What to do this summer in the Pyrenees?

A radiant summer vacation in the heart of the Pyrenees!

A little cocktail by the lake, a sunset with a view of Mont Valier, or a refreshing getaway in the mountain ranges of the Ariège Pyrenees... Your vacation in the Couserans starts here!

Enjoy a hike in the heart of the mountains with breathtaking scenery or explore the Couserans from the sky. Taste delicious local products at our markets and visit our charming little villages and their stunning viewpoints. Ready for adventure? Come discover all our wonders now!

The hike

If you're passionate about nature, adventure, and spectacular scenery, then hiking in the Couserans is an experience not to be missed! The Couserans offers a multitude of options. And here are a few ideas for must-do activities during the summer:

The Cagateille Circus

This is an ideal family hike with a stream winding through the trail, offering a refreshing outing on hot days. Nestled in the heart of the majestic Couserans Mountains, this place is a true green paradise, ideal for frolicking in peace.

The Araing pond

Along the Tour du Biros trails, this hike is ideal for a two-day exploration of the Castillonais Valley. Nestled at the foot of the Pic de Crabère, a peak towering over the Couserans mountains, it's a unique place to spend a night under a thousand stars.

The waterfalls of the Spanish Way

This hike is perfect for this time of year. Much of the trail is through the forest, allowing you to enjoy the coolness of the stream. Once you arrive, you can admire the Lastien waterfall. A truly breathtaking moment of contemplation.

To best prepare for your outing, don't hesitate to consult our expert advice!

Meet our local producers and artisans.

Couserans is also about wonderful encounters as you discover the expertise and traditions of our producers and artisans . Simply stroll through our local markets or visit them in their shops. They'll give you plenty of helpful advice and, above all, share their little secrets that make their products truly unique.

And this year, we have something new in the village of Engomer. If you would like to visit the Moulin Gourmand cheese production facility , we invite you to join us every Thursday.

Enchanting villages

Our small villages will take you on a journey through time. Discover these hidden gems, relax with breathtaking views of the Pyrenees, and immerse yourself in the history of the Couserans region.

The village of Seix

Imagine yourself in a small village nestled in the heart of the mountains of the Haut-Couserans valley. Every corner invites you on a journey through its fascinating history. A visit to the Couserans Interpretation Centre awaits you, with breathtaking views of the majestic Pyrenees mountain range as a backdrop. And if you feel like cooling off, come see us: we'll reveal our secret swimming spot , a local must-see!

The village of Tourtouse

Nestled in the foothills of the Couserans region, discover the soul of this medieval village with its fortified ramparts. Ideal for a family outing or an evening stroll, immerse yourself in its history by following the interpretive trail. For 1.5 hours, let yourself be guided through the narrow streets.

A surprise awaits you: part of the ramparts has been transformed into an open-air theatre. Experience the magic of the place by enjoying captivating concerts organized by the Remp'Arts de Tourtouse.

The village of Saint-Lizier

A former Gallo-Roman town and the historic seat of the Couserans bishopric, Saint-Lizier is full of hidden treasures. A stroll through the town's narrow streets reveals covered walkways, half-timbered houses, former canons' houses, cobbled lanes, the clock tower, and the ancient rampart. And as an added bonus, Dimitri, our guide, offers a guided tour of the 18th-century pharmacy.

For even more discoveries, here are all our pretty villages to visit!

I discover !

Looking for thrills?

Did you know? The Couserans region boasts the largest toboggan run in Europe ! Incredible, isn't it? So, if you're a thrill-seeker, there are some great runs in Guzet for a complete thrill. You can also take to the skies with Paragliding Family to discover the Couserans from above, or spread your wings by tackling the Horizon Vertical via ferrata , before finishing with an exhilarating descent by rafting, hydrospeeding, or canoeing with the Claire nautical center in Soueix.

A break is in order!

Go explore landscapes with extraordinary viewpoints. A little tip... it's even more magnificent at sunrise or sunset. But keep that to yourself! They're accessible to everyone. That's also the advantage of coming on vacation to the Couserans! So, here are our favorites for this summer.

The Core Pass,
The Agnes Pass,
The Col d'Escot,
Saint-Michel chapel

Don't forget to check that we haven't left anything behind (litter). This is to prevent bamby from eating it.

A little moment of freshness

Guzet swimming pool in summer, with a view of the Couserans mountains. Credit: Marie Coufleau

Couserans is also about enjoying the fresh mountain air while taking a break by a lake or river. We also have swimming pools and lakes where you can swim safely with a lifeguard on duty.

You can also visit the municipal swimming pool in Castillon or the one in Guzet, which offers an exceptional view of the Ariège Pyrenees mountain range.

Don't forget to remove all your sunscreen to protect our environment while swimming. We're counting on you!

Things are moving in Couserans

Between events with a Couserans DNA and local festivities where sharing and meeting are key, the Couserans region is brimming with activities for all summer long and for all tastes. Here are a few examples:

Formerly the Couserans
The RITE
A concert evening at the lake octopus
An aperitif with friends at compass

For even more activities, you can visit our events calendar.

Cool it's raining

There's so much to do, even when our raindrop friends are keeping us company. So here's a quick list of activities to keep in mind in case of bad weather:

Caving with Vertical Horizon or Speleo Objective,
Fabas Farm,
The land of traces,
The thermal baths of Aulus-les-Bains.

Plenty of other activities can be found on our "When it rains" page.