Beautifully renovated stone house in popular area
EUR 235,000
More info...
Renovated Farmhouse, B&B, swimming pool in the Ariège
EUR 550,000
More info...
|
|
|
|
|
Lavelanet - steeped in history
The town of Lavelanet, which is located in the foothills of the Pyrénéan Mountains in the Ariège department of southern France, sits in an area which is steeped in history and mystery. Close to the town is the last Cathar castle of Montségur, whilst the old Cathar stronghold of Foix is also a near neighbour. The River Touyre runs beside the town, and the countryside varies from the soft fields and fruit orchards of the valley to the dramatic soaring peaks of the mountains above.
|
Downtown Lavelanet
Lavelanet is well equipped with shops and services, and there is a lively market that takes place in the centre of town too. Fabrics have long been an important product of Lavelanet, and the market stalls reflect this, with chances to purchase tablecloths, bedspreads, clothes and all manner of crafted items as well as the more usual fresh fruit and veg, wines, cheeses and other local specialities.
|
Stylish cinema
One thing that you cannot help but notice as you drive through the centre of Lavelanet is the stylish Art Deco cinema which occupies a prime position in the town. I can't promise you English Language films here, although you may be lucky and find one being shown in the original language with French sub-titles. It's worth going, though, just for the building!
|
Sports and leisure
There can hardly be a better place for fans of extreme and adventure sports, as Lavelanet lies in the heart of a natural adventure park! The mountains provide skiing, climbing, hiking, mountain biking, dog sledding, snow shoeing and much, much more, whilst the surrounding countryside offers swimming and boating on Lake Montbel, fishing in the plentiful rivers and small lakes, and pursuits such as pony trekking and tennis too. There is a go-kart track within a very short drive of Lavelanet which is always popular with the children... and their Dads! It is also worth noting that Lavelanet was Stage 12 in this year's Tour de France, so don't be surprised to see a good number of road cyclists around trying to emulate their heroes.
|
Out and about
The region is rich in history, and is a great place to trace the tragic and somewhat mythical history of the Cathars with their castles and grail stories. Visit the cities of Carcassonne and Foix, climb to the ruins of the last Cathar castle of Montségur, or take your courage in both hands and take the twisty roads that climb up into the mountains (and sometimes seem perilously close to dramatic drops!) and enjoy the amazing views. There is a great prehistoric park at Tarascon, which offers a fascinating view of a forgotten world. Not far away too lie Spain and Andorra, so there is no excuse to be bored... the world lies at your feet in this part of France! The great city of Toulouse is also within reach and certainly worth a visit.
|
How to get there
If you want to travel from the UK by air, you can fly to Toulouse, Carcassonne or Perpignan. Toulouse is served by British Airways, easyJet, bmi, Jet2 and flybe; Carcassonne by Ryanair; and Perpignan by Ryanair, bmibaby and flybe. Train travel is another option, as the TGV will get you to Toulouse, from where you can find a local service to Foix. If you are driving to Lavelanet, the town is found from the N20 on the D117.
|
Property prices availability in and around Lavelanet
Lavelanet offers a good opportunity to purchase a property in an idyllic area at a very reasonable price.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
AGENTS WITH PROPERTY IN THIS AREA |
|
 |
|
