Montbel, Ariège

The Lac de Montbel is a reservoir which is a popular location for fishing, watersports, and swimming. It is located 4km west of Chalabre, to the north of Sainte-Colombe-sur-l'Hers, on the border between the Ariège and Aude départements of southwestern France. The flooded hillsides are still evident when the water level drops, revealing tree stumps and the thick sticky clay (marl) so typical of the Ariège. On quiet hot summer days the water takes on a beautiful turquoise colour which is very photogenic. The area is relatively undeveloped, and quiet and privacy are a great attraction. From some of the lake, the mountains of the Pyrenees are visible in the background. Other lakes for swimming near Montbel include Lac de la Cavayère and a smaller one at Pradelles-Cabardès. The dam which created the reservoir was built between 1982 and 1985.

Quercorbès or Quercorb, also Kercorbès, Kercorb, Chercorbès, Chercorb (Occitan: Quercorbés or Quercòrb), is a small natural region of France in the department of Aude, around the former castle of Quercorb. Historically, it stood between the county of Foix and Carcassonne. It is a region of small isolated mountains arising from the plain of Chalabre and the plateau of Puivert.

Chalabre (French pronunciation: [ʃalabʁ] ; Languedocien: Eissalabra) is a commune in the Aude department in southern France. The capital of the Quercorb region, it is a relatively unspoilt bastide with shady streets and quiet alleyways. The local industry died out around 70 years ago, although the buildings of many still remain. The road to Lac de Montbel runs through Chalabre and this brings a steady stream of visitors. The local land is rich and verdant with fruit growing a speciality. The rivers rarely run dry and the climate is more amenable than the dry weather as you approach the coast.

Sonnac-sur-l'Hers (French pronunciation: [sɔnak syʁ lɛʁs] , literally Sonnac on the Hers; Occitan: Sonac) is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.

Rivel (French pronunciation: [ʁivɛl] ; Occitan: Rivèlh) is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.

Camon (French pronunciation: [kamɔ̃]; Occitan: Camon) is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France. Nicknamed Little Carcassonne, it is a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) Association.

Montjardin (French pronunciation: [mɔ̃ʒaʁdɛ̃] ) is a commune in the Aude department in southern France. Historically jet was mined in this area.

Villefort (French pronunciation: [vilfɔʁ] ; Occitan: Vilafòrt) is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.

Corbières (French pronunciation: [kɔʁbjɛʁ] ；Occitan: Corbièras) is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.

Tréziers (French pronunciation: [tʁezje] ; Occitan: Tresièrs) is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.

Courtauly (French pronunciation: [kuʁtoli] ; Occitan: Cortaulin) is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.

Saint-Benoît (French pronunciation: [sɛ̃ bənwa] ; Languedocien: Sant Benaset) is a commune in the Aude department in southern France.