The Pouterolles cross

A country walk through the town of Saint-Lizier leads to the small hill of Pouterolles. Discover this peaceful place where bishops came to meditate.

The Memorial step by step

- Departure from the parking lot of the Palais des Evêques which is a 17th century building, former residence of the bishops, it now houses a departmental museum and the Notre-Dame-de-la-Sède cathedral.

- Take the path towards “Pouterolles”, go up to the crossroads and turn right towards “Pouterolles”.

- You arrive at the Croix de Pouterolles, a former place of mediation for the Bishops of Couserans. Panoramic views of the Couserans peaks, the Sourroque massif, the Salat valley and the town of Saint-Girons.

- Go back down to the path then turn right again. At the end of the path, turn left onto the road.

- At the crossroads, go up to the right towards the city then left onto the tarmac road

- Cross the Cour du Telet and continue straight on, rue Maubec then go under the Clock Tower (Town Hall)

- Go down Rue de l'Horloge and pass under the half-timbered house, follow Rue des Nobles to arrive at Place de l'Eglise in Saint-Lizier with the Saint-Lizier Cathedral and the Romanesque cloister.

- Pass the fountain then go back up the tarmac road on the left following the "hiking trails" sign

Additional Information :
You are in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees Natural Park.

We encourage you to adopt responsible behavior in this fragile and shared environment.

- Stay on the trails and take your waste with you.

- Observe the flora without picking it.

- Stay discreet, for wild animals.

- In summer pasture areas, remember to close fences and gates. Do not approach or feed the animals. If a Patou (a livestock protection dog) approaches you, move away slowly and calmly. Do not make large gestures or shout, even if it barks, as it will consider you a threat. If it follows you, ignore it.

- Swimming in lakes is not recommended. Sunscreen (even organic!) and other cosmetics are a source of pollution in this fragile environment.

- Bivouacking is permitted, but only between 19 p.m. and 9 a.m., and more than an hour's walk from a parking lot.

- During periods of drought, all fires are prohibited. In other cases, fires are only permitted more than 200 meters from a forest. Stoves should be used instead of natural fireplaces.

- In the unlikely event of an encounter with a bear (which will try to avoid us at all costs): approach calmly, move away gradually, and do not run.

We advise you to keep dogs on a leash, especially in summer pasture areas where it would be dangerous for you and your dog if it approached the herds due to the presence of Patous.

Working Languages

• English
• Spanish
• French

In detail

• Distance: 1 km
• Positive elevation: 13 m
• Daily duration: 00h20
• Route type: loop
• Marking precision: Yellow
• Type of land: Earth
• Type of land: Hard surface (tar, cement, floor)

Equipment

• Free parking
• Parking
• Public toilets
• Playground

Services

• Catering