Exploring Saint-Lizier: Hidden Gem of the French Pyrenees

In this episode of the Join Us in France Travel Podcast, host Annie Sargent and co-host Elyse Rivin take you to the charming village of Saint-Lizier in the Ariège, nestled in the foothills of the French Pyrenees.

Saint-Lizier is officially one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” and offers visitors a rare combination of Roman heritage, medieval architecture, and Pyrenean landscapes. Annie and Elyse walk you through the highlights, from the ancient Roman walls that still encircle the village to the Cathedral of Saint-Lizier and its cloister, along with the impressive Notre-Dame-de-la-Sède Cathedral. Both sites feature remarkable Romanesque frescoes that speak to the town’s religious importance in the Middle Ages.

The episode also explores the Diocesan Museum, home to centuries of religious art, and the unforgettable apothecary, where shelves lined with jars and wooden cabinets transport you back to a time when medicine was practiced very differently. Beyond history, Annie and Elyse highlight the natural beauty of the Pyrenees, with its sweeping views, rolling hills, and opportunities for hiking and exploring nearby towns.

If you’re planning a trip to Occitanie or want to go beyond the well-trodden paths of Paris and Provence, this episode is your Saint-Lizier travel guide. You’ll hear practical tips on how to get there, how much time to spend, and why this small town deserves a place on your French itinerary.

🎧 Listen today and let Annie and Elyse inspire your next adventure in France.

Table of Contents for this Episode

• [00:00:15] Introduction
• [00:00:31] Today on the podcast
• [00:01:35] Boot Camp 2026
• [00:04:36] Podcast supporters
• [00:05:08] Magazine segment
• [00:06:11] Location and Overview
• [00:08:03] Historical Significance
• [00:09:22] Things to Do in the Area
• [00:10:32] UNESCO World Heritage Site
• [00:10:53] Roman and Gallo-Roman Influence
• [00:15:21] Christianization and Bishops
• [00:18:17] Exploring the Village
• [00:19:25] The Lower Part of Saint-Lizier
• [00:24:57] The Upper Part of Saint-Lizier
• [00:26:39] The Museum and Gastronomy
• [00:29:34] Entering the Renaissance Cathedral
• [00:30:15] The Sibyls and Their Significance
• [00:32:14] The Art of Fresco Painting
• [00:37:43] The Psychiatric Hospital History
• [00:43:22] Saint-Lizier Festivals and Events
• [00:45:38] The Transhumance Festival
• [00:47:01] The Scandal of the Curéde Saint-Lizier
• [00:48:26] Exploring the Ariège Region
• [00:49:50] Thank You Patrons
• [00:50:39] Restricted Traffic Zones in Paris
• [00:54:34] Next week on the podcast
• [00:55:18] Copyright

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