Montferrier can be explored through two distinctive themes: the fortification history of the Cathar period and ore mining at Fangas. During the Cathar period, the village developed into a castrum—a fortified village built around a fortified manor house. The historic fortifications were probably pierced by four gates; two of the gates that remain today have pointed arches.
Mining and a fortified village
The Fangas and Porteille talc mine, also called the Montferrier mine, was worked more systematically from 1896 onward. An ore-processing plant was built in the village of Montferrier. In the mine area, you can still see a stone shelter for miners, a concrete platform, rusty remains of mine carts, and stone and cement wall remnants. Part of the site is fenced off following safety work after the 2002 rockfall. Observe the fencing and stay outside restricted areas.
The “Les Mines” hiking trail
The hiking trail known as “Les Mines” runs through the municipality of Montferrier. For the Montferrier section, a municipal resolution dated 17 June 2024 authorized public access, trail marking and vegetation maintenance along the existing route. Check the route and trail markings on site, as this information may change.
Views at Étang de Moulzoune
The route to Étang de Moulzoune reaches a ridge with a 360-degree panorama of the Pog de Montségur, the high peaks of the Monts d’Olmes and Pic Saint-Barthélémy. The lake also has its own history of use: until 2012, Étang de Moulzoune was used to raise Atlantic salmon fry for the restocking of rivers in the Garonne basin. Swimming is prohibited there.
Seasonal trails and activities
A marked snowshoe trail leads from the Monts d’Olmes to Lac de Fagebelle and is freely accessible from the resort. Snow and trail conditions vary seasonally; check them before your visit. When choosing between the two route themes, the trail to Étang de Moulzoune focuses on the panoramic view from the ridge, while the trail to Lac de Fagebelle is specifically designated as a snowshoe route.
In summer, the Télésiège des sources gives hikers, anglers and mountain bikers a fun and fast way to access the mountain near the Monts d’Olmes. Check seasonal operating information for your travel dates. The summer resort at Monts d’Olmes in Montferrier offered activities such as hiking, mountain biking, Arapaho and go-karting from 4 July to 30 August 2026, from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. For visits outside this period, check the relevant dates.
The seasonal winter offering at the Monts d’Olmes ski resort includes alpine skiing, a beginner area and groomed sledging runs. Check operating details for your planned season. This allows the village’s historic features, scenic routes and seasonal offerings to be considered as distinct highlights of a stay, rather than assuming they form a single tour.
Discover more destinations: Mercenac, Vicdessos, Le Mas-D'azil, Saurat, Le Fossat, Castex, Rimont, Unac
Return to the main travel overview: Ariège.
