In late April we will be driving from Basque country to Carcassonne. We plan to stay in Pau 2 nights (I have seen it many times on the Tour de France broadcast and I am intrigued). I had hoped to spend 2 nights in the Pyrenees, but all of the lodges/hotels I have seen do not open until May 15 or so. On the map, Fojx looked like a reasonable place, closer to the actual mountains. If the weather is good, we will probably do a day hike or two, and possibly drive some of the classic TDF climbs. Any thoughts/recommendations are welcome. Thank you.
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3553 posts
If it's for cycling, I'd say why not Foix. The 2026 Tour de France will have a stage from Foix to Carcassonne. The exact route will be known by May.
Otherwise, all along the Pyrenees mountains, there are plenty of possible places, most of them rural and natural, in a lovely semi-mountainous setting. But if you prefer a more urban environment, Foix could work.
Also, see if the villages of Saint-Lizier or Saint-Girons appeals to you (near Foix).
https://www.ariegepyrenees.com/en/decouvrir/incontournables/les-plus-beaux-villages/saint-lizier/
https://www.ariegepyrenees.com/en/preparer/explorer/villages/saint-girons/
Or take a look at the map at the bottom of this webpage.
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
2002 posts
Instead of Foix, you might consider Mirepoix. Mirepoix is a medieval village with a central square completely surrounded by a covered arcade. It also has a very ornate cathedral and several good restaurants. From there if you head to Chateau Puilaurens and then on to Chateau Queribus, using the D117 road, you will drive along one of the balcony roads carved into the side of a cliff.
Also near Mirepoix is Chateau Montsegur, one of the most important Cathar sites.
Posted by
la rioja
739 posts
I second Mirepoix over Foix. Also near to Mirepoix is Eglise Notre Dame de Vals, with is a church carved out of a rock formation.
When we visited Foix, in a strange way it reminded me of Truckee, as in a gate way to the ski areas, except for the castle that is.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, CA
739 posts
Thank you for the information/recommendations. This is very helpful as I finish planning.