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Sporting & Leisure Activities in Les Angles

Road Cycling
For the keen road cyclist, the resort of Les Angles offers a wide range of cycling terrain to keep you occupied during your stay; from low rolling valley rides on quiet roads beside mountain streams to the mighty, mystical and imposing Pyrenean climbs of the Tour de France. There is a good selection of cols in reasonable striking distance from your base in the town.

Literally on your doorstep is the beautiful climb up to the Col de Créu (1712m). This partially gladed climb on a narrow road in the shade of the pine trees offers great views of the valley. The steepest part of the climb is reserved for the final few kilometres as the road steepens to 9% to test your legs and your resolve as you ascend in the Catalan heat.

Further afield, but still within a capable riding distance you have the tough but scenic climb up to the Col de la Llose (Coll de la Llosa) which peaks out at 1866m above sea level. The Col de la Llose can also be climbed from Olette which is approximately 30km away from Les Angles. From Olette, the Col de la Llose has a length of 24.8 kilometres to the summit with a height gain of 1234m at an average gradient of 5%. By riding out to Olette from Les Angles you can make a nice loop of approximately 70km.

Perhaps the most famous climb nearby is that of the Port de Pailhères (2001m). This climb has been used a total of five times by the cyclist of the Tour de France since it was first used in 2003. It was used most recently in 2013 when the first man over the summit of the climb was the eventual winner of the Polkadot jersey, Nairo Quintana. The Port de Pailhères is approximately a 35km ride from Les Angles.

Further away still are the climbs of Ax 3 Domaines and the Col du Pradel which are some 60km away from Font Romeu. The climb to the open summit of the Col du Pradel offers spectacular views of the snow-capped Pyrenean peaks and has sections in excess of 10% gradient in the final third of the climb from Ax les Thermes.

For those wanting to catch a glimpse of La Grande Boucle, the route for the coming Tour de France is normally announced in October prior to the race in July (www.letour.fr/le-tour/). So now there is no excuse for not booking your stay well in advance before the rooms start to disappear!

Mountain Biking and the Bike Park
Use what was the winter ski area of Les Angles as your summer mountain biking playground. Thanks to the “Les Pelerins” cable car you can access the 5 mountain bike runs (1 green run, 2 blue runs, 1 red run and 1 black run). There is also a “Northshore” zone on the Gandalf run and various Enduro itineraries around les Angles. There is also a bike washing station and the bottom of the cable car which is free of charge.
Opening times & prices
“Les Pelerins” cable car: July & August and weekends in late June and all September: 09:30 – 17:00
Price: Adult return/7.50€, Child return (5 – 11 yrs.)/6€, Child return (under 5 yrs.)/FOC

Mountain Biking Guides
Ecole VTT, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: +33 (0)675 771492. www.lesangles-vtt.com.
For those looking to get a little bit of local knowledge or training on the local tracks, the local mountain biking guides are on hand to take you off the beaten track and to give you a few tips or training.

Hiking and walking in Les Angles
There are plenty of walks in and around les Angles and they take in the stunning nature and scenery of Natural Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees. From high altitude walks on the surrounding mountains (of the winter ski area) to gentler walks in the lower areas around Lake Matemale and the pretty high altitude lake of Lake Balcère. Walking or hiking over small brooks and up to high plateaus - there is something for everyone.

Cable car access to walking paths
Les Angles lift service. 66210 Les Angles. Tel: +33 (0)468 044219. www.lesangles.com
The main cable car “Les Pelerins” which departs from the village centre whisks you up to high altitude lakes, the summits of Mont llaret, Roc d’Aude and des Perics.

Opening times & prices
“Les Pelerins” cable car: July & August and weekends in late June and all September: 09:30 – 17:00
Price: Adult return/7.50€, Child return (5 – 11 yrs.)/6€, Child return (under 5 yrs.)/FOC

Here are some example of walking itineraries in the area. More info is available from Les Angles Tourist Office and on the following website: www.capcir-pyrenees.com
Easy walks: The following walks take 1 – 4 hours and take in Matemale Lake, Foret de la matte (forest), Les Angles village, walk around lake Balcère.
Iconic walks: Galbe valley, The Camporells lakes, Le Carlit Mountain (2,921m), the Carlit lakes.

Mountain Walking Guides
For those looking to get away from the signposted paths, the local walking guides are on hand to take you off the beaten track and into the less trodden areas of the valley.
Aventure Rando/ Bureau Montagne des Angles/ Pyrenean Trails/ Guide de Haute Montagne

Climbing
Come and scale the climbing rocks at Lake Balcere above the resort. Free entry for the public - Routes vary in difficulty, height and fear factor. Guide available at the tourist office.

Summer Laser Biathlon

Try this Olympic sport for all the family at a location down near the lake. Run to designated shooting stations and then take your aim and fire at the target using a laser gun. Time and precision are of the essence. Children aged 8 years and above only. 1.5 hour sessions.
Booking: Available daily upon reservation – see supplier contact details at bottom of page.
Bureau Montagne des Angles

Paragliding

See the high mountain peaks from above with a tandem discovery flights with a trained instructor. (Weather permitting).
Booking: Available daily upon reservation – see supplier contact details at bottom of page.
Bureau Montagne des Angles/ Vol’aime/Rétana.

Outdoor bathing

Espace de Loisirs, Lake Matemale, 66210 Les Angles.
Bathing in the lake at the Espace Loisirs complex is available with onsite life guard
Open dates and times: daily during July and august from 11:00 – 18:00.

Aqualac

Espace de Loisirs, Lake Matemale, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: 0033 (0)610 326868.
Heated outdoor swimming pool offering swimming lessons, agua gym, and a sauna.
Open dates and times: daily from 09:00 – 19:00.

