Where to go - things to do!
The gîte has a folder of up to date information about places to visit and things to do. We also leave the local events brochure which gives details of all the local events for the month It is always wise to check in advance the place/event is open or happening. Out of season opening times can be a bit variable!
Possible activities:
Horse riding in the valley,, visit to local winemakers, hill walking from the backdoor, mountain walking, cycling - off road or follow the Tour de France stages, water sports including rafting, pedalo, board paddling, swimming - pool or lake, climbing through the treetops, fishing, visiting castles and chateaux, bouncy castle park, visit small animal park, special bird sanctuary, wolf park, use cable cars to go up the mountains, visit prehistoric caves and museum or go underground for one of the longest underground boat trips ............................................. the list could go on and on but we are always happy to give advice if asked. We have visited most of the sites personally and our grandchildren have tested the family orientated sites!
Places to visit:
Foix
The 'county town' of the Département.. Meander in its medieval streets, and visit the Chateau of the Counts of Foix . Friday is market day - something for everyone. During the summer months there are special festival such as a weekend of medieval events, an African weekend, antique fayrs, a jazz festival and special artisan and local food markets. There us a new swimming pool, indoor and outdoor pools and more than one chidren's play parks also a white water rafting centre (30mins)
Mirepoix
Mirepoix is only 20 minutes drive from us. Its main square has most of its original covered galleries dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. Market day is Monday. Lots of restaurants and bars. Each weekend in the summer there are different markets and festival including a very special weekend of Marionette productions., a medieval festival and also a pottery fayre which attracts potters from other areas.
Pamiers
The commercial centre of the area but a town steeped in history. It is fast becoming a cultural centre as well with a new artistic director for the town. There are many exhibitions, shows, theatre and dance events as well as concerts covering most musical tastes - many of them are free. .There are trains to Toulouse (1hr) - at least one every hour. Main market, spread over three squares, on Saturday also Tuesday and Thursday. (25mins). Indoor and outdoor swimming pool (25mins)
Les Monts d'Olmes
Les Monts d'Olmes is our local ski station but offers activities all the year round. There is also cross country skiing at Chioula.
Ax les Thermes is a main ski centre but is a facinating place to visit any time of year, newly opened thermal baths (~ 1 hr)
Carcassonne
The old cité is a world heritage site and the Canal du Midi passes through the city.. (~1hr)
Lavelanet
Just 15mins from us, excellent local market on Fridays, supermarkets, Textile Museum. On a clear day Montsegur can be seen from the centre of the town. Starting point for the Voi Verte a 38km walking and cycling trail following the route of the old railway line from Lavelanet to Mirepoix.
Laroque d'Olmes
Our closest village for shops, excellent butcher in the small shopping precinct, as well as a boulangerie, tabac, bar serving tapas,, pharmacy, cash point at bank, Take away pizza and kebabs. It is easy to drive through Laroque but take the time to visit the old town square and the church on the top of the hill. This is a good viewing point and has information panels, the church itself has the most magnificent new oak doors and a rather large bolt and key on it's old door! (12mins)
Possible activities:
Horse riding in the valley,, visit to local winemakers, hill walking from the backdoor, mountain walking, cycling - off road or follow the Tour de France stages, water sports including rafting, pedalo, board paddling, swimming - pool or lake, climbing through the treetops, fishing, visiting castles and chateaux, bouncy castle park, visit small animal park, special bird sanctuary, wolf park, use cable cars to go up the mountains, visit prehistoric caves and museum or go underground for one of the longest underground boat trips ............................................. the list could go on and on but we are always happy to give advice if asked. We have visited most of the sites personally and our grandchildren have tested the family orientated sites!
Places to visit:
Foix
The 'county town' of the Département.. Meander in its medieval streets, and visit the Chateau of the Counts of Foix . Friday is market day - something for everyone. During the summer months there are special festival such as a weekend of medieval events, an African weekend, antique fayrs, a jazz festival and special artisan and local food markets. There us a new swimming pool, indoor and outdoor pools and more than one chidren's play parks also a white water rafting centre (30mins)
Mirepoix
Mirepoix is only 20 minutes drive from us. Its main square has most of its original covered galleries dating from the 13th and 14th centuries. Market day is Monday. Lots of restaurants and bars. Each weekend in the summer there are different markets and festival including a very special weekend of Marionette productions., a medieval festival and also a pottery fayre which attracts potters from other areas.
Pamiers
The commercial centre of the area but a town steeped in history. It is fast becoming a cultural centre as well with a new artistic director for the town. There are many exhibitions, shows, theatre and dance events as well as concerts covering most musical tastes - many of them are free. .There are trains to Toulouse (1hr) - at least one every hour. Main market, spread over three squares, on Saturday also Tuesday and Thursday. (25mins). Indoor and outdoor swimming pool (25mins)
Les Monts d'Olmes
Les Monts d'Olmes is our local ski station but offers activities all the year round. There is also cross country skiing at Chioula.
Ax les Thermes is a main ski centre but is a facinating place to visit any time of year, newly opened thermal baths (~ 1 hr)
Carcassonne
The old cité is a world heritage site and the Canal du Midi passes through the city.. (~1hr)
Lavelanet
Just 15mins from us, excellent local market on Fridays, supermarkets, Textile Museum. On a clear day Montsegur can be seen from the centre of the town. Starting point for the Voi Verte a 38km walking and cycling trail following the route of the old railway line from Lavelanet to Mirepoix.
Laroque d'Olmes
Our closest village for shops, excellent butcher in the small shopping precinct, as well as a boulangerie, tabac, bar serving tapas,, pharmacy, cash point at bank, Take away pizza and kebabs. It is easy to drive through Laroque but take the time to visit the old town square and the church on the top of the hill. This is a good viewing point and has information panels, the church itself has the most magnificent new oak doors and a rather large bolt and key on it's old door! (12mins)
