cumminges

THE LOCAL AREA AROUND OUR SELF CATERING COTTAGE.

The Ariège is one of the few truly wild habitats remaining in France and the immediate area has a wealth of cultural and leisure activities to suit all ages, and ability ranges.

Walking

There are walks at all levels from the hamlet, and in the wider area where 10,000 ft mountains are quite accessible. A `via ferrata` has also been completed on Mont Valier. There are maps and suggested itineraries available at the gite. We are both mountaineers with an intimate knowledge of the mountains and forest tracks and would be only too pleased to share our knowledge.

Mountain biking

Two mountain bikes are available for guests to borrow at the gite, a book on VTT pistes in the area, and information on local mountain bike hirers. For the more passionate mountain bikers, why not take a long weekend break - fly in to Toulouse or Carcassonne, we can do the rest (airport pickup, B & B, packed lunches or full board ).

Hangliding/Paragliding

For the more adventurous there is a paragliding site 10 mins higher up the mountain, with instruction and dual flights available. For experienced paragliders the cottage is the nearest accommodation to the site.

Water Activities

With two large lakes only 45 mins drive away from Cumminges, guests can partake of fishing, boating/canoeing or simply have fun in the water. The Ariège river hosts kayaking and white water rafting as well as canyoning (www.pyrenevasion.com) and caving.There are two kayaks available for guests to borrow. The high mountain tarns boast wonderful trout fishing, and the valley lakes white fish. Water skiing is available at our local `base nautique`.

Equestrian

Several equestrian centres are located around Foix that provide both for half day sorties and pony treking over the mountains or just visiting the centre for a day. We can also organise horses from Cumminges.

Skiing and Snow Shoeing.

The nearest ski station is 45 mins drive a way, and the immediate area is reknown for cross country skiing. There are two pairs of snow shoes that guests can borrow - we are quite willing to introduce guests to the pleasures of `raquetting`.

Pre - Historic Caves.

Three important caves lie in the area - Niaux, Labouiche and Lombrives with smaller accessible caves around Tarascon. These caves have pre-historic paintings, and access through one is by boat. There are guided tours in English most days of the year.

Foix

The market town of is only 15 mins drive down the mountain, and as the prefectural centre of Ariège boasts a wide variety of cafés, restaurants, festivals and artisanal markets as well as a skatepark, an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, childrens playgrounds, a popular `centre cultural` with films, theatre and music, and `son et lumière` performances (July & August) in the outdoor theatre

`La Nature`

The Ariège is renown for it`s natural habitat, and some guests come simply to enjoy and partake of the peace, calmness and positive airs of the hamlet, but everyone, whatever their reason for coming here, delights in the pure fresh mountain air.

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