Unac: Romanesque Sculpture and Hiking

Unac combines a distinct cultural highlight with hiking opportunities that vary in length and format. The Church of Saint-Martin features sculpted capitals and is considered a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture. The Traversée de la Haute-Ariège also starts in Unac and ends in Auzat. When choosing a hotel, it is worth first deciding whether architecture, a longer hike or a guided activity will shape your stay. Dates and booking conditions can help you compare the different options.

Romanesque sculpture at Saint-Martin

The Church of Saint-Martin is a cultural landmark in Unac. Its sculpted capitals inside offer a tangible example of Romanesque sculpture. Capitals form the upper part of columns or pillars; at Saint-Martin, their sculptural decoration takes centre stage. The church is considered a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture. If you would like to include culture in your travel plans, you can consider this highlight alongside the hiking and activity options.

Plan hikes around the time available

The Traversée de la Haute-Ariège starts in Unac and ends in Auzat. This seven- or eight-day route is intended to be undertaken between June and October. Since the start and finish are in different places, it is a route from Unac to Auzat, not a circular trail. Both the season and the time required for a multi-day hike are therefore important for your planning. Align your travel dates and length of stay with these timeframes.

Another multi-day option is the donkey trek from La Ferme aux Ânes to Étang d'En Beys. It lasts two or three days and includes an overnight stay in a bivouac or in the refuge at Étang d'En Beys. Compared with the seven- or eight-day Traversée, this is a shorter multi-day option. The overnight stay is part of the tour planning. Check the route conditions before setting out on the donkey trek.

Canyoning, climbing and guided excursions

Ariège Canyon Aventure offers introductory and advanced canyoning courses, as well as taster climbing sessions. The climbing activities are described as half-day or full-day options. The provider supplies equipment such as harnesses, helmets, shoes, climbing shoes and ropes. What is included may vary depending on the activity, so check when booking which equipment is provided for the specific offer. This lets you consider the course type, climbing duration and equipment requirements as separate planning points.

Pyrénées Excursions offers guided cycling and mountain hiking activities. It also offers a full-day culinary hike, during which participants discover regional products. The options therefore differ in activity and focus: you can consider a guided cycling or mountain hike, or choose a hike that combines exercise with discovering regional products. Excursions offered by Pyrénées Excursions must be booked in advance, so make your reservation before the outing.

Discover more destinations: Auzat, Camon, Argein, Castex, Château-Verdun, La Bastide-sur-l'Hers, Luzenac, Lʼhospitalet-Près-Lʼandorre.

Go to the main travel guide: Ariège.