|
-
Winter sports
- Ten ski stations are scattered
across the mountains of the Ariège, offering something for
skiers of all ages and abilities, from the beginner to
lovers of extreme skiing. As well as this wide choice of
downhill pistes, you can also visit the biggest
cross-country ski station in the Pyrenees, at Plateau de
Beille, which offers excellent snow conditions well into
spring, or try the fastest-growing winter sport in France,
snowshoeing.
- Our local resorts are
Guzet (45
mins) for downhill skiing, and Etang de Lers (20 mins)
for the cross-country variety.
- If you fancy a change of scene,
simply cross the border to the south east into
Andorra, or
to the west into our neighbouring department of Haute
Pyrenees, with both offering a wealth of winter sport
activities.
- Let us know if you need help with ski passes,
equipment hire, resort transfers or finding a mountain
guide.
-
Horse riding
- Animals similar to
the modern day Ariegeois Mérens breed are featured in cave
paintings found throughout the department, and today’s specimens
are ideal for trekking, blessed with a gentle temperament and
used to the undulating paths. There are a host of riding centres
within range of Le Pic Vert, proving the enduring
popularity of the activity in the area. Our local riding
centres are
Cheval Rit and
Cavalus, each about 10 kms
distant.
-
Tennis
- There is a tennis court (hardcourt) 500m from Le Pic Vert. Just
let us know if you wish us to book it for you.
-
Cycling
-
The roads around
us are perfect for cycling, with only a few of the
departmental routes carrying any volume of traffic at
all. Ours is an upland area, and as such has many steep
mountain ascents for the dedicated cyclist, but there are
just as many flat valley rides amid equally stunning
scenery, and any amount of undulations between those two
extremes!
-
The Tour de
France invariably comes through the department each July,
and the riders are tested here to the limit. To watch them
toil through the Ariege
is to understand exactly why the Tour is the most popular
single sporting event on the planet.
-
The whole
travelling circus passes within 5 kms of Le Pic Vert in 2007, so do
take the opportunity to join the thousands of others who
throng the roadsides by taking advantage of our Tour special
(link here), which also
challenges you to tackle a stage of the 2007 Tour yourself.
-
Mountain-biking,
or VTT (vélo tout-terrain), is also very popular here and
many tracks have been created and adapted for all levels.
-
Paragliding
-
There are several
locations across the Ariege where paragliding, known in France
as parapente, is practiced, offering beginners the opportunity
to sample and perhaps take up the pursuit, whilst also providing
challenging landscapes for the more experienced practioner.
-
We are a
positioned just a few kilometres from
Pyren’aventure, our local
paragliding centre, but there are many other places to visit
within an hour’s drive.
-
Fishing
-
The pure waters of
the Ariège, from the upland mountain streams and high altitude
lakes to the fast-flowing rivers further down in the valleys,
provide perfect conditions for angling. Le Pic Vert is ideally
situated to enable you to sample each environment, and will
provide you with all of the information you need to get started.
-
The fishing season
runs from early March to mid-September for most waters. A
fishing permit for the entire season in all waters costs 27€ and
you also have to become a member of the
fishing federation of
the department. However, a special 2-week tourist fishing
permit is available for 30€ and
is valid between June 1st and September 30th. A laminated photo ID
is issued with the permit, so bring along a suitable photo if
you plan to fish.
-
Walking
-
As with the cycling,
you can choose whether to tackle the higher peaks along the
HRP,
use us a stopping off point as you proceed along the
GR10, or
enjoy the less demanding walking on and around the wooded hills
and valleys surrounding Le Pic Vert. In our canton of
Massat,
sixteen circuits have been cleared and waymarked; we provide a
brochure with a detailed map and description of each walk (also
provided by the tourist office in Massat).
-
Explore some of our
local peaks (such as the Tour du Massif des Trois Seigneurs),
take the Tour du Biros, which combines many landscapes, flora
and fauna over the several days it takes to complete, or visit
the easily accessible Cirque de Cagateille, which has been
called a ‘little Gavarnie’.
-
For a walk steeped in
historical significance, the
Chemin de la Liberté commemorates one
of the secret escape routes into Spain used by resisters,
refugees and stranded allied airmen during the Second World
War. It’s pretty strenuous, but well worth the effort.
-
Much of the local
walking is not taxing, but nevertheless gives walkers of all
fitness levels the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and
wildlife.
Guided wildlife and nature walks
can be booked locally, and having an expert on hand to interpret
the surrounding sights and sounds can add another dimension to
any walk.
-
Alternatively, if you’re happy going out alone, but have left
your binoculars at home, we will happily lend you ours!
-
nb - Please do not
bring a dog with you into the higher altitudes in the summer as
they may disturb the sheep, cows and horses that graze in the
high mountain pastures. Note also that at the Orlu and Mont
Valier natural reserves dogs are forbidden altogether.
-
Eating out
- If you wish to dine out
rather than opt for the
table d’hote option at Le Pic
Vert, there are many good restaurants in the high Couserans, all
easily accessible from our base. Alternatively you’ll find a wealth of options, including
vegetarian, in St Girons. Visit the
Useful
links section for a selection of local options.
-
Markets
-
There is a vibrancy to the markets and
fairs of the Ariege seldom seen elsewhere, possibly due to
the fact that they are still seen here as an essential
element of peoples’ day to day routine rather than an
outdated curiosity just for the benefit of tourists.
Ironically, this arguably makes them all the more
interesting to tourists, as they offer an excellent insight
into Ariegeois life an society.
- There are numerous
weekly markets to choose
from, where you can discover the locally produced organic
cheeses, sausages, breads and the like, with most of the
larger towns also holding twice-monthly fairs, which extend
beyond foodstuffs, encompassing arts, crafts, clothes and
much more.
Location map
How to find us Things to
see |
 |
