The Cirque de Cagateille is a valley basin shaped by former glaciers in the commune of Ustou. The Église de Saint-Lizier d'Ustou stands out for its west-facing orientation. Nature and architectural history thus offer different points of interest for a stay. Other activities in Guzet have their own seasonal access rules.

Trail and landscape at the Cirque de Cagateille

The marked trail passes through woodland and crosses several streams before reaching the relatively flat floor of the valley basin. The route therefore includes both sections through the woodland and across the streams, as well as the flatter valley floor. It is 2.1 kilometres long and signposted as a round trip; the starting point is in 09140 Ustou. The distance refers to both directions combined.

The wildlife is also part of the Cirque’s character: several dozen reintroduced Iberian ibex live there. The Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises reintroduced them in 2014. Population figures and wildlife sightings may change.

Baroque church with an older portal

The Église de Saint-Lizier d'Ustou is a Baroque church that faces west rather than east, as is traditional. The former portal of a Romanesque church is set into its south wall, with a chrismon above it. The church also houses an altarpiece from the late 18th century depicting a miracle of Saint Lizier. The orientation, portal and altarpiece are distinct architectural and artistic features that can each be described specifically in relation to the church.

Activities in Guzet

There is a disc golf course with nine baskets on the Piste du Muscadet near Guzet. The Observatoire de Guzet offers observing evenings with professional-quality telescopes. Programmes and opening arrangements may change; check these details before planning a visit. Guzet also offers varied, marked mountain bike trails, which may be subject to seasonal availability. For ski touring and snowshoeing, ESF Guzet lists the areas of Guzet, Mont Ceint and Port d'Aula.

Seasonal access to the Observatoire de Guzet

During the snow season, while the ski area is open, pedestrians and snowshoers can reach the Observatoire de Guzet from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. only via the Sentier des Crêtes. Outside the snow season, the Hirtenpiste is open to minibuses and private vehicles; parking is available on the Cap de Guzet discovery plateau. The type of access therefore depends on which of the two seasonal periods your trip falls in. Check local conditions before setting out.

Guzet can be reached by train to Boussens station, followed by a shuttle bus. As transport arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the connection before travelling. The information about the train journey and shuttle applies to Guzet.

Discover more destinations: Soueix-Rogalle, Saint-Pierre-De-Rivière, Ignaux, Soula, Montardit, Lorp-Sentaraille, Moulis, Saint-Girons

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