On the road

OCCITANIE REGION

Departments: Ariège, Aude, Aveyron, Gard, Haute-Garonne, Gers, Hérault, Lot, Lozère, Hautes-Pyrénées, Pyrénées-Orientales, Tarn, Tarn-et-Garonne.

Population: 5.9 million

Prefecture: Toulouse

Surface area: 72,724 km2

Specialities: foie gras, cassoulet, aligot, tielle of Sète, cod brandade, Tarbes beans, garbure, sweet onions, Céret cherries, wines (Pic Saint-Loup, Corbières, Cahors, Costières de Nîmes, blanquette de Limoux, Minervois, Tavel, Madiran). Perrier spring water.

Sports clubs: Stade Toulousain, Castres Olympique, Montpellier HR, USAP Perpignan (rugby union), Montpellier HSC, Nîmes Olympique, Toulouse FC (football), Dragons Catalans (rugby league), Montpellier Handball, Fenix Toulouse, USAM Nîmes-Gard (handball).

Competitions: Tour de France, Open Sud de France (tennis), Route d'Occitanie (cycling).

Economy: aerospace (Airbus, Ariane, Toulouse), defence, IT, nuclear, agri-food, agriculture (wine, cereals), tourism, pharmaceuticals. Universities (Montpellier, Toulouse).  

Festivals: férias in Nîmes and Béziers, Rio Loco (Toulouse), Radio France Festival in Montpellier (classical), Comédie du Livre book fair (Montpellier), Electro Beach (Port Barcarès), Jazz in Marciac, Cinémed (Montpellier), Circa Auch, Noir Novel Festival in Frontignan.

Sights: Cité of Carcassonne, Lourdes Basilica, Toulouse (Capitole, Saint-Sernin, etc.), Montpellier (Place de la Comédie, Écusson), Pont du Gard, Nîmes Arena, Cathar castles, Canal du Midi, cathedrals of Albi, Castres and Rodez. Millau Viaduct, Niaux and Maz d'Azil caves. Valentré Bridge in Cahors. Character villages. Beaches in Aude, Gard and Hérault. Ski resorts in the Pyrenees and Ariège. Website: www.laregionoccitanie.fr

LOUDERVIELLE (POP: 54)

Château de Moulor Foundation: 12thcentury.

History: the fiefdom of the seigneury included part of the current territories of the communes of Germ, Loudervielle, Armenteule and Aranvielle and some land in the neighbouring Larboust valley. The keep and chapel belonged to the Lords of Montlaur, vassals of the Barons of Spain-Montespan. The last members of the Lords of Moulor family to have lived in the castle died out in 1753 and 1754. All that remains of the castle is a square watchtower erected on the hill where the castle once stood.

Characteristics: The Moulor tower was built to ward off attacks by the Moors. These towers, like those at Bordères, Louron, Estarveille and Génos, could be part of a castle or surrounded by a simple wall. All square in shape, they had a single entrance to a room topped by a vaulted ceiling. This vault was pierced by a hole through which the upper floor could be reached by means of a simple ladder.  

Pyrenees National Park For more than 25 years, this park has protected an area of 46,000 ha, to which can be added 15,000 ha of the Ordesa National Park in Spain, with a rich flora of more than 400 species, including ramondie, fritilaria, saxifrage and the Pyrenean lily, and an exceptional wildlife. Bearded vultures, golden eagles, Egyptian vultures and, closer to home, marmots, isards and, as luck would have it, brown bears… 

HAUTE-GARONNE (31) 

Population: 1,400,039

Prefecture: Toulouse

Sub-prefectures: Muret, Saint Gaudens

Surface area: 6,309 km²

Specialities: cassoulet, Toulouse sausage, foie gras, duck breast, Toulouse violets, AOP Fronton wine, AOC Cadours garlic, IGP des Pyrénées lamb, AOC Bigorre black pork, Label Rouge Lauragais veal.

