Discover Les Bordes-Sur-Lez

Les Bordes-Sur-Lez brings together architecture and art history with the landscape of the Ribérot Valley and Mont Valier. When planning your stay, you can consider these themes separately: the historical landmarks range from Romanesque religious architecture to a 13th-century bridge, while the valley features an archaeological site, a circular trail and a Natura 2000 site. This lets you plan your trip around a particular theme without treating architectural history and landscape as a single excursion stop.

Romanesque wall paintings and historic buildings

The Church of Saint-Pierre d’Ourjout is a religious building dating from the 12th century. Romanesque wall paintings from the same century were discovered there during restoration work in 2012. The two dates refer to different things: the 12th century is when the paintings and church were built, while 2012 is the year the paintings were discovered during restoration. If you are interested in art history, this helps you place the building and the discovery in context without confusing the date of discovery with the date of creation.

Other buildings represent different historical periods. The Chapelle d’Aulignac is a religious building dating from the 12th century; the Church of Bordes in Les Bordes-Sur-Lez dates from the 18th century. The Pont d’Ourjout is a historic bridge dating from the 13th century. Together, these dates offer a brief overview of different architectural styles and periods. The pilgrimage to Notre Dame d’Aulignac is also part of the local heritage, adding a religious tradition to the architectural landmarks.

A single item of religious furnishing is also part of this theme: an incense burner in the Church of Saint-Germier de Bordes in Les Bordes-Sur-Lez was restored by the Atelier Materia Viva in 2018. The year refers to the restoration of the incense burner. This brings restoration work on a specific object into focus alongside the buildings.

The Ribérot Valley and views of Mont Valier

A dolmen in the Ribérot Valley is part of its archaeological heritage. Another way to explore the landscape is the circular trail there, which offers views of the Mont Valier massif. The dolmen and the trail appeal to different interests: one is an archaeological landmark, while the other is defined by its views of the massif. When planning your trip, this distinction can help you focus on heritage or landscape rather than treating both as the same activity.

The Natura 2000 site in the Ribérot Valley and around Mont Valier is designated both as a bird protection area and as a special area of conservation; its special area of conservation includes Bordes-Uchentein. These designations identify the landscape as a protected area.

Plan your journey into the Ribérot Valley

From Saint-Girons, the D618 runs through Castillon-en-Couserans and Les Bordes-Sur-Lez. Two kilometres farther on, the route branches off into the Ribérot Valley. From there, a narrow, winding road continues for seven kilometres to the Pla de la Lau car park. When planning your journey, it helps to distinguish between these sections: the route along the D618, followed by the road through the valley to the car park. Check for temporary restrictions before setting off.

This gives you two clearly distinct themes to consider when choosing a destination: historic buildings and heritage on the one hand, and the valley, protected area and views of Mont Valier on the other. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay in Les Bordes-Sur-Lez, you can first consider which of these themes you want your trip to focus on. The building dates provide a historical framework, while the directions give you practical guidance for planning a drive into the Ribérot Valley.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ax-Les-Thermes, Mercus-Garrabet, Saint-Martin-D'oydes, Esplas, Auzat, Escosse, Orgibet, Ustou.

Return to the regional travel overview: Ariège.