In the middle of the Lower Ariège plain, in Occitania, is the small commune of Pamiers. 22 kilometres from Foix and one hour from Toulouse, Pamiers is the perfect destination to combine culture, nature and tranquility.
Many of Pamiers' structures and buildings have been classified or included in the inventory of Historic Monuments. The cathedral is first of all one of its greatest treasures: known for its splendid organ buffet, this imposing cathedral of Roman origin surprises with the splendour of its Toulouse red bricks. Not far from there, Carmel is certainly the most beautiful building in all of Pamiers: built during the 17th century, this former residence of the Carmelite sisters (from 1648 to 2008) is now a place of culture, which hosts theatre and music performances throughout the year. The Notre-Dame du Camp church and its astonishingly high facade cannot go unnoticed, as can the church of Les Cordeliers. Take the time to stroll around the Place de la République, go through the Carrièra del Mieg (rue du Milieu), the Place des Vékisses, the Rue des Abattoirs and the Place de Verdun. The canals that surround the city are one of the most precious jewels of the Appamanian heritage: wet by the Ariège, they encircle the historic centre of the city and are perfect for walking or cycling along the cycle path on Avenue Saint-Jean. To make sure you don't miss anything of Pamiers, opt for short thematic walks to discover its urban paths dotted with major monuments and explanatory panels, to get to know everything about this city and its rich history. The "Appamanian Industrial Heritage" trail, the "Way of Santiago through the city of Pamiers" or the "Canals, bridges and footbridges" trail will guide you from the Pamiers of the Middle Ages to the contemporary Pamiers.
If there is one hiking trail that is known beyond the borders, it is the Way of Santiago de Compostela. And the latter passes through Pamiers, on the Pyrenean Piedmont Way, thus offering pilgrims the opportunity to discover the splendour of the surroundings of Pamiers and the small villages of Ariège, via the magnificent site of Cailloup, famous for its Romanesque church and its garden of medicinal plants (ideal place for a picnic break in the shade of centenary trees). With the family? We can only advise you to visit Neptunia Water Park: with its 50-metre outdoor pool, solarium, sunbathing, 25-metre indoor pool, jacuzzi, play area and jet pools, it is the perfect place to combine pleasure and relaxation during the hot summer months. You can also opt for a game of mini-golf at the "Jardin des Sens" (18 holes), a movie screening, an escape game, or one of the many Pamiers festivities throughout the year (Vintage festival in June, Country festival and "Pamiers Loco" festival in July, Occitan festival in November...).
Finally, while passing through Pamiers, let yourself be tempted by the flavours of Ariège cuisine: aigo bullido (egg soup), foie gras, duck confit, garbure, grilled meats, rouzole (charcuterie), omelettes with mushrooms or morels, trout, liver sausage, gizzards, slices, local cheeses such as Bamalou, Mouilis, Bethmale or Pic de la Calabasse, croustade and castella will delight your taste buds.