Club Nautique de l’Ourson ( Little bear water sports club)

Espace de Loisirs, Lake Matemale, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: 0033 (0)608 884403.
Nautical centre with water sports onsite. Sailing school with Optimist 420, Caravelle, Wind surfs, and beginners fun boarder lessons. Catamaran school (12 -15 people catamarans) and canoes and kayaks.
Open dates and times: June to September from 09:00 – 18:00.

Matemale Outdoor pool
Foret de la matte, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: 0033 (0468 043464.
25m long heated outdoor swimming pool with a kid’s pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room (reservations necessary).
Open dates and times: daily during summer from 10:00 – 19:00.
Planet’airPlanet’air, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: 0033 (0)645 998933.
Located close to the lake in the forest, this area is filled with inflatable games and slides and even a 16m long tunnel.
Open dates and times: June to September, daily from 10:30 – 19:00.

Mini -Golf

Foret de la Matte, 66210 Les Angles.
Located close to the lake in the forest, this is family entertainment at its best…mini golf for all the family.

Archery
Anim’Arc. Espace de Loisirs, Lake Matemale, 66210 Les Angles.
Discover archery in Les Angles – available for children and adults of all ages.
Beginners: 09:00 – 11:30: Groups and training for those with subscription: 11:30 – 12:30: Children under 7 years; 14:00 – 19:00: general public aged over 7 years, Material is supplied on site and targets are located from 5 to 30 metres.

Treetop Trails

Angles Adventure. Espace de Loisirs, Lake Matemale, 66210 Les Angles
Children and adults alike will go giddy on this one – literally. Take to the heights of the treetops discovering different methods to cross from one tree to the next using swings, rope bridges and zip cords. Great fun for all the family - especially those who love being high up in the trees.

Dog Sledging

Hatouk Traineau. Espace de Loisirs, Lake Matemale, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: 0033 (0)687 760266. www.hatouk.com
Dog sledging is available in a peaceful location in the heart of the forest near Lake Matemale just from a five minute drive or shuttle ride from resort. Open all year round, a professional musher will help you to enjoy the art of dog sledging.

Pony trekking

Les Crinieres Blondes. Espace de Loisirs, Lake Matemale, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: 0033 (0)468 044371.
Poney trekking and horse riding is available in a peaceful location in the heart of the forest near Lake Matemale just from a five minute drive or shuttle ride from resort. Pony trekking for 15 minutes. Horse riding for 1 hour, 2 hour or a half day. Courses and lessons in horse riding available.

Fishing
Les Angles has two tourist locations where you can live your passion for fishing. Whether it is fly or cast fishing, in lakes or rivers, you can learn how to track the famous Pyrenees brown trout as well as rainbow trout and fresh water salmon. There is a booklet available at the Tourist Office. Furthermore, with many mountain lakes and rivers nearby, there will be plenty to keep you busy.
Fishing permits are available for purchase at the following website: www.cartedepeche.fr
Price: 1 day permit adult/17€, 1 day permit (-18yrs)/12€

Horse riding

Equisud. Route de la foret, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: 0033 (0)468 044362.www.equisud.com
Horse riding is available in a peaceful location in the heart of the forest near Lake Matemale and in the surrounding mountain areas such the Capcir nature reserve and even Andorra. Horse riding sessions are available for half day, full day. Courses and lessons in horse riding available.

Les Petits Bateaux de/the little boats of la Matte

Espace de Loisirs, Lake Matemale, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: 0033 (0)468 044371.
Small electric boats that can be driven by children aged 3 years and older. There is also kite-making daily.
Open dates and times: daily from July to August from 10:00 – 18:00.

Kite-making

Les Petits Bateaux de la Matte, Espace de Loisirs, Lake Matemale, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: 0033 (0)468 044371.
This is primarily an area offering small electric boats that can be driven by children aged 3 years and older but there is also kite-making daily.
Open dates and times: daily from July to August from 10:00 – 18:00.

Pantroline (Bungee trampoline)

Pantroline, Espace de Loisirs, Lake Matemale, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: 0033 (0)468 044371.
This is primarily a trampoline used with the aid of a rubber bungee cord. Accessible for children aged 2 years and older.
Open dates and times: daily throughout summer from 10:00 – 19:00.

Accro-cimes treetop climbing

L’Echappee Belle. 66210 Les Angles. Tel: 0033 (0)615 799329.www.dormirdanslesarbres.fr
Located in the forest close to Lake Matemale. Take to the heights of the treetops and climb amongst the trees in total security – you will feel like a real Tarzan. You can spend the days or the night in one of the tree houses located at a height of 3.5 m above the ground, hanging in your personal tree tent or in a hammock.

Library

Place de Coq d’Or, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: 0033 (0)468 302484. Email: bibliangles@yahoo.fr
There is a state library in Les Angles open Mondays and Thursdays, 14:30 – 17:30 and Tuesdays and Fridays, 09:00 – 12:00.

Cinema

Cinema le castell, Place du Castell (old village) Tel: +33 (0)684 835603. Email: lesamisducastell@hotmail.fr
Enjoy a film in French or with French subtitles in the original version in this atypical cinema with its cave-like façade and roof - it has a dimension that goes beyond cinema -the experience is unforgettable!

Bowling

Espace Bleu Neige, Avenue de Mont Louis, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: 0033 (0)468 309863.
The ten pin bowling alley has 4 lanes at your disposal as well as a games room. It is a great way to relax and have fun with friends and family.
Open times: from 16:00 – 00:00 daily. Large groups wanting to bowl are advised to contact the bowling alley directly.

