Discover a unique medieval bastide where history, architecture and Cathar heritage intertwine in the heart of Ariège.

Founded in 1253 by a deed of parage between the Count of Foix and the Abbot of Boulbonne, the bastide town of Mazères quickly established itself as a stronghold of the County of Foix.

Today, it retains the characteristic checkerboard layout of a bastide town, with narrow streets lined with red-brick houses, a listed historic market hall, half-timbered roofs and the former town house built in 1580, now the local museum.

The medieval bastide offers an immersion in the past – between pastel, Protestant cathedral, medieval fairs and living heritage – for all those who love history and authenticity.

Explore Mazères from a different angle with an immersive guided tour revealing secrets, ancient streets and the heritage of the Counts of Foix.

Every summer, the Tourist Office offers a free guided tour of Mazères – the ideal way to delve into the secrets of the bastide: its old houses, its market hall, the former convent, the narrow streets and the marks of a rich past. For other periods, guided tours can be booked on request. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover medieval history, the town’s urban evolution, the traces of the Counts of Foix, the memory of pastel, and the transformations that have shaped Mazères to the present day. A real journey through time, accessible to all.

Contact the tourist office for a guided tour via this link: https://www.pap-tourisme.fr .

Just a stone’s throw from Camping La Bastide, you’ll find quick and easy access to Mazères.

From Camping La Bastide in Mazères, you can visit the bastide without a car. In just a few minutes by bike or on foot, you’ll be in the historic center, with its ancient streets, market hall, museum and local stores. Mazères is an immediate discovery, right on your doorstep.