Sports: mountaineering, horse riding, climbing, hiking (Via Garona GR861, GR10, GR46, GR653, GR86, etc.), rugby, caving, white water sports on the Garonne (canoeing, kayaking, hydrospeed, rafting), aerial sports (paragliding, gliding, microlight aircraft), winter sports (skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding), mountain biking (FFC Pyrénées Comminges), sailing. Sports clubs: Stade Toulousain (rugby union), Toulouse Football Club, Fénix Toulouse Handball, Toulouse Métropole Basket, Spacers Volleyball, TOXIII, Union Sportive Colomiers Rugby.

Competitions: Luchon Aneto Trail (Luchon has been awarded the Station Trail© label), Trail du Mourtis, Trail Toulouse Métropole, Trail du Cagire.

Economy: Aerospace, tourism, 4 ski resorts, winegrowing (Fronton)

Outstanding sites: Aurignacian Museum, Saint Bertrand de Comminges listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France; Martres-Tolosane and Revel awarded the Towns of Arts and Crafts label; Lake Saint Ferréol; the Unesco-listed Canal du Midi with its greenway; Lake Oô in the central Pyrenees; City of Space, the most visited tourist site, Saint Sernin Basilica, one of the largest Romanesque basilicas in Europe...

Festivals: 31 Notes d'Eté, Jazz sur son 31, Luchon Television Creation Festival, Printemps du rire, Rio Loco, Comminges Festival in Saint Bertrand de Comminges, Toulouse les Orgues...

Websites and social networks: http://www.haute-garonne.fr/ / http://hautegaronnetourisme.com / https://www.facebook.com/TourismeHG / https://twitter.com/TourismeHG / https://www.instagram.com/tourismehg

BAGNÈRES-DE-LUCHON (POP: 2,700)

Its privileged position has enabled Bagnères-de-Luchon to host the Tour de France 55 times, a record for a town of its size. It has to be said that this renowned spa town has been part of the history of the race since 1910, when it hosted the first two high mountain stages of the event, both of which were won by Octave Lapize, the future winner of that edition. The Queen of the Pyrenees has also often crowned the future winner of the Tour, or its hero, such as Pascal Simon in 1983, Thomas Voeckler in 2010 and Julian Alaphilippe in 2018. That year, the allées d'Étigny were the setting for a novel start in the form of an F1 Grand-Prix-style grid. Bagnères-de-Luchon is the most distinctive mountain town in the entire Pyrenees range. Surrounded by the 13 most famous peaks in the range, including Aneto (3,404 m), the highest peak in the Pyrenees, Luchon is a lively holiday destination that attracts travellers of all types, in all seasons. Since 2011, Bagnères-de-Luchon has been listed as one of the Grand Sites de Midi-Pyrénées. The therapeutic virtues of the waters of Luchon have been renowned for over two thousand years. It's no coincidence that the Roman goddess of water, Ilixon, gave her name to the Luchon region. Today, the spa town of Bagnères-de-Luchon is the busiest in the Haute-Garonne and the Midi-Pyrénées region. Since 2011, it has been a member of the Association of European Spa Towns.

COL DE MENTÉ 

Rated first category, the Col de Menté has been climbed twenty-two times by the Tour de France between 1966 and 2022. The most famous ride took place in 1971, when Luis Ocana crashed with the Yellow Jersey on his back and was forced to retire. Around the pass is the Mourtis ski resort, in the commune of Boutx and managed by the Community of communes of Saint-Béat.

ARIÈGE (09)

Population: 152,398

Prefecture: Foix

Sub-prefectures: Pamiers, Saint-Girons

Surface area: 4,890 km²

Specialities: Bethmale and Moulis (cheeses), Flocons d'Ariège (confectionery), Azinat (Ariège cabbage stew), Mounjetado (Mountain Cassoulet), hypocras (medieval aperitif), Pamiers "Cocos" (dried beans).

