The Ariège and Haute Garonne stretch south between Toulouse and the Pyrenees to make up one of the most enticing and enchanting regions in France. This is an area that really does have it all, from rich culture, history, natural wonders, stunning landscapes, mountains, lakes, rivers and valleys, and gastronomic excellence. Whether you are looking for the urban sophistication of Toulouse, the charm of traditional French village life or the unspoiled natural valleys and pastures of the Pyrenees, you will find it here in one of the most beautiful regions in the whole of Europe.
With 2,000 hours of sunshine on average per year, this is also one of France’s sunniest regions. Spring comes early with the spring rains ensuring a lush and green landscape followed by the intense sunshine of July and August which is often very hot and then a beautiful autumn season which continues until the first mountain snowfalls which often remains on the highest peaks through until the end of June.
This region is a fantastic location for exploring not just south-west France but also Spain and Andorra. Everywhere is within reach from skiing and snow-capped mountains to wild Atlantic beaches or sunny Mediterranean coastline. You really can sit on a beach, ski in the mountains, eat tapas in Spain and explore the markets and historic towns and cities of rural France all in a weekend.
Getting to the region
Toulouse International Airport is set just outside the town, and receives many direct flights from all across the UK, making it the easiest entry point for the Haute-Garonne, the Ariège and the Gers. British Airways flies to Toulouse from Heathrow, Easyjet run services from London Gatwick and Bristol as does Flybe. For Ryanair, Tarbes airport is about 60 minutes from the region and also has regular flights to Carcassonne which is within two hours of the region. If you would prefer not to fly, the TGV train stops in Toulouse and there are train services from here to many of the major towns in the region.
Where we cover
At Foothills of France we try to cover the very best towns, villages and interesting areas of our region but we also like to concentrate on what we know well and where we have our local contacts so that you can benefit from our knowledge of the region. Hence in our part of south east Haute Garonne, we go as far West as Boulogne-sur-Gesse, St Bertrand de Comminges and Luchon and as far East as Aurignac, Rieux and Montesquieu-Volvestre. In the Ariège we cover the whole of the West of the region with Saint Girons and St Lizier at its centre, as far South as the Spanish border, as far West as Foix and North right up to and including Le Fossat and Carla-Bayle. Both the ski resorts of Superbagnères in the Haute Garonne and Guzet Neige in the Ariège are included in our area. In the Gers we cover the areas surrounding Castelnau Magnoac, Trie sur Baîse and Masseube up to just south of Auch.
For further information please read our Ariège guide our Haute-Garonne guide and our Southern Gers guide
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