A peaceful mountain lake surrounded by forests and mountainsA peaceful mountain lake surrounded by forests and mountains. The vegetation is lush and wildflowers add a splash of color to the scene. The mountains in the background offer a stunning view of the landscape.
©A peaceful mountain lake surrounded by forests and mountains

Getaway in Donezan

Family hikes and discoveries
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Le petit Québec ariégeois

Just 2 hours from Narbonne, adventure awaits! Off to Donezan in the Ariège Pyrenees. Away from work, school and screens, the whole family embarks on two days of discovery and easy mountain hiking. My colleague David told me about Donezan. For the past 3-4 years, he’s been spending his winter vacations at the Mijanès ski resort with his little family, then returning there for the hikes. What’s not to love about going there when you’re told: “It’s really beautiful, the ponds with the kids are relatively accessible, no more than a 2-hour walk to get there, the area is peaceful, it’s a real moment of disconnection”. And disconnecting is just what we need!

Getting there

Usson, Cathar castle

On the road

Jérôme and I have decided to take the kids to Donezan this weekend! Leaving Narbonne on Saturday after lunch, we take the majestic défilé de la Pierre Lys, a winding road between cliff and river. Then, after Axat, we rush into theAude valley, no more noise in the car… until Léa exclaims “Look! Sleeping Beauty’s castle!!!”.
The calm has given way to agitation, Théo almost shouts “on y va! on y va!”, I look at Jérôme, it’s off to a good start! We park in the parking lot and set off on foot up the narrow road to the Château d’Usson. The visit to the Cathar castle is complemented by exhibitions at the Maison des Patrimoines, Théo would have liked to have taken the model of the La Camisette airplane with him, and Léa didn’t find Sleeping Beauty, but loved the Little Lady ofUsson!

Stone castle on a forested hill in autumnA stone castle stands on a rocky hillside, surrounded by a forest with autumnal colors. The trees, mostly green with hints of red and orange, cover the hillside. A winding path leads to the castle, which is built on an elevated platform.
©The castle overlooks the forest in this autumn season.
Ruins of a medieval castle surrounded by trees and vegetationThe ruins of a medieval castle, partially collapsed, are surrounded by trees and vegetation. The stone walls, partially standing, show signs of aging and deterioration. The main structure includes a partially collapsed tower and several wall sections. Vegetation grows on and around the ruins, adding a touch of greenery to the scene.
©The ruins of a medieval castle stand majestically amidst nature.|CCHA

    Peace and quiet

    Overnight in a guest room

    Already better informed about our destination, we make our way back down to Le Sapin Rouge in Artigues, where we’ve booked an overnight stay. Lydie and Thomas give us a warm welcome, and while the children settle into their pretty family room, we settle down to an “apéro du sapin”. Then it’s time for a meal of local specialities!

    Stone fireplace with Christmas decorationsA stone fireplace with a rough wooden mantel. Christmas decorations, including wooden hearts, candles, and garlands, are arranged on and around the fireplace. Firewood is stacked next to the fireplace, and a bucket containing tools is visible on the left. The fireplace is located in a room with wooden walls and a large window on the right.
    ©A stone fireplace decorated for the holiday season.
    Interior of a bar with wooden tables, chairs, and a well-stocked barThe interior of a bar with wooden and red walls. There are wooden tables with matching chairs, a well-stocked bar with bottles and glasses. A person stands near a wooden cabinet with items on top. The floor is tiled with ceramic tiles.
    ©A warm and inviting bar with wooden elements and rustic decor.
    Bedroom with a double bed and a wooden bunk bedThe room features a double bed with colorful blankets and pillows, as well as a wooden bunk bed. The walls are wooden, and a pendant lamp hangs from the ceiling. There is also a small bedside table with a lamp and a decorative heart hanging on the wall.
    ©A cozy room with comfortable beds and wooden decor.

    The start

    Towards the Restanque

    After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, we’re ready to take on theBalbonnepond! Hiking shoes on, picnic, hats, sun cream, guidebook and bandages (you never know!)… Let’s go!
    After Mijanès, we take the forest road to the Restanque parking lot.

      Picnic?

      With the car in gear, the hike begins here, with a superb view of the Roc Blanc. We park the car and start walking to the Restanque, with its stream, wooden bridge, picnic tables… and the horses in summer pasture welcoming us. “It’s so beautiful, Mum, let’s eat here!” begs Théo, “It’s a bit early to eat, we’ll have lunch by thepond“.

      A pond just for us

      Happiness

      After a fairly flat start, we tackled a short ladder a few metres long, and the “are we there yet? The children are back on their feet and scampering around looking for the perfect spot for a picnic. After lunch, everyone has their own activity: nap, cool off in the water, make a house for the rabbits…

      A picnic with wine bottles and baskets in the wildernessA picnic is set up in a green field with mountains in the background. There are wine bottles, baskets, and blankets visible. Yellow flowers are scattered throughout the field.
      ©A relaxing moment in nature with a well-stocked picnic.
      Peaceful lake surrounded by greenery with trees reflected in the waterA peaceful lake surrounded by dense greenery. The surrounding trees are perfectly reflected in the calm water, creating a natural symmetry. The scene is serene and inviting.
      ©A peaceful lake reflects the surrounding trees, creating a serene scene.

        Already back

        It goes by too fast!

        But already it’s time to leave again… Back to Narbonne after a nice interlude, “we’ll be back, won’t we?

          Let's make a reservation!

          Preparing your getaway

          What if we came back?

          The Pyrénées Ariègeoises experience
          Family outing on the Plateau de Beille
          Fishing in the Ariege Pyrenees
          Snowshoeing in Chioula
          Mountain biking and climbing day in Ariège
          My anti-burn-out cure at Ussat-les-Bains
          My thermal water wellness day at Ax-les-Thermes
          Immersion in the mountain spirit
          Northern ambience at Beille
          I’ll be arriving by train for a car-free adventure !
          Free to pedal in the Ariege Pyrenees
          I’m arriving by train for a snow weekend in the mountains
          My spa treatment at Ax-Les-Thermes
          Ariege's little extras
          The Ariege Pyrenees, your oxygen bubble!

          Looking for unspoilt nature, the great outdoors and white water?
          In winter, ski, snowboard, skating, snowshoeing, sledging and dog sledding at Ax 3 Domaines, Beille, Ascou and le Chioula, Mijanés and Goulier...

          In summer, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding or canyoning...

          And all year round, enjoy the benefits of the thermal waters at Ax-les-Thermes, Ussat-les-Bains or the Bains du Couloubret.
          And don't miss the Grotte de Niaux and the Parc de la Préhistoire.

          Not forgetting the history of our mountains and their heritage, pastoralism and local produce!

          Book your next mountain vacation!