About the area

Polfages is within easy reach of the fairy-tale Cite de Mirepoix with its colourful 13th century timbered arcades, lively bars and restaurants and numerous fetes.

Each Monday morning Mirepoix (pop 3000) boasts one of the best markets in the South of France where you will find exquisite local cheeses, wines, sausages, bread and locally grown fruit and vegetables. This market is not to be missed! Get there before noon as at midday the market shuts and everyone heads for one of the cafe bars for an aperitif before a relaxed al fresco lunch. This medieval ‘Bastide’ is a true gem, and a great starting point for discovering the treasures of the Aude and Ariege and further afield.

Historic towns such as Foix, Castelnaudary, Narbonne and Toulouse, ancient castles, the canal du Midi, the great vineyards of the Languedoc- Roussillon, crystal clear mountain rivers, fantastic gorges, amazing caves, ( including the Grotte de Lombrives, the longest cave in Europe ) high rugged mountain peaks and not to forget the azure Mediterranean, all make this region of France so exceptionally fascinating and beautiful. For bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts, the region offers an incomparable rich diversity of fauna and landscapes and if you are seeking an active sporting holiday, there is more than plenty to do! Mountain walking, canoeing and white water rafting, fishing, golf, horse riding and superb cycling country..not to mention the excellent restaurants and world famous vineyards where you can sample the local wines. Its all here, on your door-step.

Carcassonne, the romantic historic walled city and largest fortress in Europe, said to be the inspiration to Walt Disney’s fabulous castle in Sleeping Beauty and a UNESCO World Heritage site is only a 40 minutes drive away. Visit on July 14, Bastille Day and witness one of the world’s most awesome fireworks display! Carcassonne Salvaza airport is served by frequent flights from London Standsted, East Midlands, Liverpool, Dublin, Shannon and Cork.

Toulouse, famous for its champion Rugby team and bustling night-life is only an hours drive and Toulouse International Airport, with daily flights to many European destinations, is roughly 70 minutes away.

Nearest beach: Narbonne Plage 90 kilometres
Nearest Ski resort: Les Monts d’Olmes 50 kilometres
Nearest shops: Mirepoix – 10 kilometres and Belpech – 8 kilometres

Useful Websites

Tourisme Mirepoix
Ariege Pyrenees
Ode to Aude
Les Pyrenees
Carcassonne Tourism
www.montsdolmes.com