Taxi Toulouse → Saint-Girons

Saint-Girons is the capital of the Couserans, an ancient Pyrenean province of eighteen valleys, one of the most authentic and least visited territories in the Pyrenees. Nestled at the confluence of the Salat and Lez rivers, this small Ariege town is the gateway to a world of preserved mountains, stone villages and living traditions. Two kilometres away, Saint-Lizier, a former episcopal city inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List (as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela), dominates the valley from its promontory. Its Romanesque cathedral, cloister with historiated capitals and episcopal palace form a monumental ensemble of rare quality. The entire Couserans is a nature paradise: the Ariege Pyrenees regional natural park covers this entire territory of mountains, lakes, primary forests and summer pastures where cattle and horses roam free. The valleys of Bethmale, Ustou, Biros and Aulus-les-Bains plunge towards the high border peaks with Spain (Mont Valier, 2,838 m). Saint-Girons is also a stopping point for Way of Saint James pilgrims (Pyrenean foothills route) and a base camp for hikers, kayakers (the Salat is a renowned spot) and lovers of wild nature. Bethmale cheese (AOC), Gascon cattle, mountain honey and artisanal charcuterie make the Couserans a land of mountain gastronomy.