The quiet Ariege town of Saint-Girons is situated west of Foix and south of Cazeres in a region known as the Couserans.
It is an attractive region of wood covered hills where the plains of Gascony meet the mountains of the Pyrenees and close to the ruins of the ancient city (and current village) of Saint Lizier.
The setting of the town is enhanced by its position on the river Salat at the point where it is joined by a smaller tributary, the Lez.
Explore Saint-Girons
France This Way review: Saint-Girons is less a tourist destination and more a vibrant local town, and parts of the town are rather neglected, but a visit is still worthwhile. The heart of the old town is very characterful and a pleasure to explore, with a decent sprinkling of attractive buildings and shops to admire.
Start your visit at Saint-Girons tourist information office, in the centre of the town next to the river, where you can get details of a suggested route to follow which ensures you see the highlights.
The most picturesque part of a visit is the walk along the riverside and quais, then across the old bridge to the park and the Palace of Justice (originally the Chateau of the Vicomtes of Couseran).
Saint-Girons church is close by and stands on the banks of the Salat River, with its 15th century belltower dominating the view along the riverbanks (although the main church is more recent, not built until the 19th century). The church was built on the site where Saint Girons was buried.
The surrounding streets leading to Place Pasteur contain several houses featuring open upstairs balconies, a traditional local design. Continuing into the Boulevard Frederik Arnaud, at number 28 you can see a part of the original fortifications of the town.
Cross the bridge here to see the unusual 'monument to the dead', a tribute to those who lost their lives in the war and an unusual design with a statue of a grieving widow.
From here you can follow the west bank of the river through Saint-Girons, through the Place des Capots, to reach the substantial Castle of the Viscounts and a garden area.
Cross the river again to reach the Champ des Mars, a tree filled area where the market is held each Saturday in Saint Girons. There is a popular cafe at one end of this large square.
At the top of the boulevard Noel Peyrevidal, on the Place du Mai 1945, Saint-Valiers church has a 12th century facade while the rest of the church is largely in the gothic style.
Turn left to follow Rue St Valier through the old town and to continue back to the river and your starting point.
Attractions nearby
The location of Saint-Girons and the surrounding valleys (it is known as the region of 18 valleys) make it very well placed for exploring the Couserans, ideally on foot or bike. to make the most of your visit to this picturesque part of the Ariege.
The village of Saint Lizier just two kilometres away was for a long time the home to an opposing family of lords in the Couserans - it is now a picturesque village classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France'.
You can find more travel ideas in the Ariege guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
To make travel arrangements to visit Saint-Girons see HERE
Find Saint-Girons Hotels and Holiday Rentals
Reserve excursions near Saint-Girons
Photos of Saint-Girons
Click any picture to start the gallery
See complete Saint-Girons Photo Gallery
Map of Saint-Girons and places nearby
Places to visit near Saint-Girons
Saint-Lizier
A small village in the Natural Regional Park of the Ariege Pyrenees, Saint-Lizier is very picturesque and also has a cathedral and other notable monuments
Saint-Lizier guide
Montjoie-en-Couserans
The tiny village of Montjoie-en-Couserans is included because it is the start point of a picturesque driving tour of the surrounding villages
Montjoie-en-Couserans guide
Audressein
Audressein is a very small village in a picturesque river valley, visited for the ancient frescoes in the porch of the church
Audressein guide
Tourtouse
Although tiny, the castle (and picnic area) in the centre of Tourtouse make a detour recommended
Tourtouse guide
Cazeres
Cazeres is not a tourist town, but you might like to visit the Church of Notre Dame of the Assumption when in the region
Cazeres guide
Martres-Tolosane
The small village of Martres-Tolosane is known for its faiencerie workshops
Martres-Tolosane guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Ariege
Address: Saint-Girons, Midi-Pyrenees, 9200, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 42.985833, longitude 1.146667
Plan your visit to Saint-Girons, Ariege
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Saint Lizier cathédrale (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site
- Saint-Lizier: most beautiful village (2 km)
- Audressein Église Notre-Dame de Tramesaygues (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (12 km)
- Henne Morte: site of natural beauty (23 km)
- Pyrenees Ariegeoises: regional natural parc (23 km)
- Cirque d'Anglade: site of natural beauty (29 km)
- Vallée de Vicdessos: site of natural beauty (39 km)
- Valcabrère basilique St Just (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (46 km)
- St Bertrand de Comminges chapelle St Julien (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (47 km)
- Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges: most beautiful village (47 km)
- St Bertrand de Comminges cathédrale (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (47 km)
- Gorges de la Save: site of natural beauty (48 km)
Market days in Saint-Girons, France
Regular market(s) are held in Saint-Girons each Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Saint-Girons (Francais)