Discover Le Peyrat

Get to know Le Peyrat through a specific circular walking route and its industrial and local history. Alongside the Chemin de Mireval, the Church of Saint-André, a bookbinding workshop in an old mill, and the Fontaine de Turet are among the features that may make a stay here interesting. If you are looking for hotels in Le Peyrat, first consider whether you would like to spend most of your time outdoors, visiting historic sites, or attending an event at a particular time of year.

The Chemin de Mireval and its views

The Chemin de Mireval is a 5.7-kilometre circular walking trail starting in Le Peyrat. It follows the GR7 waymarks and passes close to the Fontaine de Turet. On the section near Mireval, the trail offers views of Lac de Montbel and the Pyrenees. This route combines a clearly defined trail with a scenic stretch.

The circular trail is open for walking every day throughout the year; check local conditions before setting out. The Fontaine de Turet also has historical significance: it was once used as a place for rest stops and processional stations. Oral tradition places it at the centre of the old village of Mireval. This connection to local memory is part of its history, not a precise description of its present-day location.

Le Peyrat is one of the municipalities in the Type 1 ZNIEFF area “Lac de Montbel et partie orientale du bas pays d’Olmes”. Together with the views described near Mireval, this is a distinctive natural feature of the area. If you are particularly interested in the hike, the stated distance, GR7 waymarks, and views of the lake and Pyrenees offer several practical details to help plan your day.

Industrial history and historic sites

Until the mid-19th century, Le Peyrat was an industrial centre specialising in the manufacture of horn combs and leatherworking. One specific landmark from this history is the Costes-Be horn-comb factory: it closed around 1960 and was subsequently used again by the Ariélux businesses. The factory is privately owned.

The Church of Saint-André can also be placed in its historical context. At the end of the 13th century, it was the parish church of the communities of Mireval and La Bastide de Congoust. The year 1649 above the portal probably marks a rebuilding after the Wars of Religion. The church in Le Peyrat is also listed as a point of interest on the route from the Voie verte to Lac de Montbel.

The historic sites had different functions: Saint-André was a parish church, while the Fontaine de Turet was once associated with rest stops and processional stations. Another aspect of local craftsmanship can be found at the Au bout du fil bookbinding workshop, located in an old mill building. Industry, religious history and craftsmanship each offer a different perspective on Le Peyrat.

Market and seasonal fishing dates

The market in Le Peyrat takes place on Thursday evenings under the covered market hall. Check locally before your trip to confirm the date. Anglers can attend fishing sessions organised by APN de Belesta / Le Peyrat at the L’Aiguillon waters on Wednesdays from April to July, from 2 to 5 p.m. As this is a seasonal programme, check the specific dates for the year in question before travelling.

The schedules of these activities differ considerably: the market is held on Thursday evenings, while the fishing sessions take place on Wednesday afternoons between April and July. The Chemin de Mireval, by contrast, is open for walking every day throughout the year, although you should check local conditions before setting out. You can therefore choose your travel dates based on whether a specific event or the hike is your main priority.

Discover more destinations: Teilhet, Mijanès, Fabas, Auzat, Lʼhospitalet-Près-Lʼandorre, Montferrier, Allières, Ignaux.

For the wider travel guide: Ariège.