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Published on:
September 12, 2025
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Want to visit historic sites in Ariège this fall? You've come to the right place! With its flamboyant colors, autumn is the perfect time to explore the region's monuments and historic sites. Here's our selection of the 4 best historic destinations for this season.

And we begin our journey with a must-see:

Saint-Lizier Cathedral – Emblematic historic site of Couserans

The medieval town of Saint-Lizier

In the alleys of the city of Saint-Lizier

As you cross the doors of its cathedral, you will discover the only Romanesque cloister of Ariège, home to the bishops' treasure. Accompanied by Dimitri, our speaker, you will leave explorer the fascinating history of the Pharmacy dating from the 18th century and visit his chapel recently reopened to the public.

For extend your discovery, explore the Palace of Bishops, a museum that will make you travel through time, with historical objects retracing the history of our valley.

The adventure continues! After discovering this must-see, let yourself be surprised by three lesser-known but equally fascinating gems of the Couserans. These discreet places, steeped in history, are treasures to be explored without moderation.

Combelongue Abbey

Combelongue Abbey
Combelongue Abbey and its remarkable gardens

A stone's throw from the village of Rimont, lies a hidden peaceful and timeless place. When you ring the bell, Mr. Mirguet-Avanzi will open the doors to give you a warm welcome. He will invite you to discover this abbey atunique architecture, marked by theMudejar influence. Founded almost 900 years ago, it is among the largest abbeys in France, an essential passage for any visitor.

Don't miss a stroll through its magnificent gardens, labeled " remarkable gardens », a true haven of peace for lovers of nature and history.

Our Lady of the Gout

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Drop

This chapel located on the side of the road in the village of Montardit is a place you cannot miss!

It is an astonishing mix between a place of worship 400 years old and an extraordinary architectural work. It intrigues from the first glance. Built stone by stone over 33 years, from 1968 to 2001, by Father Piquemal and his volunteers, this jewel of the 20th century is both a testimony of faith and originality. An essential stop for lovers of history and art.

The village of Tourtouse

Village of Tourtouse and its open-air theater
Village of Tourtouse

To round off your autumn visit to the Couserans in style, we take you to Tourtouse, a medieval village with fortified walls nestled in Piedmont. With its keep and feudal mound, Tourtouse is a real leap in time. The interpretive trail will guide you through the fascinating stories of its history.

Along the way, don't forget to stop at the royal forest, a natural treasure unique in Europe, dating back to the ice ageA total immersion between history and nature!