The Thermal Baths

There are three thermal spas located within 30 mins of Les Angles in Dorres, Llo and Saint Thomas. The thermal water baths rich in sulphur and sodium in this area is heated to a temperature of 36 degrees and is said to be excellent for muscle fatigue – so great after a long day on the slopes.

Les Bains de Llo
Route des Gorges, 66800 Llo. Tel: +33 (0)468 047455. www.bains-de-llo.com
Located 30 minutes from Les Angles, this natural spa offers relaxation and treatments with 100% natural products. The waters of Llo are rich in sodium and sulphur and are therefore renowned for their healing powers. These properties are great for hair and skin and for the easing of rheumatic and muscular pains.

The thermal baths comprises outdoor baths with hydro jets and thermal water heated to 35 degrees.
The Relaxing spa has water music aquatic and bubble underwater benches.
The Tonique Spa has geysers, bubble baths and underwater jets.
The large swimming pool has massaging hydro jets, bubble benches, water cannons and foot massage jets.
The Covered bath is heated to 37 degrees, with water falls, water curtains, massage benches and underwater music.
The indoor area has a Jacuzzi, hammam, sauna and relaxation area as well as beauty and massage treatments.

Opening dates and times: Daily: 10:00 – 19:30; Christmas, New Year and February school holidays: 10:00 – 20:00.
Prices: Entrance to baths, sauna, hammam and relaxation area.
Adult/12€; Child 3-11yrs/9€; Family (2 adults and 2 under 14 year olds)/37€
Note: Baths are closed on some dates in between winter and summer seasons – please see website.

Saint Thomas les Bains
66360 Fontpedrouse, Tel: +33 (0)468 970313. www.bains-saint-thomas.fr
Located 22 km from Les Angles, Saint Thomas’ baths date back to the 1900’s. They are hidden away in a mythical valley and take their source from the waters of the Pyrenees. There are three external pools set in a Roman amphitheatre and heated to around 37 degrees. One of the pools has a Jacuzzi and massage jets. The internal area with a relaxation area which serves up herbal teas and 3 hammams (one with sulphurous steam) and two Jacuzzis and solarium. Massages and beauty treatments can be ordered ad hoc or as part of a package.

Opening dates and times: Daily: 10:00 – 19:40; Christmas, New Year and February school holidays: 10:00 – 20:40.
Prices:
Simple package – exterior baths only: Adult/ 6.50€, Child 4-11yrs/5€;
Complete package – exterior baths & internal area: Adult/ 13€
Note: Baths are closed on some dates in between winter and summer seasons – please see website.

Dorres Roman Baths
D618 on the way to Toulouse, Tel: +33 (0)468 046687.
Located 31 km from Les Angles, Dorres Roman baths date are located outside in an idyllic setting amongst trees and with a stunning view of the summits of Puigmal.
Opening dates and times: Daily: 08:45 – 19:40.
Prices: Adult/4.80€; Child 2-4yrs/2€

Matemale Sports Centre
1, Place du Village, 66210 Matemale. Tel: +33 (0)681 411630http://matemale-tv-sports.pagesperso-orange.fr/matemale2/
Located 3km from the centre of Les Angles is the Matemale complex sports centre and thermal pools, hammam and sauna. In the heart of the Capcir plateau, the complex uses the renewable thermal energy made by the dam to heat the local spring water in its pools and outdoor Jacuzzi. There is also a massage area on site.

Matemale Thermal Pools

1, Place du Village, 66210 Matemale. Tel: +33 (0)468 044102. http://matemale-tv-sports.pagesperso-orange.fr/matemale2/
Located 3km from the centre of Les Angles is the Matemale complex with its thermal pool, hammam and sauna. In the heart of the Capcir plateau, the complex uses the renewable thermal energy made by the dam to heat the local spring water in its pools and outdoor Jacuzzi. There is also a sports centre and massage area on site.

Contact details of all activity suppliers:

Guide de Haute Montagne, Les Angles Tourist office, Tel: +33 (0)681 411630. www.angles-aventures.fr
Bureau Montagne des Angles, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: +33 (0)681 411630. www.terranordica.fr.
Aventure Rando, Résidence La Matte, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: +33 (0)614 317972. www.aventurine-rando.com
Pyrenean Trails, 10 rue des Astres, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: +33 (0)679 987527. www.pyrenean-trails.com
Ecole Ski’N Co, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: +33 (0)468 300779. www.skinco.fr
ESF Les Angles, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: +33 (0)468 044782. www.esf-les-angles.com.
Franck Masfarné, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: +33 (0)681 662521.http://moniteur.ski.angles.fre.fr.
Plongée Cap Cerbère, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: +33 (0)611 585228. www.capcerbere.com
Rédéris Club de Banyuls, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: +33 (0)614 452630. www.rederis.com
Vol’aime, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: +33 (0)468 301010. www.volaime.com
Rétana, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: +33 (0)670 047753
Angles Adventure, 66210 Les Angles. Tel: +33 (0)681 411630. www.angles.aventures.com

Culture and Heritage in Les Angles

Yellow Train

Telephone: +33 (0)800 886091. www.ter-sncf.com/languedoc-roussillon
A more leisurely way to see the nature and surrounding area is by taking a ride on the Yellow Train of Cerdanya (Train Jaune), affectionately called the "Canary". Constructed between 1903 and 1911, it is a symbol of Catalan country and runs from Villefranche-de-Conflent (427m) to the station of La Tour de Carol and Bolquère - the highest station in France. Covering a distance of 63km and an altitude gain of 1200m, the line passes through 19 tunnels and over 2 impressive bridges (Pont Gisclard, Pont Segourne). The station at Bolquère is just a 20 min’s drive from Les Angles.

