La Bastide-sur-l'Hers is a commune of the Ariège, Occitanie region, 32 km east of Foix, on the borders of the Aude.
The territory of the locality is located in the middle mountain, ranging from 428 to 721 m altitude, in the heart of the Plantaurel massif, in the historic country of the Cathar Pyrenees.
Crossed by the Hers-Vif, a tributary of Ariège, which gave its name to the town of La Bastide-sur-l'Hers, the locality lived a long time from its basement. Jet mines have enabled the production of jewelry from the fourteenth to the nineteenth century and thermal springs were exploited on the hamlet of Foncirgue from 1835 to 1950.
In the meantime, the commune gathered hundreds of workers specialized in the manufacture of horn combs (mutton or beef). With more than 700 inhabitants, the village relies on tourism and the development of its environmental heritage. A holiday village has been established and the town is a destination of choice for lovers of green tourism, near major sites in the Pyrenees and even Andorra.
In terms of historical built heritage, a discovery of the village can begin with the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, whose oldest parts date from the sixteenth century (the date of 1527 is visible at the keystone). Note that the church houses an organ manufactured by the Krischer House of Rouen in 1893, bequeathed anonymously to the parish in 2008.
A Protestant temple erected in 1826 and a beautiful hall of the nineteenth century are also to be seen in the town, which developed contiguously to the nearby village of Peyrat.
In addition to the beautiful walks along the banks of the Hers-Vif, you should discover the rich green surroundings of the village, dotted with woods, lakes, streams. Many hiking trails are available to enjoy this unspoiled nature. Some courses can lead to the nearest peaks, beyond the territory of the locality, in the Pyrenean Piedmont. Maps and information on +33 5 61 02 30 70.
Another option is to take the greenway on the railway line that once connected Lavelanet to Mirepoix for more than 30 km. Open to walkers, joggers and cyclists, it passes by La Bastide-sur-l'Hers.
Fishing enthusiasts are not left out: whether it's the river, the Hers-Vif, in the village, or lakes and ponds around, it will matter to satiate their passion. Find out about the developed sites and the regulations with the cantonal association at +33 5 61 01 51 70 or +33 5 61 01 16 40.
Finally, to reserve a tennis court on the complex of the commune, to contact +33 5 61 01 11 13.
