Le Pichet has been lovingly restored to retain as much as possible of its original character. This traditional stone house offers wonderful views towards the Col de la Core and the slopes of Mt. Valier, and being west facing, fabulous sunsets over the mountains. The beautiful garden with its abundant herbs is an idyllic place to relax.
The interior has been tastefully furnished, largely in oak; downstairs consisting of a dining room with woodburning stove; bathroom and well equipped kitchen; a lovely oak staircase leads to the first floor consisting of a light, airy and spacious living room which is superb particularly in summer, and two charming bedrooms. (reduced price possible for 2 persons needing one room only, see advert no 6437722.)
Please note however that sheets and towels, and the end of stay cleaning, are not included in the rental price, as most people prefer to bring their own and do the cleaning themselves. Sheets and towels are available for hire at 20€/pers/week if wished ( please tell us in advance) and we can do the end of stay cleaning for you at 100€. Each bed is provided with a mattress protector, duvet and duvet cover, eiderdown, pillows and pillow protectors.
The area is superb for all outdoor activities - we will send some useful links gefore your stay so that you can make the most of your time at Miramont.
Walking- the walks are magnificent, whatever your level. The GR 10 passes close by in several places; there are challenging walks to the summits of the Spanish border accessible from less than an hour's drive away,( including the renowned "Chemin de la Liberté" wartime Escape Route). The surrounding valleys of the Garbet, Salat and Ustou have many lovely lower level walks and you can also walk directly from the hamlet. We have numerous maps and guidebooks available for your use.
Vélo/VTT. We are surrounded by some of the most formidable cols of the Tour de France, but there are many other easier ( and flatter!) possibilities if you are less experienced. The Couserans boasts many beautiful VTT circuits and a the Descent Park at Guzet is becoming increasingly popular.
Well-being: Thermalisme a Aulus-les Bains, le Spa Pyrénéen a St Girons.
We have an excellent Centre Equestre at Coumariaou 5k away across the valley with a very welcoming family atmosphere. Lessons, from beginner to experienced level, dressage, jumping.
-Canoe/kayak/rafting in the river le Salat above Seix, as well as downstream beyond St Girons.
Culture/history/architecture/gastronomy:
Beautiful Gallo-Romaine St Lizier is 30 mins away by car; Foix with its medieval chateau 1h; Toulouse "La ville rose" is about 1h30, as is medieval Mirepoix; Carcassonne and the Cathar castles at 2h towards the Mediterranean and Lourdes towards the Central Pyrennes.
Closer to home, you may like to visit the beautiful church of Vic d'Oust, the Curate's Garden ( home to some lovely summer outdoor concerts) and agricultural Museum in Seix, its Chateau, and the Museum of the Colporteurs in Soueix.
Prehistory: in the valleys of the haute Ariege are the Grottes de Niaux, Lombrives and Bedeilhac and the Parc de la Préhistoire is beyond Foix at Tarascon.
We have numerous excellent restaurants ( of which our favourite is "Le Garbet" in Oust) specialising in regional menus, and the Saturday market in St Girons is renowned, where you can taste the many cheeses, charcuteries, jams, honeys and other delicious products for which the area is famed. (Another excellent market is at Foix, on Fridays; locally Seix has a delightful market on Sundays and Soueix on Wednesdays).
Traditions/Customs
The "Forges de Pyrene" ( museum /showpiece of local tools, jobs and trades), the Bethmale valley with its clogdancing, clogs, cheeses and luminous lake and a museum/exhibition of cheeses.
For skiers, the family-orientated resort of Guzet is 25k away with 40k of pistes and an excellent ESF. known as the most beautiful in the Pyrenees, Guzet is excellent for all level of, skiers whether beginner or experienced. Pistes include the most difficult blacks in the Pyrenees in the Freychet sector, beginners' slopes at Prat Mataou as well as a snowpark, some wonderful off-piste and raquette trails.
Other treats include
The underground river of Labouiche (an exceptional punt through some amazing geological features); and the cave of le Mas d'Azil.
The Observatory of the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, now accessible par cable-car is about 2h drive away.
There are numerous activities for children -Acrolus at Aulus les Bains, le Pays des Traces at St Lizier, farm visits, animal parks, and workshops throughout the summer.
Agenda
"Mille Pagailles" (1000 paddles) canoeing and rafting down the Salat, normally early May.
The transhumance in the Valleys of the Salat, Bethmale, and Massat takes place during weekends usually mid/end May- June,
Le Tour de France often passes through our valleys and our cols.( sadly not in 2025).
Autrefois le Couserans- a weekend long celebration of local agricultural and other traditions in St Girons early August.
The Punjada- a walk up to the Spanich border at the Port de Salau, meeting Spanish walkers coming up from their side- with music, dancing and picnicking at the Col before the walk down again.
And of course there are colourful, joyous markets, concerts and soiréés everywhere in our valleys throughout the spring in summer.
This page as well as the photos are always being altered and improved, but in the meantime please do contact us with any questions.
A region rich in culture, history and gastronomy awaits, and we will be delighted to welcome you