Fougax-Et-Barrineuf: Hiking, Water and Cultural Heritage

Fougax-Et-Barrineuf brings together wooded slopes, striking waterscapes and traces of local history. There are several different points of interest to consider when planning your trip: a hike through the Gorges de la Frau, the intermittent Fontaine de Fontestorbes, and churches and a historic watermill. This lets you decide whether you would rather explore the outdoors, discover a remarkable spring, or focus on the area’s architecture and local history.

A landscape of forest and water

The slopes around Fougax-Et-Barrineuf are heavily wooded, with fir trees playing an important role. Water shapes the area in the form of fountains, washhouses, springs, streams and torrents. The confluence of the St Nicolas and the Hers is another feature of the landscape. The Roc des Caujous extends across Fougax-Et-Barrineuf and Bélesta and rises more than 300 metres above the upper Hers Valley.

Through the Gorges de la Frau

The Gorges de la Frau are a canyon carved by the Hers into the Montagne de la Frau over a length of 3 km, with rock walls 300 to 400 m high. A hiking route starts in Fougax-Et-Barrineuf and passes through the gorge to the commune of Comus in the Aude département. The route is a 7.6 km out-and-back hike. Check trail conditions before setting out.

In the past, the Gorges were one of the few crossings between Ariège and Aude and served as a hideout for smugglers. The ruins of the former hamlet of Basqui are still visible along the hiking route. You can also see lily carvings along the way, made by royal foresters around 400 years ago.

From Pélail, you can reach the Gorges de la Frau on foot via a 2 km path. There is a car park at the end of the access road.

Spring and watermill

The Fontaine de Fontestorbes is a major karst spring in the Pyrenees of the Ariège département, known for its natural intermittent flow. When water levels are low, the flow changes in cycles of 60 to 90 minutes.

The Moulin à eau de l’Espine is a functioning watermill dating from the 18th century. You can see how grain is turned into flour. If you are planning a visit, check the visiting arrangements in advance.

Churches and cultural history

The Church of Saint-Michel in Fougax is mentioned as early as 1334 and became the parish church around the beginning of the 18th century. Its tower, whose shape is atypical for the region, and its combination of stone and brick define its architecture; the same combination of materials is also found on the tower. The Church of Saint-Joseph in Barrineuf was built between 1657 and 1660.

Fougax-Et-Barrineuf is the birthplace of Adelin Moulis. He was a poet, folklorist and committed defender of the Occitan language.

Discover more destinations: Arrien-En-Bethmale, Cadarcet, Saint Lary, Les Bordes-Sur-Lez, Sentein, Saverdun, Montjoie-en-Couserans, Orlu

For the main travel overview: Ariège.