabitants. It is located in the Pyrenees, which means that it enjoys a mountain climate with an average temperature of around 11°C. The village is crossed by several brooks, among which the one of La Grange and Debès.
This natural wealth makes Lapège an ideal destination and an environment conducive to several activities such as canoeing and walking on the Plateau de Beille.
Saleix
If you are looking for a village that perpetuates tradition, Saleix meets all your expectations. It takes its name from its former port. Saleix was an important exporter of salt, which was a rare commodity at one time.
Known as the ” village in bloom”, the villagers do everything to preserve the traditions and reputation of this place. The rich natural heritage is one of the assets of this village: appreciate the descent on the valley of Saleix or the famous port of Saleix.
Ax-les-thermes
Ax-les-Thermes is well known since it dates back to antiquity. Located in the south-east of the Ariège department, Ax-les-Thermes is a spa with no less than 60 hot springs.
Discover Ax-les-thermes in summer, because the ski resort is not its only asset.
The town also attracts visitors with its excursion center, its summer resorts and its winter sports resort in the Pyrenees. Visit also mythical places of Ax-les-thermes like the Rocher de la Vierge or the Château de Lordat.
Where to stay in Ariège ?
Make your trip to the Ariege the best experience ever. To do this, you need a place to stay: a vacation home, a cottage or a gite. The Ariège vacation villages of Marc and Montmija are located in the heart of the Pyrenees.
If you are in the Ariege, you can opt for the Gîte d’étape de Marc if it is for one night only. There is also Marc’s Holiday Village for longer stays. Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, Marc and Montmija Holiday Villages will give you a warm welcome.