Sport: Trail des Citadelles (foot race), Ronde de l'Isard (cycling), Trail des Crêtes (foot race), L'Ariégeoise (gran fondo), l'Ultrariège, la PicaPica (ultra-trail, Montcalm races), Canoeing, outdoor sports,. Rugby.

Festivals: Jazz Festival in Foix, Manouch' Muzik Festival de Mazères, MIMA Puppet Arts Festival in Mirepoix, Résistances Film Festival, Foix Land of History, Music in Gabriel Fauré’s land Festival, Autrefois le Couserans.

Heritage and tourism : Château de Foix (completely redesigned in 2019 and enhanced with an interactive tour), Saint-Lizier Bishop Palace and its Notre-Dame de la Sède cathedral, the Sixtine of the Ariège, Caves of Mas d'Azil and Niaux (the largest underground network in Europe), underground river of Labouiche, Château de Montségur (Unesco World Heritage site), medieval town of Mirepoix (all Grand Sites Occitanie), village of Camon, rated as the most beautiful village in Ariège, Carla Bayle, a picturesque artists' village, and the Prehistoric Park in Tarascon-sur-Ariège (an immersion in the daily life of our ancestors), Ecomuseum of Alzen (nestling in the heart of the Ariege Pyrenees Regional Nature Park), Saint-Lizier Bishop Palace Museum, Hotel d'Ardouin Museum in Mazères on the history of the Merovingians, Iron Museum in Montgailhard, a modernised museum trail.

Websites and social networks: https://fr-fr.facebook.com/ariegeledepartement/    / http://www.ariege.fr/ / https://www.facebook.com/tourismeariege/ / http://www.ariegepyrenees.com/    Nestling at the foot of the Pyrenees, Ariège is a land of authentic adaptation. Once punctuated by the pounding of Catalan-style forges, it is now building its development on three key sectors, between technology (aeronautical subcontracting, nanotechnologies), the green economy and tourism.   A natural and cultural mosaic, Ariège has a way of life that tastefully blends nature and local traditions: how can you talk about Ariège without describing its breathtaking landscapes, with their torrents and thermal springs, its Mérens horses, champions of adaptation to mountain conditions, or its Bethmale cheese, matured in the heart of the green valleys of the Couserans?   Nestling in a land of steep mountains and sun-drenched valleys, Ariège has seen centuries of history unfold, filled with emblematic events and characters: from the first prehistoric man to the Cathar and Resistance fighters, the history of Ariège is waiting to be heard.   Ariège and its riches fascinate and seduce tourists and new arrivals every year: to taste Ariège is to adopt it. This could be the leitmotiv of the Departmental Council, which is mobilising the energies of all local players, both public and private, to design the Ariège of tomorrow.

AUDRESSEIN (POP: 105)

The village took part in the War of the Maidens. It lies at the confluence of the Lez and Bouigane rivers, which flow down from the Bellongue valley. The 13th and 14th-century parish church of Saint-Martin is topped by a bell tower.  

Church of Notre-Dame de Tramesaygues

Construction: 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th centuries

History: the pilgrimage to Notre-Dame-de-Tramesaygues already existed in 1139. The old chapel was too small and was rebuilt in the 13th century, with successive extensions. This ancient place of pilgrimage expanded when a brotherhood known as the Brotherhood of the Holy Name of Mary was attached to the chapel on 8 September 1315.

Characteristics: with a bell tower-porch, medieval frescoes and a beautiful porch decorated with paintings.

Listed as: UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela. Historical monument since 1990.  

