Watch out for...

lardons = diced bacon

jambon = ham

gesiers = giblets

magret = duck breast

merguez = spicy sausage

boudin = blood sausage

Ariège-Pyrénées


Resources for vegetarians

If you've traveled in France you already know that it's not easy to be a vegetarian tourist in this country. At first glance Ariège seems especially difficult because its traditional cuisine depends so heavily on charcuterie and duck. But the local produce is superb and the farmers' markets are an excellent source of organic, locally grown vegetables, whole grain bread and cheeses. We have begun compiling a list of restaurants, B&Bs and organic food shops in Ariège to help vegetarian visitors enjoy their holiday here. If you discover any place that merits a listing on this page, please let us know about it.

Restaurants offering a vegetarian menu:
(Many restaurants will try to accommodate vegetarians if they are given enough notice. Those listed below have told us they can do so.)

Hotel-restaurant La Clairière
St Girons

just off the D618 on the edge of town, turn off opposite the Total station
Chef Paul Fontvieille offers a vegetarian menu for 20 euros: composed salad, main course prepared according to his whim using up to 10 vegetables, dessert based on fresh fruit. .

Hotel-restaurant Horizon 117
Lorp
Offers a vegetarian menu

Auberge de Balestié
Mirepoix
One of the owners is vegetarian

Hotel-restaurant Gardel
Le Mas d'Azil
Offers vegetarian and vegan menus

Auberge de Niaux
Niaux
Offers vegetarian menu

Bed & Breakfast
Many bed and breakfast owners who offer an evening meal can prepare a meatless meal if they are given at least several hours notice. The B&Bs below have asked to be put on this list.

Porte des Etoiles
no smoking

Gîte d'étape & B&B La Bernadole

B&B Domaine de Terrac

Ferme de Caussou B&B

La Maison Blanche B&B
No smoking

Mr & Mme Berdé B&B

La ferme du Mont Béas

"Vergers de Sésame"

Le 3C

Les Silènes

Tindleys

Tourné

Organic/health food shops

St Girons:
Vivre au Naturel
5 rue Desbiaux
(on right bank near the old bridge)
05 61 04 87 71

BioCoop
Blvd Fr. Arnaud
05 61 04 68 88

Massat:
Le Jardin des Trois Vallées
rue de la montagne
05 61 04 91 25

Foix:
Bio Natura
12 rue Marchands
05 61 02 71 71

Pamiers
Bio Natura
Rte de Foix
05 61 60 00 45

La Bastide de Sérou
Fleurs et Nature
rue de la Porte de Foix
A small grocery with a large section of organic products, grains etc.

Madière (on the D119 between Pamiers and La Bastide de Sérou)

The farmers' markets are excellent sources of organic produce, cheeses, whole grain bread, etc.