Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises: we’re in the middle of it!

The Séronais: our local ‘region’ or pays. Green rolling hills and woodland, bucolic and pastoral.

The Petites Pyrénées: a neighbouring region straddling the north-west corner of Ariège and Haute-Garonne. Interesting villages ( for example St Croix Volvestre, Tourtouse) towns and architecture.

The dolmen around Le Mas d’Azil.

Viewpoints and cols where you can settle with a picnic – for example the Col de Portel, Col de la Crouzette, Cap Carmil, Prat d’Albis … and many more.

Quirky places – for example the stone garden of Alas, the Chemin de Croix at Raynaude and Notre Dame de la Goutte.

St Girons
The capital of the Couserans region, the 18 valleys that make up the western third of the department. Lovely situation on the banks of two rivers, with glorious mountain views, some wonderfully unreconstructed and faded old shop fronts, and a surprising collection of very individual shops. Lively atmosphere, especially at the Saturday morning market when you could be forgiven for thinking that the entire department is there, and some interesting festivals.

St Lizier
Five minutes away from St Girons, St Lizier is a listed medieval cité (UNESCO, Plus Beaux Villages) with gallo-roman origins. The setting is truly magnificent with an expansive view of the Pyrenees. There’s a lovely Romanesque cathedral with beautiful cloisters and an 18th century pharmacy, a stone arcaded main square and narrow winding streets with some lovely half timbered buildings – it all still feels a very real and authentic place, without a hint of twee. The Bishop’s Palace has recently been restored and now forms a museum. There’s a seriously good classical music festival every summer.

Foix
The smallest departmental capital in France. A medieval market town dominated by an imposing chateau, once the home of Count Gaston Phoebus, now open to the public (great views). Very attractive old quarter, good markets and festivals, and lots of cafés to while away the afternoon.

Carla Bayle
A perched village with stunning views to north and south; home of 17th century philosopher Pierre Bayle, now a colourful artists’ village, stuffed to the gunnels with galleries.