Places to explore in our local area, Occitanie, and beyond
The possibilities are endless when it comes to activities and excursions to be enjoyed near Château de Riolas. Local towns are bursting with food markets and delicious eateries, whilst the breathtaking scenery is perfect for bikers and hikers alike. Alongside local quick trips, there are a number of cities, mountains and beachside towns that are the perfect day trip. The Occitanie region of France is filled with medieval villages, such as Saint-Cirq-Lapopie and Carcassone, and exquisite cities, Toulouse, Lourdes and Albi. However, you’re not restricted to just this region when travelling from Riolas. The Pyrenees for a hike, Biarritz for a beach day and San Sebastian for delicious Spanish pintxos (tapas), can also be explored in a day from the château. We wanted to share some of the amazing day trips and local sites you can explore whilst staying at Château de Riolas.
Local spots
Chez Jeanne La Fermière, Riolas
Our local restaurant, a stone’s throw away from the château, is called Chez Jeanne La Fermière. “La Fermière” translates to “the woman farmer”, a nod to the local area and the farming community. It serves up delicious regional cuisine and has an enjoyable set menu which our team delight in every Thursday lunchtime. The family run restaurant has now been passed down 3 generations and it’s safe to say that it is the heart and soul of our hamlet. Well priced, delicious food with views of rolling hills and great company, what’s not to love?
Le Maquis, L’Isle-en-Dodon
A local gem in the square of L’Isle-en-Dodon, Le Maquis is a spot for the locals and expat visitors. With a team of friendly staff and an ever changing daily menu, this establishment is a delight for a weekend lunch. Spend hours here chatting to locals, eating generously portioned meals and finish with ice cream from their extensive menu. You will be sure to leave full, happy and with new friends.
Night & day markets in L’Isle-en-Dodon
With a bustling Saturday morning market only 13 minutes away from the château, L’Isle-en-Dodon has everything you need. The Saturday morning market has vibrant stalls selling fresh local produce and you might even see some street performers! Additionally, L’Isle-en-Dodon puts on community events that include night markets where you can listen to music from local musicians, buy handmade gifts and eat mouthwatering food of different cuisines.
Monday market in Samatan
Samatan, a commune 20 minutes from the château, hosts an exceptional market on Monday mornings where local producers and sellers from the area come to sell their goods. With bountiful cheese, meat, vegetable and fruit sellers, this is where we buy most of our ingredients for the week. We are so lucky to have such incredible local produce at our finger tips.
Lac de Saint-André
With the appearance of a Canadian landscape, Lac de Saint-André is the perfect lunch and afternoon spot only 13 minutes drive from the château. Pick up some bread, charcuterie and cheese from the market and head lakeside for an outstanding lunch before heading off on a hike. Around the lake, which is popular for fishing, there is a loop walk which can be completed by crossing the Fabas forest, with its multiple tree species and refreshing calmness, on the way there and on the way back, by following the lake for three kilometers.
The best regional day trips
Hiking in The Pyrénées
With the Pyrénées just a few hours away, making a trip down to the national park on the Spanish border is a strong contender for one of the best day trips from Château de Riolas. The popular Cirque de Gavarnie is an excellent choice, the cirque (a steep-sided hollow at the head of a valley formed by glacial erosion) is in the central Pyrénées, and is within the commune of Gavarnie. Major features of the cirque are La Brèche de Roland and the Gavarnie Falls. Taking roughly 4 hours to complete, this day trip will definitely be a highlight of a stay in the Occitanie region.
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie is a medieval village north of Toulouse and has been classified as the Most Beautiful Village in France. If that isn’t a reason to go, I don’t know what is. Wander through the narrow streets past buildings from the 12th to 15th centuries and enjoy the many independent shops of local artists. Accessible from the village by a winding footpath, you can enjoy a shaded walk or bike ride beside the River Lot, and finish with a dip in the river by the “beach”. Top tip, stop off in P5 car park to experience a breathtaking view of the river and village together.
Carcassone
Carcassone is only 1.5 hours from Château de Riolas. Famous for its medieval citadel, La Cité, a UNESCO world heritage site, it is a must see spot in the region. The first walls were created in the Gallo-Roman times but major additions were made in the 13th and 14th centuries which is what you’ll recognize today. It is a touristy town which means everything is open on Sundays, unlike the smaller towns of the region, and it is bursting with small independent shops and restaurants. The shop, Thés Dammann Frères, sells “Thé à la cité” which is tea made in the city and is perfect for any tea lover. A great restaurant to visit is Restaurant le Saint Jean, a romantic spot with delicious local food.
Toulouse
Our closest city, only 50 minutes away, is the capital of the Occitanie region. It is known as “The Pink City” due to the terracotta bricks used in many of its historical buildings. Settled on the banks of the Garonne River and famous for its gastronomic specialities, such as cassoulet and foie gras, it is a beautiful city to wander and enjoy exquisite delicacies. Le Bibent is a restaurant which serves classic but elevated dishes of the region, and with breathtaking interiors it is the perfect treat whilst visiting the city. Toulouse is also a top shopping destination in the region, with luxury and specialty boutiques, so it is the perfect place for a treat whilst on holiday.
Adventures slightly further afield
Biarritz
Biarritz is an elegant seaside town on the Basque coast (on the Atlantic side of France), just over two and a half hours away but outside of the Occitanie region, this is still a great day trip from the château. It is popular for surfing with long sandy beaches and many surf schools. The Rocher de la Vierge is a rocky outcrop topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary and is a recognizable destination in Biarritz. Next to Biarritz is Saint-Jean-de-Luz, a vibrant fishing village which is a great location to visit alongside Biarritz. Our workaway volunteers have enjoyed delicious meals in Saint-Jean-de-Luz at Hor Dago.
San Sebastian
Only 3 hours away, just across the border on the Spanish side of the Basque Country lies San Sebastian, home to beautiful beaches lined with a picturesque bay-front promenade. Being so close to the Spanish border is a blessing to guests of the château, as it opens up a whole new world of culture and culinary variety. Full with bustling streets, pintxo bars and large sandy beaches, exploring and enjoying San Sebastian is all about soaking up the vibes of the city. Sitting close to Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz, it can be tied into a longer trip with these destinations.
Andorra
High up in the Pyrénées lies Andorra, an independent principality famous for its ski resorts, large shopping centers and lush green spaces. In the summer a hiking haven and in the winter it is a charming ski resort with snow covered mountains. Used all year round is the large and popular Caldea Spa which boasts views of the country. With 90% of the country being made up of mountains, forests, rivers, lakes and meadows, it is a spectacular country to visit for scenic drives and beautiful hikes. 3 hours from Château de Riolas, the drive up into the mountains makes for a spectacular roadtrip.
Do you have any other recommendations for our guests?
Leave us a comment with your top spots to visit near us.
-Château de Riolas
