Gîte de la Borde: The local area

The département of Ariège lies in the South West of France, at the Eastern end of the Pyrenees, the mountain range that separates France from Spain . It extends from the hot plains around Toulouse to the forested foothills that lead to the high mountains of Andorra . It is a fiercely independent region, and there remain native speakers of the local language, Occitan. It has much in common with its neighbour, Catalonia , over the border. It is only in the last decade or so that it has begun to develop as a tourist destination. The success of Kate Mosse's novel “Labyrinth” has recently enhanced its popularity.

You will be struck by the warmth of the welcome you will receive. It is predominantly a rural area, and the pace of life is slow, and determined by the season and the weather.

We are 5km North of Foix, the départmental capital. This is a town of 10,000 inhabitants, straddling the Ariège river. From the castle you can look over the roofs of the mediaeval town. It is friendly and relaxed, and a lovely place around which to wander. There is easy free parking in the centre. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants. There is a supermarket in the centre of town, which is open on Sunday mornings, and several large ones on the outskirts of town. Many people visit the Friday market which takes over the town. Foix provides all the facilities you might need, including car-hire, garages and banks. There are excellent pâtisseries, and craft and gift shops as well as a renowned chocolaterie. We can tell you where to find internet access in town. There is a large Décathlon sports store off the road north out of Foix, 3km from the Gîte.

All the local towns and villages have at least once weekly markets. The Saturday market in St-Girons is particularly recommended.

The markets sell the amazing fresh produce France is famous for, and of which the locals are so proud. Nearly everyone has their own cottage garden, and as the economy of the region is primarily agricultural the range and quality of produce is amazing. People here say you can grow anything! There are some great local cheeses, and caught between Cahors and Languedoc-Roussillon, the largest wine-producing area in the world, this is an opportunity to discover some new South-Western wines. We know an independent local wine-merchant (caviste) who can offer expert friendly advice.

The mediaeval walled town of Carcassonne (1 hour north) is a World Heritage Site, and as such is very popular with visitors. Closer (30 minutes drive) is the town of Mirepoix , another famous walled town. The main square is cloistered, and it is a place to sit out in a café and watch the world go by. Both these towns have many arts, craft and gift shops.

Many people come to the region to escape city life, but Toulouse (1 hour north) is a vibrant, young city, with striking pink-stoned public buildings and well worth a visit.

We would recommend taking the train from our neighbouring village.