The Étangs de Fontargente lie at 2,262 metres at the foot of the Port d’Inclès, between grassy slopes and high rock walls. These precise landscape features give the natural side of a stay a tangible point of reference. They are complemented by sacred art, a seasonal encounter with Mérens horses, and activities with different planning requirements. When choosing your stay, you can therefore take nature and culture into account, as well as the type and timeframe of an activity.

High-altitude landscapes and nature

Aston is part of the Vallée de l’Aston Natura 2000 site. The Massif de l’Aston et de l’Hospitalet is home to more than 50 fish-rich high-altitude lakes. These two facts provide different points of reference: Natura 2000 status describes Aston’s connection to the protected area, while the number of lakes characterises the massif. Together with the specific location of the Étangs, this gives you a view of nature that extends from a named place to a broader, clearly identified high-altitude massif. If landscape is your main reason for visiting, you’ll find both a distinctive description of the location and a wider connection to nature.

Sacred art in Aston

The Église Saint Pierre – Saint Paul in Aston contains works by Nicolas Greschny. The frescoes in the choir depict the Divine Liturgy. This also offers a specific cultural point of interest: the imagery centres on the liturgical ceremony as well as the artist. For travellers looking to include sacred art in their interests, this combination of place, artist and subject provides a clear point of reference.

Mérens horses in summer

At Pyren'EquiÂme, visitors can meet Mérens horses, a local breed, in their summer pasture in the Aston valley. The encounter is therefore seasonal and tied to the summer grazing period. Booking is required, and groups are limited to a maximum of ten people. As the provider may change this capacity, it’s advisable to confirm the date and group size when booking. This lets you plan the experience as part of your stay without assuming it is available all year round.

Hike or Via Corda?

The circular hike to the Étangs de Fontargente is 7.8 kilometres long and has 473 metres of positive elevation gain. Distance and elevation gain describe two different aspects of the route: the distance covered and the amount climbed. Considering both figures together gives a more useful sense of the hike’s scale than the distance alone.

Via Corda Aston aventure offers a different kind of activity: it is offered as a one-day experience for people aged 14 and over, combining climbing with Via Ferrata. Check eligibility and dates in advance. Compared with the hike, for which distance and elevation gain are specified, this activity is defined by its duration, age limit and combination of climbing disciplines. You can compare the two options using the details provided for each and choose the activity that best suits your plans.

Discover more destinations: Seix, Rieucros, Oust, Saint-Girons, Soulan, Roquefixade, Saint-Jean-D'aigues-Vives, Lorp-Sentaraille.

For an overview of the wider region: Ariège.