©Whatsapp Image 2023 11 12 At 17.41.36|Office de Tourisme des Pyrénées cathares

Three-day roadtrip

From Mirepoix to the Monts d'Olmes

In three days, enjoy the essentials for a gentle roadtrip through the Cathar Pyrenees. Set off from Mirepoix, less than an hour from Toulouse, and glide towards the picturesque village of Camon, taking in the stunning scenery. Follow the thread to Lavelanet and its textile-industrial past, before setting out to conquer Montségur, the Cathar capital. And take the time to do your body good with a bit of sport at the Monts d’Olmes resort. Three busy days for an extended weekend full of surprises.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

Mirepoix and Camon

Lavelanet and Montségur

©Tapestry of Lice Textile Museum|Laurent Girousse

©stele montségur|Office de Tourisme des Pyrénées cathares

The Olmes mountains

©rando St Barth (2)|Office de Tourisme des Pyrénées cathares

©Monts Dolmes 1|Office de Tourisme des Pyrénées cathares

©Lesmontsdolmes Lugedr E1641570035289|Office

3 days to get to the heart of the matter

Step 1

Mirepoix is an easy drive from Toulouse or Montpellier, and well worth a visit. On Mondays and Thursdays, you can take advantage of the lively market and enjoy a local dish for a lunch break under the stars…

Strolling in Mirepoix

Start with a drink under the table settings! Marvel at the fine sculptures in the Maison des Consuls and stroll through the bastide. Mirepoix is all about the art of living. Epicurean friends, you’ve come to the right place to satisfy all your senses. Time to let yourself be told the rich history of a medieval bastide.

Step 2

Take the road to Camon (15 minutes from Mirepoix), and don’t forget to say hello to the impressive Château de Lagarde dominating the D7. The one and only most beautiful village in France in the Ariège department awaits you!

©Camon Abbey 4|Stephane Meurisse - Ariège Pyrénées Tourisme

Camon, le

Labeled as one of France’s “most beautiful villages” and “towns and villages in bloom”, and surrounded by a wide loop of the Hers valley, the peaceful village of Camon blossoms in a superb setting of hillsides, just waiting for you! In spring and early summer, the rosebushes for which it is famous fill the air with their fragrance!

Step 3

A 22-minute drive from Camon, Lavelanet is well worth a stop, particularly for its textile and horn comb museum. Allow two hours for the museum and an hour’s break for the town.

Lavelanet, textile history

As the largest town in the Pays d’Olmes Cathar Pyrenees (population 6,165), Lavelanet was known for its rich industrial history, marked mainly by the textile industry. The Musée du Textile et Comb à Corne will take you back in time. You’ll be amazed…

Step 4

Just 22 minutes from Lavelanet, plan an afternoon to climb the Montségur pog. It’s an experience in itself. Bring a pair of good shoes and take a deep breath – it’s a climb!

Montségur, the impregnable Cathar pog

Montségur is not just a village, it’s a citadel that dominates the landscape. Witness to a legendary history, its majestic remains still hide many secrets (see “Following the light” page). The impressive ambience, the absolutely incredible view and the memory of the martyrdom of the last Cathars are just some of the reasons to climb these steps!

Step 5

In less than half an hour, you’re in the heart of the mountains… The Monts d’Olmes resort has all the makings of a great place to enjoy nature, sport and the mountains, summer and winter alike! A successful day in the great outdoors!

summer
winter

Fun and walking in the Monts d'Olmes

Summer in the Monts d’Olmes is all about nature! Hike around high-altitude lakes and along mountain paths. The freshness of the summits and the beauty of the landscapes are a balm and a breath of fresh air. For the more sporty, paragliding or downhill biking? The choice is yours

Skiing and hiking in the Monts d'Olmes

A family-friendly ski resort for skiing, snowshoeing, ski touring… simply enjoy the snow!

We love...

essential spots in three days and short stages = less time in the car, more discovery
variety of landscapes and atmospheres – no headaches!
an all-round weekend that will satisfy history buffs and sports enthusiasts alike.

We recommend...

Ideal for an extended weekend getaway for couples
Dress appropriately for the weather (in winter, it snows on the Monts d’Olmes) and for different situations.
Good shoes for walking and climbing at Montségur

I reserve...

This package is available for :

XX € for 2 people

from xx to XX 2024

Booking link