Visits to the Local Farms

Some of the local farmers in the area open up their farms to show you the joys of farming in the Pyrenees. This free evening out is great fun for all the family.

La Ferme Du Railet: Located in the small village of Llagonne which is a 15 minute drive from Les Angles. This is a full working farm with cows, sheep, goats, pigs, donkeys, work horses, geese, ducks, turkeys, chickens, rabbitsand even carrier pidgeons. There is a dairy which produces, cheese, yogurts, fresh milk and butter. Small children can be lead around the farm on a pony.
Opening dates and times: Daily during school holidays, otherwise Fri – Sunday. 16:00 – 19:00.
Getting there
Car: Llagonne is approx. 9km from Les Angles and takes approx. 15 minutes to reach.

La Ferme Du Cambre d'Aze:
Saint Pierre dels Forcats. Tel: 0033 (0) 631 308945. www.ferme.cambre.daze.free.fr
Located in Saint Pierre dels Forcats which is a 25 minute drive from Les Angles. This mountain farm allows you to take part in the running of a mountain farm – so you can feed the animals.
Opening dates and times: Daily during February school holidays, 15:30 – 18:30.
Getting there
Car: Saint Pierre dels Forcats is approx. 14km from Les Angles and takes approx. 20 minutes to reach.

Museum de Cerdagne

Musée de Cerdagne - 66800 Sainte Léocadie. Tel: +33 (0)678 176419. Email: www.ferme-calmateu.fr.
Located just 30 minutes from les Angles in the small village of Sainte Léocadie in the Cerdagne area is this pretty farm cum museum. It is situated in a Cerdanya farmhouse with characteristic architecture and organized around exterior and interior spaces, the Cerdanya museum is a memorial to the daily life of local farmers as well as to the history of this area and its local border. It also hosts exhibitions.
Getting there
Car: Sainte Léocadie is approx. 27km from Les Angles and takes approx. 35 minutes to reach.

The Village of Dorres

This quaint Pyrenean village is located just 40 minutes from Les Angles. The village with its granite quarry has conserved all of its original charm and features over the years. The authentic Cerdane farms and houses are very much still as they were hundreds of years ago.

The Granite Museum in Dorres

66760 Dorres, Tel: +33 (0)468 046069
The quaint Pyrenean village of Dorres with its granite quarry is located just 40 minutes from Les Angles. It is here that you will also find a museum about granite and the mines which shows the life and work of the granite workers over the last two centuries.
Getting there
Car: Dorres is approx. 32km from Les Angles and takes approx. 40 minutes to reach.

L’Ermitage at Font Romeu
Legend has it that a herd of cattle under the watch of a herdsman were grazing at Odeillo. One of the bulls would frequently move away from the main herd towards a fountain and would scratch at the ground furiously with its hoof. Intrigued, the herdsman followed the bull and in the place where it had been scratching was a small opening barely visible in which was hidden an image of the Virgin Mary. It is on this site that the Hermitage chapel was built. The statue was probably hidden during the Cathar invasions and discovered at the beginning of the 14th century.
Visits to the Hermitage are free of charge – information form the Font Romeu Tourist Office.

Getting there
Car: Font Romeu is approx. 18km from Les Angles and takes approx. 21 minutes to reach.

L’Abbaye de Saint Martin of Canigou (Abbey)

Casteil on the RN 1116. Tel: 0033 (0)468 055003. www.stmartinducanigou.org
The impressively located Saint Martin of Canigou Abbey is situated in the Tet valley which is to the west of the resort on the way towards the coast. Nestled on a rocky mountain outcrop, at 1,100m this is a jewel of Romanesque art.

Getting there
Car: Casteil is approx. 48km from Les Angles and takes approx. 1 hour to reach.

L’Abbaye de Saint Michel de Cuixa (Abbey)

Codalet on the RN 1116. Tel: 0033 (0)468 961535. www.abbaye-cuxa.com
The beautiful Saint Michel de Cuixa Abbey is located in the Tet valley which is located to the west of the resort on the way towards the coast. The Benedictine Abbey was an important cultural centre during the regency of Abbot Oliva. It has a mixture of pre Romanesque and Romanesque architecture and parts of it now makes up the Cloisters museum in New York City.

Getting there
Car: Codalet is approx. 45km from Les Angles and takes approx. 55 mins to reach

La Chapelle de Villeneuve de Formigueres
This votive chapel has a typical mountain style to its architecture and dates from the 18th century. It houses one of the most beautiful Baroque altar pieces in the area as well as a Virgin Mary statue from the 14th century.

Getting there
Car: Villeneuve is approx. 8km from Les Angles and takes approx. 12 minutes to reach.

Heliodyssée Solar Centre

7, Rue de Four solaire, 66120 Font Romeu. Tel: +33 (0)468 307786. www.foursolaire-fontromeu.fr
In the valley at Odeillo, just 25 minutes away from Les Angles there is a massive solar centre. The building itself can be likened to a piece of art - a huge concave 40-metre high mirror glimmering in the sunshine. It is made up of panels that concentrate the sunlight 40,000 times. The museum underneath has guided tours (in French), which demonstrate on a smaller scale some of how the sun’s power can be concentrated and harnessed. The visit lasts ca. 1 hour.
Opening dates and times: Daily: 10:00 – 11:30 & 14:00 – 17:00

Getting there
Car: Font Romeu is approx. 18km from Les Angles and takes approx. 21 minutes to reach.

