Fantastic DAYS OUT for all the FAMILY in and around the ARIEGE, south west France
Central & South Midi-Pyrenees: 'Places to See, Things to Do'
Just a few ideas to give you an idea of what the Midi Pyrenees has to offer.
The famous walled 'Cite de Carcassonne' is NOT TO BE MISSED! The medieval 'Cite' was reconstructed in the 19th Century and has complete walls, fortifications, a castle, churches, plus many shops and restaurants.
driveIf there is a rainy day, or just for a change of scene(?), then a day out at 'Space City' near Toulouse (as seen on BBC's 'Holiday' 7th Feb 07) is definitely worth a visit - plenty for all the family! The Imax 'Space Station' film is a must for all and the restaurants serve very good quality and reasonably priced lunches for adults and the little ones....definitely a recommended visit.
Toulouse itself is also well worth a visit - cosmopolitan shopping and wonderful architecture.
If there is a rainy day, or just for a change of scene(?), then a day out at 'Space City' near Toulouse (as seen on BBC's 'Holiday' 7th Feb 07) is definitely worth a visit - plenty for all the family! The Imax 'Space Station' film is a must for all and the restaurants serve very good quality and reasonably priced lunches for adults and the little ones....definitely a recommended visit.
Toulouse itself is also well worth a visit - cosmopolitan shopping and wonderful architecture.
Every
Saturday throughout the year, one of the largest markets in Southern
France is held at St Girons. The market is crammed w
ith
fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese and meats. Many local artisans
have stalls selling everything from ironwork to silks. Wander
around this extensive, quintessential French market. Buy a
delicious picnic, then drive a few miles to the beautiful, quiet town of
St Lizier. A perfect picnic place can be found just above the
Bishops Palace. A pleasant couple of hours then can be spent
wandering the streets of St Lizier. The cloisters in the abbey are
a definite highlight.
Superb,
long, sandy and very clean beaches can be found all along the
Mediterranean
coast, from the beautiful fishing town of Collioure to well beyond the
cosmopolitan city of Montpellier. The beach at Narbonne Plage is as
good as anywhere. Why not relax on the soft, clean sand, swim in the
shallow, warm Med, then have a meal or stroll around the beautiful and
historic Roman town of Narbonne.
Above Tarascon, a Nordic skiing area that is fantastic at any time of the year for walking, cycling, skiing, sledging or just for enjoying the magnificent views. There is a good cafe/restaurant, toilets, ice cream, etc!
A very pleasant drive
down the Ariege valley to Ax Les Thermes. Lunch or pick-up a picnic,
dabble your feet in the warm volcanic pool. Then a beautiful 20 minute
drive through the spectacular Orlu valley to the 'Maison de Loupes'.
Alternatively, you may want to go Marmot spotting along the slightly higher levels of the Orlu valley, through the National Nature Reserve. The Marmots are wild but approachable and can be seen close to the path-side after about an hour's walk.
How
about a castle and beach trip? Why not try the impressive Cathar
Castle at Puivert. In beautiful surroundings the castle could fill a
couple of hours exploring, then you can cool down and have fun in the clean,
safe swimming lake in the village. You can hire 'peddlelo' and canoes.
The beach is soft, fine sand which is cleaned daily.You could then visit the
charming Medieval town of Mirepoix.....
