La Bastide-sur-l'Hers is situated in Ariege (Languedoc-Roussillion region),
South of France in the foothills of the Pyrennees. 1½ hrs from the
Mediterranean coast and the beautiful sandy beach of Canet Plage; 30 miles
from Andorra (fantastic skiing resorts) and the Spanish border.
La Bastide-sur-l'Hers is a traditional French village with traditional amenities: mairie, church, boulangerie, pattiserie, charcuterie, tabac, bar, restaurant, post office. The village is set around the Sur L’Hers (river) where you can fish for trout.
The village of Puivert (10min drive) has a lake and man-made beach where
you can enjoy the views of the Pyrenees and watch gliders swoop around them
or simply sunbathe. Mirepoix has one of the finest examples of medieval squares
in Europe and the market on a Monday is excellent. The imposing Cathare
fortress of Montsegur is only 30 minutes away by car, as too, the ski resorts.
The nearby villages and towns all have their weekly markets and the old walled town of Carcassonne is only an hours drive away.
Barcelona is a 3½ hr train journey. The imposing Gorge de la Frau (the Gorge of Fear- one of many gorges within the region) which has a noted butterfly site is spectacular (do not forget your camera). Rambling, cycling (Tour de France passes through the region), rafting, rock climbing, sightseeing, shopping or simply sunbathing, eating and drinking great food and wine.