Pic St BarthPic St Barth
©Pic St Barth|Office de Tourisme des Pyrénées cathares

An exceptional natural area

The Massif de Saint-Barthélémy Nature Reserve

The Saint-Barthélémy regional nature reserve is located in the Occitane region of France. It is the first nature reserve in Ariège, visible from Toulouse to Carcassonne , and is the emblematic viewpoint of the Cathar Pyrenees. This area of local and sustainable development is renowned for its wild beauty and exceptional biodiversity, offering an ideal setting for outdoor activities and nature discovery.

A show

breathtaking naturalness

Located in the beating heart of the Pyrenees, the reserve is a veritable jewel case of preserved nature, covering an area of 500 ha. With landscapes dominated by the majestic peaks of the Massif de Tabe and deep valleys, every view is a living painting, evoking feelings of peace and wonder. Dense forests, populated by century-old trees, and flower-filled meadows offer an explosion of color and freshness all year round, creating a paradise for nature lovers and for the herds of cows and sheep that spend the summer here. The Trimous talc fault, still mined at Luzenac, runs through the Nature Reserve. Traces of this ancient activity can still be seen above Lac de Moulzoune at the old Fangas mines.

Live the experience

nature on a grand scale

Saint-Barthélemy Nature Reserve is a place where conservation andadventure meet, offering visitors a unique and rewarding experience. Well-maintained trails wind through a variety of habitats, from deep forests to flowering meadows and wetlands. Along the way, you’ll discover some exceptional wildlife. Isards, with their grace and agility, roam freely, while golden eagles soar majestically over the peaks. Pyrenean desmans, small semi-aquatic creatures, add a touch of mystery to these enchanting landscapes.

Identity sheet

Creation date: November 18, 2015 Area: 498 ha Altitude: 1300 m to 2368 m Owner: Commune de Montségur Co-manager: Commune de Montségur and ANA – CEN Ariège

Mountain biking and cycling

Moulzoune pond Fontestorbes Bélesta forest Along the Touyre river

Hiking

L’Étang d’Appy Étang de Moulzoune Le Mont Fourcat par Montferrier Le Pic de Saint-Barthélémy

A space

protected...

The Réserve Naturelle Régionale (RNR) du Massif de Saint-Barthélemy is also home to a team of conservationists dedicated to the preservation of this emblematic area. It is co-managed byANA-CEN Ariège and the commune of Montségur, owner of the reserve territory. Reserve staff are based at the Maison de la Réserve, located in the heart of the village of Montferrier. The Nature Reserve is a partner in the Grand Site Montségur initiative, and plays an active role in the program of events you’ll find in our diary.

Close