SAINT-GIRONS (POPULATION 6,250)

As a crossroads providing access to eighteen different valleys, Saint-Girons almost always sees the Tour de France peloton pass through. This was particularly true of the 100th edition, when Christopher Froome's supremacy was challenged on the road to Bagnères-de-Bigorre. Meanwhile, at the front of the race, the show was put on by Dan Martin. The Irishman skilfully manoeuvred past Denmark's Jakob Fuglsang to claim his first Tour de France stage victory. In 2017, at the peak of his powers, Warren Barguil won in Foix as part of a royal breakaway that also included Alberto Contador, Mikel Landa, Fabio Aru and Nairo Quintana. He did it again on the summit of the Izoard and won the polka-dot jersey. Luis Leon Sanchez won here in 2009. But the town has more often than not welcomed riders on their way to the summits. In both 1995 and 2003, the route to Cauterets and then Loudenvielle provided Richard Virenque with the points he needed to secure the polka-dot jersey. However, the peloton suffered a tragedy on that day in 1995, when Fabio Casartelli died on the descent following the Portet-d'Aspet pass. Every year in September, the Roue Libre association organises the Fabio Casartelli Memorial, an international cycling event at which the rider's family gather in Saint-Girons. A former Tour Maillot Jaune, Frédéric Moncassin, who also won two stages in 1996, has settled near Saint-Girons. The 16th-century château of the Viscounts of Couserans, which houses a number of municipal services, and the 15th-century portal of the church of Saint-Vallier are protected sites, but heritage enthusiasts are more likely to head up to Saint-Lizier to admire one of the city's ten listed monuments, including two cathedrals.  

Cathedral of Notre-Dame de la Sède in Saint-Lizier

Construction: 10th century.  

Style: Romanesque.

History: Notre-Dame-de-la-Sède cathedral was built on the heights of Saint-Lizier in a very simple Romanesque style with a single nave. In the 12th century, a cloister in the Romanesque tradition, which has now disappeared, and a vaulted chapter house were built. In the 14th century, the cathedral vault was raised to its current height. The three side chapels were also added at this time. In the early 1990s, traces of ancient paintings were discovered in the cathedral during the restoration of the woodwork. Two successive restoration campaigns brought to light a monumental collection of Renaissance wall paintings. The decoration was commissioned by Jean d'Aule, Bishop of Couserans from 1475 to 1515.

Current use: the cathedral is no longer open to worship and can now be visited as part of the Ariège Departmental Museum at the Bishops Palace in Saint-Lizier.

Listed as: historical monument since 1994.

EYCHEIL (POP: 540)

The first JOB factory was set up in Eycheil in 1875 to manufacture cigarette paper for this famous brand, whose advertisements were designed by the greatest Art Nouveau artists such as Alphonse Mucha. Long owned by the Bolloré group, JOB was bought by an American group in 2005. The Moulasse paper mill in Eycheil is still in operation.

EYCHEIL (POP: 540)

The first JOB factory was set up in Eycheil in 1875 to manufacture cigarette paper for this famous brand, whose advertisements were designed by the greatest Art Nouveau artists such as Alphonse Mucha. Long owned by the Bolloré group, JOB was bought by an American group in 2005. The Moulasse paper mill in Eycheil is still in operation.

AULUS-LES-BAINS (POP: 150)

The village of Aulus-les-Bains lies at an altitude of 750 m and is famous for its thermal baths, open from April to October. The main indications for the waters produced by the four springs at Aulus are the treatment of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diseases of the urinary tract and kidneys. They are particularly effective in treating hypercholesterolaemia. Nearby, the 246m-high Ars waterfall can be reached after a three-hour walk. During the Second World War, 886 Jews were placed under house arrest in hotels in Aulus-les-Bains. Two hundred were rounded up in 1942, but many others, hidden by local residents, managed to escape to Spain. Four families from Aulus were awarded the title of "Righteous Among the Nations" for their role during this period.  

NIAUX (POP: 175)

Famous for its huge decorated cave, Niaux is also home to an attractive Pyrenean museum, opened in 1982.  

The Niaux cave

It has over 200 entrances and some of its halls are huge, such as the Cathedral Hall, which is as large as Notre-Dame de Paris. Just 4 km from the entrance, the Hall of Satan's Empire is three or four times bigger still. The cave served as a refuge for Cathars and priests during the French Revolution.

NIAUX (POP: 175)

Famous for its huge decorated cave, Niaux is also home to an attractive Pyrenean museum, opened in 1982.  

