Voie verte...

There is a newly opened cycle track to follow on a rail trail, but we start out with a visit to the ancient Cite de St Izier. After meandering through the medieval streets we head east. Kirby has found us some lovely farm roads, where we pass through tiny hamlets, sharing the road with a flock of sheep and their courteous ancient shepherd.
At Mas d'Azil there is an enormous cave, with the road winding through it following the roaring river, but also a cantilevered path so we can walk safely and stop for photos. Half way in we pop on our lights and take to the road to whizz out the other side. Jackdaws and Crag Martins zoom above - today's highlight!
Coffee is taken in a busy village square where the market is just packing up. This is shortly followed by lunch on a shady wall at a farm, passed only by one tractor.
On the Voie Verte we enjoy more cool leafy shade as the temperature soars.
Foix is a smart town, dominated by a sandy coloured castle on a high cliff. Our hotel is just underneath on the edge of a maze of narrow streets of little restaurants and timber framed houses.


The town square is covered by an enormous opened sided roof, enough to cover a big market but today strewn with cafe tables and chairs.

Location:St Girons to Foix