Saint Girons Market Town
With a population of approx 6000 residents, the town of Saint Girons is divided by 3 rivers, Le Salat, Le Baup and Le Lez. Saint Girons hosts a lively & colourful Saturday market, with "artisan" produce, street music & many cafes to relax and enjoy a taste of local life.

Tour de France - Monday 19th July 2010
Stage 15 from PAMIERS to BAGNÈRES-DE-LUCHON, distance of 187km. Passing along the D618, below L'Ancienne Bergerie, heading up to Col du Portet d'Aspet 1069m. An ideal location to view and enjoy the Le Tour de France.

Grotte Gargas - Prehistorique Caves
Situated in the nieghbouring department of the Haute Garonne are the Prehistorique Grotte de Gargas. The 45 min tour offers engravings & finger tracings of bison, mammoths and hand outlines dating back to 20,000 to 25,000 years ago. Preserving the caves by allowing small groups visit at monitored times. A translator is provided by the tour.

Cathédrale Sainte Marie de Saint-Bertrand-de-Commingues
3kms from Grotte Gargas is the Romanesque village of Saint-Bertrand-de-Commingues. The Cathédrale Sainte Marie stands above the remains of the city, which was destroyed by "Vandals" in 409AD, situated on the pilgrim route "le chemin Saint Jacques".

Musicians at Saint Girons Saturday market
Soak up the bustling atmosphere and enjoy the French "chansons" whilst browsing the market stalls, boutiques, cafes and bars.

Cathédrale de Saint-Lizier
The octagonal keep-like tower of the 11th century Cathédrale stands proudly over the historical town of Saint Lizier, on the pilgrim route "le chemin Saint jacques". Among festivals held here, of music & theatre, there is an also the annual Bio Fair in October.

Walk with a "Pack Donkey"
Rambling with a pack donkey through the woods and pastures of the Couserans. Either for a fun day out or longer, camping out under the stars.

Méren horses at summer pasture
The Mérens horse is considered the closest thing in western Europe to the wild horse of prehistory. Its image appears drawn on the walls of the Niaux cave. The Mérens are part of the spring/autumn transhumance, being taken up to the mountain pastures for summer grazing. They are sure-footed, patient & calm which makes it a horse suitable for all to enjoy, riding on an organized trek or discovering them whilst out walking the mountains of the Ariège.

Local Cheeses - Visit a Fromagerie
Fromagerie de La Core, is situated in Bethmale (15 mins from l'Ancienne Bergerie). Offering a selection of sheep, goat & cow cheese. The valleys of the Pays Couserans are enriched with Fromageries, where you can observe the making of cheese and be introduced to the animals. (Google offers an English translation of this site).

Music and local festivals
Throughout the year there are outdoor in indoor music, theatre, photography and artistic events. Portraying ancient traditions, modern styles and their influence of the young & old from the Ariège.