Vals: worth a detour.

On your way to Mirepoix or Carcassonne, you will see signs for the small village of Vals with its remarkable rock church (Eglise rupestre).

The rock church of Sainte-Marie, which dominates the village of Vals and was carved out of a rock, forms a particularly mysterious and unusual ensemble. The building, accessible via a staircase running along the side of a rock, consists of two naves stacked on top of each other and is especially notable for its magnificent Romanesque frescoes depicting the life of Christ. The sanctuary also has a terrace with a beautiful view over the surrounding landscape and the Pyrenees of the Ariège.

A must-see visit!

 

The nature in the Ariège is overwhelmingly beautiful. The rolling hills almost make you feel like you are in Tuscany, while in the background you can see the high peaks of the Pyrenees. There are fast-flowing mountain streams, remarkable caves, and beautiful reservoirs.