Roman Art in Cerdagne
The artistic history of French and Spanish Cerdanya really begins with the Romanesque era, during which time many churches and chapels were built and later enriched with beautiful baroque altarpieces and murals. Catalonia is characterised by Romanesque art to such an extent that it could actually be called Catalan art. Among the most notable monuments include the churches of Angoustrine, Dorres, St. Leocadia, Llo, Estavar. Not to mention the churches in the small villages of monosyllabic name such as Ur, Err, Llo, Lles, Bor, Rô, Bar, Hix, Alp, Das and Pi.

The Fortifications of Vauban at Mont Louis

Mont Louis Tourist Office, 3, rue Lieutenant Pruneta, 66210 Mont Louis. Tel: +33 (0)468 042197.www.mont-louis.net.
This amazing site is located just 15 minutes from les Angles in the town of Mont Louis. The fortifications of Vauban was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008. The highest fortified town in France, it lies at a height of 1600m and is located within the Catalan Pyrenees National Park. The city was built by Vauban in 1681, and consists of 12 groups of fortified buildings and sites along the western, northern and eastern borders of France. They represent the finest examples of the work of Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707), a military engineer of King Louis XIV. The serial property includes towns built from scratch by Vauban, citadels, urban bastion walls and bastion towers. There are also mountain forts, sea forts, a mountain battery and two mountain communication structures. This property is inscribed as bearing witness to the peak of classic fortifications, typical of western military architecture. Vauban also played a major role in the history of fortification in Europe and on other continents until the mid-19th century.

Opening dates and times: During winter Monday to Saturday 09:30 – 12:30 & 14:00 – 17:00
Closed during the Christmas/New Year holidays.
Prices: Adults/5€; Children (11 -18 yrs/2.50€ Children (7-10 yrs)/2€; under 7s/Free of charge

Getting there
Car: Mont Louis is approx. 11km from Les Angles and takes approx. 16 minutes to reach.

Château De Montségur (Castle)
Montsegur. Tel: +33 (0)561 010694. Email: info@grands-sites-ariege.fr. http://www.grands-sites-ariege.fr/
At an altitude of 1,207 m, in an unspoilt and wild location is the beautiful castle of Montségur. Built on a pog, (mountain) surrounded by forests and mountainous cliffs, the castle has a stunning situation above a small village of the same name From as early as Neolithic times the “pog” (mountain) of Montségur was an emblematic site of Catharism. It was from atop of the pog, between 1204 and 1244, that the Cathar Church and the Occitan knights who had taken refuge here, defied the two greatest powers of the 13th century - the Roman church and the French Crown.

In 1232, the Cathar bishop, Guilhabert de Castres, made Montségur the seat and the head of the outlawed Cathar church – leading to a later siege to the pog by crusaders. After a fierce battle and a siege which lasted ten months, the castle’s garrison laid down their arms in March 1244 and just weeks later more than 250 Cathars were burnt alive at the foot of the mountain.
Guy III de Lévis Mirepoix became the new lord of the castle and Montségur castle remained in his family until the French Revolution after being abandoned for many years since the 16th century.

The guided tour comes highly recommended and is led by a lecturer-guide qualified in accordance with the Ministry of Culture. The tour is a moving one, evoking images of the glorious past of this amazing castle and lasts just over an hour. The history of the area, the Cathars and the mountain is all revealed as well as the horrendous end to the Cathars who lived here.

The Montségur Museum has a splendid collection of archaeological artefacts and there is a moving account of the days to day’s lives of local people who lived at the summit of this famous mountain for half a century and beared witness to the fighting in 1243-44. There are also historical display boards, reproductions of archive texts and a video presenting a digital reconstruction of a Cathar house in the Montségur castrum – a great way to understand the living conditions of the Cathars on the pog in the 13th century.
Price: Adult/€4.50; Children/ €2;
Open: All year round: 10:00 – 17:00

Getting there
Car: Montségur is approx. 76km from Les Angles and takes approx. 1 hour 45 minutes to reach.

Château De Foix
Place du Palais de Justice, 09000 Foix. Tel: +33(0)561 051010/+33(0)534 098383
The Château de Foix, built on limestone rock, dominates the skyline of the town of Foix. It has been listed since 1840 as a 'Monument Historique' by the French Ministry of Culture. The first written mention of the castle dates from around the year one thousand, when it was mentioned in the will of Roger I, Count of Carcassonne, who bequeathed the fortress to his youngest child, Bernard. At that time, the castle consisted of a single tower and its surrounding wall. It was only in the 12th century that the town of Foix started to grow and the castle became the centre of power for the new County of Foix and played a decisive role in medieval military history. It is very difficult to know how the castle evolved from an architectural perspective in the middle Ages because the information available is limited and imprecise.

The seals of the Counts of Foix, dating from the end of the 12th century, are testimony to its appearance at that time: a second square tower was built in addition to the original tower (11th-12th centuries) and another building was erected later to connect the two (12th-14th centuries). The famous round tower was built in the 15th century. The castle has been everything from a garrison, to a prison and a museum. The castle became a garrison in the 16th century and remained as one until the Revolution in the late 18th century. The towers of the castle were used to house civil and political prisoners from the 18th century up until 1862 when the prison was moved to the outskirts of the city. It was at this time that the castle underwent a period of restoration. In the 1950s, the castle evolved into a museum, housing the collections of the Ariège region. The museum still exists today and its exhibits concentrate on the history of the castle, so as to recreate the life of Foix at the time of the Counts. The castle takes about 45 minutes to visit and there are up to 9 daily guided tours during the peak summer period that last for 1 hour (guided tour in English at 13:00).

Price and availability: www.grands-sites-ariege.fr/en/agenda

Getting there
Car: Foix is approx. 116km from Les Angles and takes approx. 1 hour 55 minutes to reach.

