The prehistoric caves around the town of Tarascon. Niaux, the most famous, is the largest decorated cave in France still open to the public and is highly protected - only a small number of groups of limited size are permitted each day and so booking is essential, even outside the summer months. Lomberives is the biggest cave system in Europe; you can choose from over 20 different visits ranging from 1 to 7 hours. Bedeilhac: very large caves with stalagmites and amazing Magdalenian art. Grotte de la Vache is the smallest of the caves, but one that’s yielded a very large number of everyday objects; the Salle de Monique near the entrance has preserved traces of an encampment.

Parc de la Préhistoire, Tarascon: everything you ever wanted to know about the prehistoric people, caves, art and lifestyle. There are workshops, live demonstrations and a complete reproduction of the Niaux cave paintings. Allow most of the day.

Cathar castles at Montségur and Roquefixade – rather more of an activity, maybe, as both require fairly stiff climbs to get up there.

The eagles at the Chateau de Lordat – over 30 eagles and other birds of prey at close quarters, with regular flights.

The award-winning organic vineyard at Les Côteaux d’Engraviès, where every Thursday between June and September you can take a 2 hour tour with the owner, Philippe Babin.

Discover some of the many Romanesque chapels and churches – too many to list but all beautiful in their simplicity.

Walking/cycling/climbing/skiing/swimming/fishing/horseriding …. all over the place!

Les Bains de Couloubret at Ax les Thermes – a newish thermal spa with jacuzzis, jets, frigidarium, caldarium, vaporarium, Irish-Roman bath, hammam, saunas and two outside pools, all at between 35 and 38 degrees.

Trekking with a donkey – Aleu or Le Port.

Trekking with a lama – near Tarascon.

Andorra – shopping, if you like that sort of thing, but also some magnificent scenery if you get off the beaten track.

Spain via the Col de Portet d’Aspet – discover the south facing slopes of the Pyrenees and the Val d'Aran – very different – and enjoy a Spanish lunch in Vielha (twinned with St Girons).

Toulouse - if I had to live in a city this would be one of my top three. Evocative buildings, especially on a summer evening when the brick glows deep pink; lots of interesting quarters to explore; the river (regular boat trips); excellent galleries, museums and culture; vibrant restaurant scene and café culture. Easy access via train from Foix, or Park and Ride.

Carcassonne – the old cité is hugely touristy and, to be honest, best avoided in the summer, but out of season it makes for an interesting visit. Don’t ignore the lower town, the Bastide Saint Louis, which has a flavour of its own.

Donezan – the farthest flung bit of Ariège, so remote that it’s cut off from the rest of the department in winter. Rich in history (and, of course, scenery), it’s often referred to as a ‘Québec Ariégeois’. Fascinating.

St Bertrand de Comminges – medieval cité with Roman origins (Lugdunum), famous for its cathedral and architecture. Remarkable setting. Very close by is the basilica of Saint-Just de Valcabrère, one of the finest examples of Roman architecture in the Pyrenees.