Bee-eaters, fields of orchids, castles, caves, Crusades, jagged peaks, cooling lakes, colourful markets, cafe culture, great cooking, WW2 escape routes, eagles & vultures, tales of bears....
Welcome to the Ariege-Pyrenees.
Richard & Yvett
Specialist Birdwatching Nature Holidays
Gite de Le Courtal
09130 Sieuras
00 33 6 16 22 66 53
contact@pyrenees.site
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Largely untouched by commercial tourism, so quieter & cheaper, but with equal beauty, culture, cuisine & history, the Occitanie Pyrenees provide a wealth of outdoor, cultural & historical opportunities. Picturesque villages nestle on hill sides, castles perch high on crags, inventive cuisine awaits to be sampled, colourful markets are a daily routine. Vultures & eagles soar high in the clear blue skies, a network of well-marked footpaths await to aid your discovery of the magnificent landscape;
the Ariege and surrounding region has a long history & many hidden treasures.
the Ariege and surrounding region has a long history & many hidden treasures.
Our Spacious & Characterful Accommodation in the Pyrenees foothills. Sleeps 4.
We have a characterful, spacious apartment set in woodland, surrounded by the
rolling foothills of the Pyrenees.
Just 55 minutes directly south of Toulouse-Blagnac airport, 1.5 hours from Carcassonne.
rolling foothills of the Pyrenees.
Just 55 minutes directly south of Toulouse-Blagnac airport, 1.5 hours from Carcassonne.
Spacious, comfortably sleeping 4 adults in a double & a separate twin bedroom. Modern shower and new kitchen. There is private parking, a terrace, BBQ, sun loungers & free Wi-Fi. There are walks direct from the accommodation. There are 3 particularly good restaurants within 15 minutes drive. All your essential services are also within 15 mins drive. There is a swimming lake close by.
You have your own space to relax & unwind plus benefit from our extensive local knowledge as & when required.
See our guests' reviews.
Birdwatching & Wildlife
We specialise is birdwatching holidays and have a specific interest in vultures. We are also within the distribution range of many Mediterranean species: Bee-eaters, Hoopoe, Golden Oriole in Summer, Wallcreepers & Crag Martins in Winter. Cranes are part of a mass migration in Spring & Autumn. Not only is there a huge variety but also quantity of birds, especially raptors. Emblamatic of the high Pyrenees, the Bearded Vulture or Lammergeier is a permanent resident here in the Ariege, successfully breeding in 2016. It has survived, largely due to isolation of the Pyrenees, the purges of vultures in the Alps during 19th century. But the Bearded Vultures' future, like the Brown Bear, faces many challenges. Poison and human activity disturbance are a constant threat. We support local vulture conservation initiatives.
We can provide 'real time' information on observations within the area through our regional wildlife association. Specific field trips can be created. Walking directly from our accommodation you can observe diverse wildlife in the woods and open farmland.
You can follow us and our stories on Twitter & Facebook using the icons at the top of the page. We also have a Blog that provides updates on our Pyrenees 'life & times'. We had, for example, a confirmed sighting of a Black Vulture in early June 16 which is a rare visitor to the French Pyrenees & exciting news, escecially for vulture enthusiasts! We have also created this year, in partnership with other naturalists, a hide for photographing Bee-eaters. Please see information on our exciting new Naturalist weeks planned for this spring click.
We can provide 'real time' information on observations within the area through our regional wildlife association. Specific field trips can be created. Walking directly from our accommodation you can observe diverse wildlife in the woods and open farmland.
You can follow us and our stories on Twitter & Facebook using the icons at the top of the page. We also have a Blog that provides updates on our Pyrenees 'life & times'. We had, for example, a confirmed sighting of a Black Vulture in early June 16 which is a rare visitor to the French Pyrenees & exciting news, escecially for vulture enthusiasts! We have also created this year, in partnership with other naturalists, a hide for photographing Bee-eaters. Please see information on our exciting new Naturalist weeks planned for this spring click.
Great walks for all.
Walking in the Pyrenees.
We have many years experience walking in the Pyrenees and we are happy to pass on our best tips during your stay. From family-friendly circular walks to high refuges, there is an abundance of walking options, both locally and within 1.5 hours drive.