Saint-Lizier

Visit Saint-Lizier, Midi-Pyrenees

Saint-Lizier, on a hill above the River Salat just 2 km north of Saint-Girons in the Ariege department, is listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'. The village is dominated by the substantial 17th century Bishop's Palace.

It is also a very ancient village, known to have been occupied for at least 2000 years, with evidence from both the Roman period and also from the centuries that followed when Saint-Lizier became an important religious centre for the region. As a result there are several interesting sites to discover here.

Exploring Saint-Lizier

You can enter the village by way of an ancient stone gateway topped by a clock and bell - the village mairie is just inside the gate, and there is an attractive cluster of 17th century houses along the paved streets.

The highlight of the village is the Cathedral of Saint-Lizier, a small cathedral featuring an octagonal tower and attractive cloisters with a balcony and interesting carved stone decorations at the top of the columns. There are a large number of ancient (11th century) frescoes inside the cathedral.

You can also see the treasury of the Bishops of Couserans here in the sacristy, with some intricate silverwork and a bust of Saint-Lizier.

One other small but perfectly formed highlight in Saint-Lizier is the small 'Chapel Notre-Dame du Marsan', with a statue of the virgin Mary looking out from the tranquil setting across miles of scenic countryside - the chapel is also a well known pilgrimage centre, above all at Pentecost.

Also visit the 18th century pharmacy in Saint Lizier to see various medical equipment and objects from that period - fascinating (found in the original hospital of the village, now a retirement home).

The Bishop's Palace in Saint-Lizier (the large building that stands above the village) is now the Ariege departmental museum, with archaeological artefacts and also many items and paintings from the region.

Attractions nearby

Saint-Lizier falls within the Natural Regional Park of the Ariege Pyrenees. With the Pyrenees as backdrop, the parc has many opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and natural highlights among its lakes and mountains, cirques and forests - hikers will find a great deal to discover in the higher areas. If you are visiting in spring the Cascade d'Ars waterfall is very impressive.

Among the towns and villages in the area we enjoyed strolling around the medieval villages at La Bastide-de-Serou and Le Mas-d'Azil (both to the east of Saint-Lizier).

See Midi-Pyrenees and Ariege (the region and department for Saint-Lizier) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Saint-Lizier, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Pamiers 41km; Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges 46km;

Saint-Lizier tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Pyrenees Ariegeoises - regional natural parc (24km) : Vallée de Vicdessos - site of natural beauty (41km) : Montmaurin Gallo-Roman Villa - national monument (48km) :

See more places and a map at places near Saint-Lizier