Seasons and weather in Ariège-Pyrénées, south of France

MAISON GRILLOU, CHAMBRES D'HOTES AND HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION WITH A DIFFERENCE IN THE FRENCH PYRENEES

everything is intensely green and brimming with life.
the birdsong is staggering; migrating birds are arriving.
trees are in blossom, shrubs are in flower - spring is Ariège's most colourful season.
wild flowers are everywhere; in late spring the Alpine varieties at altitude are wonderful. Orchids in flower at Grillou.
the Pyrenean peaks are still snow covered and look stunning; this is in some ways the best time of year for scenery.
days are long.
weather-wise, the least predictable season, especially recently. Long spells of glorious sunny weather and temperatures in the 20s (or higher) are common though and you'll spend most of the day outside - we're usually in shorts by April.
it's warm enough to eat outside in the evenings by early May.
it's usually warm enough to swim in Lac Mondély by late May.
a great season for walking and cycling as the heat isn't too intense - watch for snow at altitude though.
the fishing season has opened.
asparagus, broad beans, cherries, strawberries, beetroot.
transhumance.
the light is crystal clear and greeny-blue.
it's quiet, but everything is open.

the driest, most settled and often the sunniest season.
daytime temperatures often reach 25 to 30 degrees, especially in September and October.
from mid-November mornings can be crisp, with a touch of frost.
morning mists in the valleys make for atmospheric photos.
the first snows appear on the peaks.
the perfect season for walking - all the high walks are accessible without special equipment, and it's not too hot.
the best time to go foraging: wild pears, walnuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts, medlar, and - of course - mushrooms.
many birds migrating south across the Pyrenees for winter.
the bronzey autumn leaves are spectacular all through November, especially in the beech and chestnut forests.
the light is soft and distinctly golden.
tomatoes, aubergines, peppers, potimarron, pumpkin, squash, apples, crabapples, quince, pears, walnuts, hazelnuts, figs.
most things still open at least until the end of October; after that at weekends or by arrangement.

daytime temperatures are in the late 20s and early 30s; in the sun the heat can be intense. Grillou's thick stone walls keep the house cool though.
late summer can see spectacular afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains.
days are still long, and the evenings now are very warm. Nights are rarely too hot to sleep at Grillou though because of our altitude (500 metres).
the snow has melted on the Pyrenean peaks and the high mountain areas are easily accessible to walkers.
the festival season is in full swing.
the water temperature at Lac Mondély is hovering around 26 degrees.
it's lively, but never excessively so here - there's no sense of there being too many people, no traffic jams, no parking problems.
cows are grazing in the high summer pastures and the cheese is rich and yellow.
butterflies fill the air at Grillou.
courgettes, green beans, mangetout, peas, salad crops, peppers, aubergines, tomatoes, plums, apricots, peaches, nectarines, melon.

the coldest season (obviously!) but very varied: daytime temperatures can be 18-20 degrees, especially at medium altitude such as ours. Because we're so far south the sun still feels strong and can raise the temperature to 30 degrees in the middle of the day. February often brings the best weather.
snow is guaranteed at altitude, and can be expected once or twice a year here.
nights can be frosty, occasionally down to minus 10 degrees or less.
sunny days mean lunch outside is still possible.
great season for walking in woodland: the leafless trees allow the sun through and afford views not available in summer. Mont Valier visible from Grillou.
the ski season is in full swing; non-skiers can still enjoy a day at a ski station - lunch, snow, views, atmosphere, sun.
snow-shoeing circuits are open too; the nearest is just half an hour from here.
snow chains are a requirement on some high level roads.
ski towns and resorts are particularly lively; otherwise many things open during school holidays (December, February).
very few restaurants in Ariège close in winter, unlike some other parts of the country.
characteristic smell of wood smoke fills the air.