Activities

If you're looking for adventure you've come to the right spot. Our region is an outdoor lover's playground with plenty of activities to appeal to every age group. And the best part? It's all on our doorstep. Here are our current favourites:

HIKING
There are hundreds of kilometres of hiking and cycling paths right across Ariege and Aude. Simply walk out of our gates and you’ll come across idyllic walking and cycling routes through some of the finest countryside.

https://www.tourisme-mirepoix.com/?-Fiches-descriptives-randonnees-

La Voie Verte
This 38km bike and foot path created on a former railway line connects Mirepoix and Lavelanet, the scenery is beautiful and you get to walk through some pretty villages.

The Path of the Winemakers Huts
At the foot of the Pic de Brau, located near Magrie, this walk takes you through the vineyards and huts of winemakers who watch over this place which is steeped in history.

Montsegur
If you are feeling energetic you can visit Montsegur, a small village with its castle ruins set high on a rocky hilltop behind the village. The climb is also rewarded by some spectacular views.

Roquefixade

The Château de Roquefixade is a ruined Cathar castle built on a cliff overlooking the picturesque village of Roquefixade. There are records of a castle on the site going back to 1180, though the present ruins are more recent. A castle on this site provided refuge for Cathars at the time of the Cathar wars.

You can climb up to the ruins and will be rewarded with views that include the Ariege mountains, the Pyrenees, Montsegur, Les Corbieres and Le Lauragais.

The walk is well sign posted. This walk from Roquefixade village square to Chateau de Roquefixade should take about 25 minutes.

Start from Roquefixade village square. Walk up a well maintained gravel track. From the track you will reach a grass verge on the right. Walk up the steps. Continue on the path through trees and scrub. The Chateau should always be on your right.  You will reach the ruins of the outside walls. Walk through these walls and follow the small path that leads you to the Chateau. Care should be taken on this path as it can be slippery.

 Once inside the Chateau you can explore the ruins and see fantastic panoramic views.

 There are 12 walks of varying lengths around the chateau, for more details click here.

 For a longer walk ( about 4 hours) click here.

Chateau de Queribus and Chateau de Peyrepertuse
Two chateau’s which require a little stamina to reach; Chateau de Queribus is a 14th century tower perched on a craggy outcrop with panoramic views from its gorgeous terrace and Chateau de Peyrepertuse is a ruined fortress that sits on a ridge 800m high.

CYCLING

Our region is the perfect location for cyclists with its mountains, picturesque canals and stunning gorges. Throw in vibrant towns and peaceful countryside to the mix and you have the ideal cycling destination.

There are a couple of big cycling races taking place in the region this Summer. Stages 11 - 15 of the Tour de France all take place in the region and the Figure of Hate Sportive 'the most brutal, beautiful cycling race in Sang et D'Or' takes place on 18 August in Axat.

WATERSPORTS
Lac de Montbel is a popular location for fishing, watersports and swimming and is located a few minutes’ drive away.

FOR THE KIDS

Base de Loisirs offers a 1400m go kart circuit for children aged 5+. Located between Mirepoix and Lavelane, there’s also a bouncy castle, electric bike rental and paintball to tire the kids out.

SKIING
The nearest ski resort to Montcabirol is Ax les Thermes which is located under an hour away. Ax offers a wide choice of blue, red and black runs in the forest or in altitude. It’s also a great place for sledging, biking on snow, snake glisse and paragliding. This mountain village is incredibly welcoming with its pedestrian streets, market, restaurants and shops so well worth a visit all year round.