About the area
Cycling hotel Les Deux Vélos is beautifully located in the Massat valley, along one of the many rivers in the Couserans region. The Haut-Couserans—covering an area roughly three times the size of Paris—lies in the heart of the Ariège department and is part of the Occitanie region. The area is situated within the Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises, a vast natural park known for its peace, open space and unspoilt landscapes.
Toulouse, the nearest major city, is about a 90-minute drive away. The canton of Massat is a mountainous area with impressive peaks and rivers, interspersed with summer pastures and traditional villages. It is surrounded by well-known mountain passes such as the Col de Port, Col de la Crouzette, Col de Saraillé, Port de l’Hers and the Col de Portel, which provide access to the surrounding valleys.
We are happy to provide you with maps and information on walking routes, cycling routes and tours. If you have any questions about the area, please feel free to contact Les Deux Vélos by phone or email.
What to do
Besides cycling and walking, there are countless other things to see and do in the area. Enjoy a day of shopping or browse the lively market in Saint-Girons, or simply relax with a picnic along one of the many quiet mountain roads. Day trips to Andorra, or visits to the beautiful castles of Foix and Saint-Lizier, are also wonderful ways to experience the local culture.
Cathars and castles
The region is rich in history and dotted with impressive castles:
Foix – a medieval castle and imposing fortress of the Counts of Foix
Montségur – a symbol of Cathar resistance, perched on a rocky ridge at 1,207 metres
Usson, Roquefixade, Miglos and Montaillou – each offering their own unique historical character
Caves
There are also several remarkable caves to explore:
Niaux – famous for its prehistoric cave paintings
Lombrives – one of the largest caves in Europe
Mas d’Azil – unique, as you can drive right through it
Bedeilhac – a vast and typical Pyrenean cave
La Vache – one of the smaller caves open to the public
Labouiche – an underground river, explored by small boat
Beautiful villages and towns
The area is full of charming places worth visiting:
Seix – a typical mountain village in the Ariège
Foix – a medieval town with a castle towering above it
Saint-Lizier – the former capital of the Couserans, listed among the most beautiful villages in France
Mirepoix – a picturesque medieval bastide in Cathar country
Carla-Bayle – an artists’ village set within a former citadel
Markets
Local markets are lively and well worth a visit:
Saint-Girons – a vibrant Saturday morning market, one of the best in the area, easily combined with a visit to nearby Saint-Lizier
Foix – a large market every Friday morning
Massat, Seix and Tarascon – smaller villages with their own market days, usually twice a month
Thermal baths
For relaxation, you can visit several thermal spas:
Ax-les-Thermes – a large thermal spa complex with baths, sauna and hammam
Aulus-les-Bains – a smaller, more intimate complex for both relaxation and therapeutic treatments
Ussat-les-Bains – primarily a spa focused on therapeutic cures