The Niaux cave

It has over 200 entrances and some of its halls are huge, such as the Cathedral Hall, which is as large as Notre-Dame de Paris. Just 4 km from the entrance, the Hall of Satan's Empire is three or four times bigger still. The cave served as a refuge for Cathars and priests during the French Revolution.

TARASCON-SUR-ARIÈGE (POP: 3,000)

Tarascon derives its origins from two Indo-European roots meaning "passage through the fault". Its prehistoric heritage is exceptional. You can still admire some of the wall paintings in the Niaux cave (the Salon Noir), or visit the largest cave in Europe, the Lombrives cave, where Pyrene, with whom Hercules fell in love, is said to rest. In ancient times, the region's iron mines attracted a great deal of interest, and Tarascon suffered successive invasions from the Franks, Vandals, Visigoths and Saracens. The history of Tarascon really begins in 778, when the town was the scene of a battle that enabled Charlemagne's troops to repel the Saracens. The chapel of Notre-Dame de la Victoire was built to celebrate this battle. Once the region had been pacified, it came under the control of the Counts of Foix from the 11th century onwards. The castle was built three centuries later. In the 16th century, the Wars of Religion brought bloodshed to the town. Protestants and Catholics took it in turns to seize the castle and massacre their enemies. The castle and the town's two other citadels were demolished under the reign of Louis XIII, while Tarascon was twice ravaged by fire, the deadliest in 1701. In 1775, the Castella Tower was built on the site of the former keep. The stone bearing the arms of the Counts of Foix, salvaged from the old castle and still visible above the Castella gate, was included. Once dependent on agriculture and gypsum quarrying, Tarascon's main source of income today is green tourism. Tarascon hosted a stage start in 1998: Tom Steels won at Cap d'Agde.   

Prehistoric Art Park Set in a mountain park with water features and rocky outcrops, this site offers an original approach to the prehistoric heritage of the Ariège. Inside the contemporary architecture, a host of interactive activities and a sound and light show retrace the history of cave art, appealing to children and adults alike, laymen and enthusiasts alike. A reconstruction of the cave of Niaux allows visitors to admire cave paintings that are no longer accessible to the public. Contemporary art exhibitions also bring today's artists face to face with their distant ancestors.   

Lombrives cave The Lombrives cave is a cave whose main entrance is located in the commune of Ussat, three kilometres south of Tarascon-sur-Ariège in the Ariège département (France). Part of the cave is open to tourists. The undeveloped site is listed.

ORNOLAC-USSAT-LES-BAINS (POP: 370 INHABITANTS)

The Ussat-les-Bains spa is renowned for treating psychosomatic illnesses linked to stress, as well as certain neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease. The action of its waters on the nervous system has led to the development of relaxation and anti-stress holidays. The first written records of the beneficial effects of Ussat water date back to the 15th century, and the first medical work on the subject dates from 1771. The local population had long used the springs to relieve ailments, but from that time onwards the baths were to be structured under the impetus of the Baron of Ornolac, Louis de Fraxine. Soon, famous people such as the King of Holland, Louis Bonaparte, Napoleon 1st's brother, and poet Lamartine were coming to take the waters of Ussat as a spa treatment. The resort enjoyed its golden age and the Grands Thermes, now listed, were built in 1845 on the remains of an older establishment. Owned by the Hospices de Pamiers until 1982, the spa, which had fallen into a state of lethargy, has now been revived by private owners.  

Loudenvielle

A charming resort in the Louron valley, Loudenvielle is centred around its picturesque man-made lake.

With plenty to nourish body and soul, the natural surroundings offer plenty in the way of hiking and walking trails, while the thermal spa, Balnéa, provides a soothing escape with its wellness offerings. The mountains that overlook the village are ideal for everything from skiing to mountain-biking and you can take in great views without even having to work up a sweat thanks to the cable car.

The village itself is home to attractive stone buildings, including a 12th-Century church, while the Arixo museum offers an insight into the area's culture and history.

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