Bastide De Mirepoix
09500, Mirepoix. Tel: +33(0)561 688376. E-mail: contact@tourisme-mirepoix.com. Website: www.tourisme-mirepoix.com
The charming medieval walled town of Mirepoix is situated in the Hers valley between Carcassonne and Pamiers, in the heart of the Pyrenees Cathar Country. The original town was virtually destroyed by flooding of the Hers-Vif river in 1289 and was subsequently rebuilt by Jean de Levis in 1290. The square, the 'Place aux Couverts' is flanked by timber framed arcades that are of typical medieval construction, and on their overhanging, exposed beams you can see some 150 individually carved wooden heads. The square also houses the 14th century 'Maison des Consuls' - a large noble building and the main attraction in the square due to the medieval sculptures on its exterior walls. Not to be missed is the cathedral of St-Maurice. This listed Ancient Monument took six centuries to complete and is of Southern Gothic style architecture. The cathedral has a particularly wide nave, 22 metres wide. Other notable sights in the town are the Bishops' Palace which adjoins the old Cathedral, the Baltard-style 'Halle' covered market, the 14th century 'Porte d'Aval' gateway and the seven-arches bridge which stretches across the Hers River. There is also a large and colourful market in the town every Monday morning.

Price and availability: www.grands-sites-ariege.fr/en/agenda

Getting there
Car: Mirepoix is approx. 90km from Les Angles and takes approx. 2 hours to reach.

Cité De Saint-Lizier
Situated on a small hill in the Salat river valley, the medieval walled town of Saint-Lizier has a rich history stretching back to pre Gallo-Roman times. The town is named in honour of its 6th Century bishop Lycerius, who was canonized as Saint Lizier. Saint-Lizier is dominated by the imposing Bishops' Palace which was built in the 14th century and looks out towards the Pyrenean peaks. The picturesque town has many historical attractions and boasts numerous monuments that are testament to its rich cultural and historical past. Its cobbled lanes, lined with half-timbered houses typical of the area, are a delight to wander along and have much to do with Saint Lizier being listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Here, you can see the remains of the ramparts dating back to the 3rd century! A must visit is the Church of St Lizier with its 11th century frescoes and the romanesque cloister adjacent to the church. The town has also been used as a stopping point by pilgrims travelling along the route of Saint James to Santiago de Compostela and is one of the 'Grands Sites Midi-Pyrenees.

Price and availability: www.grands-sites-ariege.fr/en/agenda

Getting there
Car: Saint-Lizier is approx. 161km from Les Angles and takes approx. 2 hours 35 minutes to reach.

Forges De Pyrène
Route de Paris, 09330, Montgaillard. Tel: +33(0)534 093060. Email: info@grands-sites-ariege.fr. Website: www.grands-sites-ariege.fr
Situated near Foix and covering a site of five hectares, the Forges de Pyrene displays a wealth of Ariégeois heritage. The museum houses an art gallery as well as a large collection of tools (approx. 6500 items) and has several heritage workshops that aim to keep alive the skills and trades from the beginning of the last century. The Forges de Pyrene gives a unique insight into the working lives of the local people and old professions such as the shoemaker and the blacksmith are reborn. The site houses a forge hammer which is powered by a watermill and dates back to the Middle Ages. This impressive piece of manufacturing is considered to be one of only a rare few that are still operating in France today. Facilities at the museum also include a lake-side picnic area and restaurant along with a playground for the children.

Price and availability: www.grands-sites-ariege.fr/en/agenda

Getting there
Car: Forges De Pyrène is approx. 114km from Les Angles and takes approx. 1 hour 55 minutes to reach.

Parc De La Préhistoire (The Prehistoric Park at Tarascon)

Tarascon-sur-Ariège. Tel: 0033 (0)561 051010
With its museum spaces and workshops, the Prehistory Park will allow you to try out some Magdalenian activities, in an amusing way, while keeping an educational and scientific approach. It also casts an original light on Prehistoric man, their way of life and art.

The Museum
The “Great Workshop”, a vast 2,000 sq.m exhibition area dedicated to prehistoric art proposes: a series of films on cave paintings from around the world, the reproduction of the “Salon Noir”, such as the Magdalenians made it 14,000 years ago, reproductions of engraved and sculpted objects, facsimiles of animals engraved in the floor of the Niaux cave (such as the two salmon and the “bison aux cupules”).

Workshops
Flint knapping: this activity shows you how to make tools starting from the raw material, and how they are used: cutting, scraping skins, piercing, engraving, working deer bones or antlers…

Fire lighting: display of the two fire-lighting techniques probably used in the Upper Palaeolithic age. Mankind’s greatest invention! A magical moment!

Cave painting: a reconstituted cave wall offers the opportunity to try to reproduce prehistoric drawings and discover this art’s subject-matter and techniques.

Hunting: learn how to use a throwing stick, the Magdalenian weapon, understand how it works, and above all discover how homo-sapiens used to eat. Archaeological digs: reproduction of an archaeological dig allowing you to understand the archaeologists’ approach and their working methods.

Getting there
Car: Tarascon-sur-Ariège is approx. 99km from Les Angles and takes approx. 1 hour 45 minutes to reach.

The Roman churches of Ax Valley & Route Des Corniches
During the XI and XII centuries, Roman art was extending over Europe at a magnificent rate. All Roman art became sought after: the architecture, the quality of the materials, the aptitude of the craftsmen, the artistic forms that gave the sculptures a life-like appearance. These Roman churches in the Ax valley became treasures, protected during wartime, tucked away in their green enclave of the heart of the Pyrenees. They represented a remarkable heritage – simple and magical. The rustic charm of these churches is equalled in the authentic small villages that surround them and the picturesque mountain roads that rise up to meet them.

