October 2021
Even if we abandoned the whole idea of « useful » travel blogging and our Instagram account is falling in abyss, we still have some of that blogger’s knack than refuses to go away. That’s why when I saw the article of our fellow traveler joowbar about his autumn weekend in Ariège – one of the French departments in Occitanie region, we decided at once on the destination for our small trip in Toulouse neighborhood.
Bethmale
Our main goal was seeing the Lac de Bethmale, which on the pictures looked like a scene from a fairy-tale. However, what we forgot to consider was the time of the day. Due to its position in the mountains, it’s not always exposed under the sunlight. No sunlight – no magic. Defeated by this circumstance, we simply went to chill in the nature around the beautiful village of Bethmale.
Lac de Bethmale
On the next day, the moment the sun was up, we were already there and after the deception from the previous failed attempt, what we saw was like a triple reward. The beauty of the nature that takes the breath away. There were quite a lot of people but spread evenly around the lake it didn’t feel overwhelming. The picnic with such a scenery definitely made its way on our top list.
Night in Moulis
On the last moment we decided against sleeping in our van and chose to stay in Airbnb close to Moulis. And didn’t regret it for a bit – I don’t often get a chance of eating the grapes directly from the tree without even using my hands. 🙈
Anyway, a chilly autumn night with a gentle sound of guitar and a taste of the local cheese in the mouth is another definition for “perfection”.
Lil Hiking in Maubermé
On the pause between wine and cheese tasting we even managed to go on a small hiking. Six kilometers is not much in comparison to our previous exploits, but for feeling a bit adventurous and blowing the dust off our walking boots it was enough.
Saint-Lizier
Our last stop was a little town called Saint-Lizier, and it was a gorgeous one. Sometimes think that I’ve seen enough of French towns, but every time I discover a new one, I admire it as it were my first. The towns with chickens walking freely in the gardens have a special place in my heart.
We started our travel year 2021 with Ariège in winter and we ended it with Ariège in autumn, not counting our traditional trip to Ukraine for the Chrismas and New Year holidays. And you know what? Despite the Covid and endless restrictions, it was a very good travel year. Especially knowing what shit awaits us in 2022.
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