The small village of Tourtouse is little more than a hamlet, set in the wooded hills of the Ariege department between the town of Cazeres on the plains to the north and Saint-Girons in the hills to the south. Although it is very small and a visit won't take you very long a detour to visit is recommended if you are passing.
Exploring Tourtouse
A castle stood in this location by the 12th century, and it is the donjon of this castle and the surrounding fortifications that now occupy the centre of the village.
This peaceful location gives little clue to the history of Tourtouse: during the 13th century ownership and control was contested by the counts of Toulouse and Languedoc, and in the 16th century much of the village was destroyed during the Wars of Religion.
The castle donjon dates from the 12th century, with the upper part added in the 14th century. The donjon is surrounded by a small garden area above the fortified walls, and there is a small 17th century church next to the tower.
You can also see several attractive houses typical of the Ariege region in the village.
Stroll to the other end of the village for the best view of the high defensive walls.
Below the village there is a large parking area next to a picturesque stream and shaded by old trees and Tourtouse would make a good place for a picnic.
Attractions nearby
Tourtouse is in the north-east of the Regional Natural Park of the Pyrenees-Ariegeoises, and most of the appeal of the area is in exploring the natural environment.
Among the most interesting villages and towns nearby you can travel a few kilometrs to the south and visit Saint-Girons, Saint-Lizier and Montjoie-en-Couserans: each is small but together they make for an interesting visit.
You can find more travel ideas in the Ariege guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
Photos of Tourtouse
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Map of Tourtouse and places nearby
Visit near Tourtouse with France This Way reviews
Saint-Lizier
A small village in the Natural Regional Park of the Ariege Pyrenees, Saint-Lizier is very picturesque and also has a cathedral and other notable monuments
Saint-Lizier guide
Montjoie-en-Couserans
The tiny village of Montjoie-en-Couserans is included because it is the start point of a picturesque driving tour of the surrounding villages
Montjoie-en-Couserans guide
Saint-Girons
Saint-Girons is a quiet town, a perfect chance to see an unspoiled local town typical of this region
Saint-Girons guide
Cazeres
Cazeres is not a tourist town, but you might like to visit the Church of Notre Dame of the Assumption when in the region
Cazeres guide
Martres-Tolosane
The small village of Martres-Tolosane is known for its faiencerie workshops
Martres-Tolosane guide
Rieux-Volvestre
The stroll along the river and the surrounding medieval red-brick buildings make Rieux-Volvestre an interesting village to visit
Rieux-Volvestre guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Ariege
Address: Tourtouse, Sainte-Croix-Volvestre, Saint-Girons, Midi-Pyrenees, 9230, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.0939, longitude 1.125
Plan your visit to Tourtouse, Ariege
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Saint-Lizier: most beautiful village (10 km)
- Saint Lizier cathédrale (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (10 km)
- Audressein Église Notre-Dame de Tramesaygues (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (20 km)
- Henne Morte: site of natural beauty (25 km)
- Pyrenees Ariegeoises: regional natural parc (27 km)
- Cirque d'Anglade: site of natural beauty (41 km)
- Gorges de la Save: site of natural beauty (41 km)
- Montmaurin Gallo-Roman Villa: national monument (42 km)
- Valcabrère basilique St Just (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (44 km)
- St Bertrand de Comminges chapelle St Julien (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (45 km)
- Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges: most beautiful village (45 km)
- St Bertrand de Comminges cathédrale (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (46 km)
The French version of this page is at Tourtouse (Francais)