Program of the stay

Day 1

Welcome at the end of the day, aperitif (welcome cocktail), dinner. Presentation of the stay

Evening: ARIEGE presentation slide show

Day 2 (96 km)

Day: Les Forges de Pyrène: this timeless hamlet features 120 trades, most of which have disappeared, several workshops run by craftsmen and an original show on daily life at the beginning of the last century. Depending on when the stalls are open, you’ll be greeted by blacksmiths, clog-makers, horn comb-makers, blacksmiths, bakers, cutlers and goldsmiths working with their antique tools.
In the museum of trades of yesteryear, relive the gestures of our forefathers and discover their secrets as craftsmen: peddler, bear showman, tooth puller, stone cutter, thatch roofer, nail maker…
Lunch at the restaurant.
Continuation of the tour of the Forges.

Evening: Musical game

Day 3 (46 km)

Morning: Ax-les-Thermes and its market, guided tour of the old town. Lunch in the vacation village.

Afternoon: La maison des Loups d’Orlu. Come and discover in the middle of the forest, an animal park entirely dedicated to the wolf. In a preserved natural environment, you will observe the wolf packs of Europe, North America and the Arctic. Daily feeding of the packs with commentary. Numerous activities along the trails: trail tracks, barefoot trail, photo exhibition, auditorium, sound station, gold panning workshop…

Evening: Tales and legends from the Pyrenees.

Day 4 (87 km) Driver’s rest

Morning: Panoramic walk and farmhouse lunch: During a leisurely, easy one-hour walk, you’ll visit the Plateau de Beille estive pastures where the herds feast on high altitude grass all summer long, then enjoy lunch at a farmhouse inn in Les Cabannes.

Afternoon: Visit to the ” Les chutes d’Aston ” fish farm. The fish farm specializes in rearing trout in the cool waters of the Aston Valley. During a guided tour, you’ll learn about production methods, the different species raised in our ponds and the biodiversity that surrounds the farm. Following the visit, a tasting of local products will be offered.

Evening: Cinema

Day 5 (104 km)

Morning: Visit to Château de Foix. Even before entering the town, its imposing stature, dominating the valley, catches the eye of visitors and impresses with its height. A true emblem of the medieval era, in turn defensive, residential and prison, the castle dominates the town of Foix. Strolling through the castle, one could believe that the famous Gaston Fébus and his court still occupy the place! In each room, furniture, seats, tables, beds and weapons have been installed to restore it to its former glory. Among the rooms to discover are the great ceremonial hall, the Count’s bedroom, the weapons room, the scriptorium, the dungeon… On the terraces, you’ll discover exceptional war machines, such as the trebuchet or the pierrière, and an impressive drum winch.
At the foot of the château, discover the new 2,000 m² museum area and get to know the Counts of Foix.
Lunch at the restaurant

Afternoon: Visit the old town and its narrow streets. Free time

Evening: Ariège quiz

Day 6 (68 km)

Morning: Walk on the plateau / Making walking sticks / Making cheese the old-fashioned way / Couloubret or Free morning.
Lunch on site

Afternoon: Visit to the TRIMOUNS talc quarry. Overlooking the Ariège valley, you’ll see an immense circus: one of the world’s largest quarries. At an altitude of 1,800 m, on giant bleachers, men are at work. At the controls of huge machines, they discover, extract, sort and transport talc, the softest rock on earth. Opposite them, the snow-capped peaks of the high Pyrenees.

In the evening: Lotto evening with regional products to be won.

Day 7 (115 km)

Day trip to ANDORRA.

Morning: Visit to the Tobacco Museum, which bears witness to the importance of this crop in the Principality’s history. Lunch at the restaurant.

Afternoon: Our Lady of Meritxell: The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Meritxell is located in the hamlet of Meritxell (Canillo parish). It is dedicated to the cult of the Virgin of Meritxell, Patron Saint of the Principality of Andorra. The 16th-century Romanesque sanctuary was completely destroyed by fire on the night of September 8-9, 1972. The statue representing the Virgin was also destroyed. A faithful copy is currently on display in the new Sanctuary. The new church is the work of Catalan architect Ricard Bofill.
On the way back, shopping at Pas de la Case.

Evening: Ariège dinner and dance.

Day 8

Departure after breakfast.

Practical information

This program is a non-exhaustive proposal
A definitive program will be drawn up according to availability at the various sites.

Rates and conditions

This rate includes

  • Accommodation in 2-person rooms (1 double bed or 2 single beds) with TV, equipped with showers, WC and washbasins, all served by elevator.
  • Linen provided, beds made up on arrival.
  • Catering (wine included, coffee included at lunch).
  • 4 restaurant lunches during your stay.
  • The provision of a guide for the visits and evenings included in the program.
  • Provision of a coach driver on day 3 for your driver’s rest.
  • Price calculated on the basis of 30 people and subject to change in the event of a drop in numbers.

Not included

  • Daily room cleaning
  • Transportation during your stay is provided by you (except on day 3).