The Route des Corniches, is a cliff road that runs between Ax les Thermes to Bompas. It acts as a natural observation point for the mountain peaks, the valley and three of Roman church gems in the Ax valley. The churches of Sainte Marie–de-Vernaux, Saint-Saturnin-d’Axiat and Saint-Martin-d’Unac are all visible from this route.
Passerelle Culture organises trips to the area during the French February school holidays.
Booking: Information and bookings at the Tourist Office
Price: 6€. Children under 7 free of charge

Getting there
Car: Ax valley is approx. 70km from Les Angles and takes approx. 1 hour 15 minutes to reach.

Natural Wonders & Wildlife in Les Angles

Wildlife Park

Les Angles Animal Park. 66210 Les Angles. Tel: +33 (0)468 041720. www.faune-pyrenneene.fr
Located at the Pla Del Mir ski base, this site is not to be missed. Learn all about the wild and wonderful animals that inhabit (or once did) the Pyrenees. The brown bears are the most photogenic ever – whilst the wolves run in packs on the mountain slopes in full view. All animals have their own large roaming area and dangerous animals are set below the natural managed walkways through the enclosure. The odd red deer may wander pompously across your path and stare questioningly at you whilst pretty chamois deer smile pleasantly and prance gaily. The park is amazing and if you want to make a half day of it, you can bring a picnic to eat.

Natural Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees
1 Rue Dagobert, 66210 Mont-Louis.Tel: 0033 (0)468 049760. www.parc-pyrenees-catalanes.fr
The Natural Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees was recently classified as a Regional Natural Park. The Park covers an area of 138,000 hectares taking in the territory of the Cerdanya, Capcir and Haut Conflent in the department of Pyrenees-Orientales. It comprises 64 municipalities and is home to some 21,000 inhabitants and seven nature reserves. The famous yellow train which has run since 1910, crosses the park from one side to the other taking in the 62 km between Villefranche-de-Conflent and Latour-de-Carol. It is an amazing way to see the park which is home to nine resorts and 2 spas.The Cerdane Mountain alone has many conservation zones filled with exceptional fauna and flora whilst the pastoral practices implemented in some of the valleys and mountain pastures also count as integrated preservation missions. Remarkable sites and unique habitats can be found here and the park offers beautiful vistas between summer pastures and mountain lakes.
One stunning example of beautiful mountain scenery is the magnificent Carlit mountain chain. Here you can escape the towns and cities and embrace nature in all its beauty wandering amongst the pretty mountain lakes and small paths.

Lake Matemale
Close to Les Angles, Lake Matemale is located in the Capcir part of the Natural Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees, the highest cultivated mountain plateau in Europe at an altitude of 1,600m. It is accessed by traversing the beautiful De la matte forest which contains many sporting and leisure activities for all the family (see activities section for more details).The area surrounding the lake is great for outdoor activities and contains the following facilities:
- Picnic areas with barbecues and grill areas
- Beautiful walking paths and bridal ways for horse riding
- Fishing areas
- mountain bike tracks
- water sports activities on the beaches and lakeside (catamaran, wind-surfing, kayak, canoe etc
- plenty of sporting and fun activities amongst the trees (horse riding, archery, trampoline, outdoor pools, inflatable castles and games)

Lake Balcère
Close to Les Angles, Lake Balcère is located high above the resort at an altitude of 1,170m in a picturesque location surrounded by a pine forest. It is easily accessible by car or local shuttle bus and contains many sporting and leisure activities for all the family (see activities section for more details).The area surrounding the lake is great for outdoor activities and contains the following facilities:
- Picnic areas
- two small chalets ( one for drinks and the other for those partaking in fishing.
- Easy walking or cycling path around the lake
- Natural Climbing rock (unsupervised) for beginners and enthusiasts
- Fishing locations (rainbow trout, Pyrenean brown trout, fresh water salmon)

Fontrabiouse Cave

La Creu, 66210 Fontrabiouse, Tel: +33 (0)468 309555. Email: cabrespine11@orange.fr. www.grottes-de-france.com
Located 15 minutes from Les Angles in the village of Fontrabiouse is Fontrabiouse Cave. It was discovered in 1958 during the mining of marble -a quarry rock blast revealed an enormous hole set on two levels and displayed an extremely rich underground landscape.
For 25 years, the cave was only a speleologists' territory before the town council finally decided to make this mysterious underground world accessible to the general public. Thanks to the comfortable equipment – set on two levels – of the cave, visitors can discover a fascinating and perfectly preserved underground world at their own pace.

Several chambers follow one another during this underground circuit which stretches for approximately 1km. There is an underground lake with jelly fish as well as columns and aragonite. The hundreds of fistulous stalactites hanging from the roof look like remarkable draperies or fine silver hair whilst the array colours brighten up this spectacular circuit.
Opening dates and times: The cave is open all year round as the temperature remains constant and cool. Closed 5,24,25,31 December and New Year’s Day.
Price of guided visit: Adult/9.90€; Child/6.20€. Visits operate at 10:30 / 11:30/ 14:30 / 15:30 / 16:30 from December to March.

Getting there
Car: Fontrabiouse is approx. 11km from Les Angles and takes approx. 17 minutes to reach.

Caranca Gorge

Thues Entre Valls on the RN 1116.
The beautiful Caranca Gorge is located in the Tet valley which is located to the west of the resort on the way towards the coast. Taking a walk through the Caranca Gorge is not like and normal walk – the steep sides of the gorge tower above you as you make your way through the stunningly beautiful gorge – cool and shady on a warm summer’s day. The gorges is carved out of the cliffs that line the valley and at some points actually passes above the river floor due to its hanging bridges cut into the side of the cliff. A round trip through the gorge normally takes ca. 4 hours.

Getting there
Car: Thues Entre Valls is approx. 24km from Les Angles and takes approx. 30 minutes to reach.

Grotte De Niaux (Niaux Cave)
094000 Niaux. Tel: +33 (0)561 051010. Email: info@grands-sites-ariege.fr. http://www.grands-sites-ariege.fr/
This cave is one of the most famous Palaeolithic caves in Europe and even more impressively, one of the few decorated caves still open to the public today. The cave holds ancient paintings and sketches made by Man and believed to date back 14,000 years.

Tarascon-sur-Ariège, where the cave is located was close to a great plain and the entrance of one of the valleys that cut deep into the central Pyrenees. It was through this valley that the great Ariège River cut a path through which animals and man must have wandered since time immemorial. It is therefore not surprising that it was predestined to become an important prehistoric settlement. The cave was located in the Lesse Massif and most probably hidden by the glaciers on the northern slopes of the Pyrenees. Once those glaciers started to withdraw, Niaux Cave became accessible to Magdalenian man – he could hardly miss the 55m high and 50m wide porch which opened into the cave.

During your visit, you are supplied with a portable lamp to be used to illuminate the cave drawings and sketches. On entering the cave, you have 800m of truly impressive galleries before entering the Salon Noir (Black Chamber). Just before you reach this chamber, you can see the “Panneau de signes” (panel of signs), on which there are a large number of geometric signs whose meaning remains a mystery still today.

The Salon Noir (Black Chamber) is a monumental rotunda whose walls are covered with outstanding and highly detailed paintings of animals such as bison, horses, ibex and deers. This chamber is the centrepiece of the tour and the highlight – over 80% of the caves paintings are located here and nearly all of them are of high quality and precision.

In 1906, two of the most famous prehistory specialists of the time, Emile Cartailhac and the Abbé Breuil, began a study of the caves and discovered most of the drawings. However, the sheer size of the cave made it impossible for them to find all the works and some remained undiscovered by them. The main discovery to date remains the Réseau Clastres (Clastres Network), a gallery more than one kilometre long and only accessible to divers. More than 500 human footprints were found here along with five animal depictions: three of bison, one of a horse and one of a weasel - the only known representation of this animal ever found in prehistoric cave paintings.

Niaux cave is also famed for having the most examples of floor engraving (an extremely rare technique, specific to the Pyrenees). These floors engravings are in the Salon noir as well as other caverns and depict many animals such as Bisons, horses and Ibex, but the most famous of these is one with salmon on it and another called “Bison to the wells”, which are both drawn around natural holes).

Your ticket gives you access to the Prehistory Museum where you can see reproductions of these drawings and engravings.
Please note: The number of people and the duration of the visits are limited in order to preserve the caves – so booking in advance is essential.
Price: Adult/€12; Children/ €7; Youth (13-18 yrs.) €8.50; Family (2 adults + 2 children/€33
Open: All year round: 10:00 – 12:30 & 13:30 – 18:45.
Guided Tours: 90 minute tours, four to six times daily (see website for availability and GB language tours)

Getting there
Car: Niaux is approx. 100km from Les Angles and takes approx. 1 hour 45 minutes to reach.

Grotte Du Mas-D'azil (Cave)
09290 Mas-d’Azil. Tel: +33 (0)561 051010. Email: info@grands-sites-ariege.fr. http://www.grands-sites-ariege.fr/
This cave is known the world over as a site that was occupied in prehistoric times by the Magdalenian and Azilian man. Aon entering its immense porch, the cave’s impressive geology is most striking, however, it is its archaeological reputation that now makes it one of the major sites in the Pyrenees.

A guided tour with commentary (some available in English) takes you through a network of galleries and rooms located over different levels. The illuminated walls which were developed in 2013 give the cavern walls the impression of being illuminated by a candle. René Stinville who was responsible for conceiving this lighting project is famed for his illumination work on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

During the tour, several scientific disciplines are covered: geology (the cave’s formation); palaeontology (galleries containing bones) and prehistory through the attested presence of several cultures: Aurignacian, Magdalenian and Azilian as well as the historical aspect such as religious Wars. On visiting the upper floors, you are treated to a fine example of the paleontological aspect of the cave. Here, the ossuaries on view plunge the visitor into an impressive and varied array of fauna from the ice-age (mammoths, woolly rhinoceros and cave bears).

An important prehistoric settlement, the cave also includes several decorated galleries that contain some extremely interesting figures, but they cannot be visited not only because they are very difficult to access, but also to ensure their conservation. Between 1901 and 1912, the Abbé Breuil and Count Bégouën discovered engravings and red and black paintings in a small room followed by a narrow gallery called the “galerie Breuil” (bison, horses, deer, fish, what might be some kind of cat and geometrical signs). In another particularly low gallery there is an engraving of bison, in the reindeer gallery many superposed engravings of animals and in the Oven Room, still more engraved figures: the lovely hindquarters of a horse, an ibex head with its horn and the famous mask representing a human face. Your ticket also gives you access to the Prehistory Museum where you can see reproductions of these drawings and engravings.
Price: Adult/€8; Children/ €4; Youth (13-18 yrs.) €6.50; Family (2 adults + 2 children/€22.60
Open: All year round: 10:00 – 12:30 & 13:30 – 18:45.
Guided Tours: 60 minute tours, four to six times daily (see website for availability and GB language tours)

Getting there
Car: Mas-d’Azil is approx. 143km from Les Angles and takes approx. 2 hours 20 minutes to reach.