Firmly rooted in its Occitan traditions, Ariège is one of the most exciting départements in France. As in many places in Occitanie, the cultural heritage has been preserved over the generations. So, while Ariège abounds in historical and prehistoric treasures, it's also an ideal nature destination for lovers of the great outdoors. Be as smart as a fox, and follow the Petit Futé guide to discover the 15 must-sees in Ariège.
1. Grotte de Niaux, prehistory in the heart of Ariège
More than just a cave, you're visiting one of the cradles of our world's art. The Salle Noire and the 1.6 km-long trail through the heart of the Niaux cave transport you back to the Paleolithic era, through authentic, well-preserved wall paintings. This journey back in time takes place without artifice, during a 1 h 45 tour. Bring good walking shoes and be in good shape, as the 100% natural terrain is rugged! Theemotion you feel when confronted with these paintings of yesteryear creates unprecedented sensations, a respect mingled with curiosity that will leave you with wonderful memories of your trip to Ariège.
2. The Château de Montségur, a medieval treasure in Ariège
Head for Montségur to discover one of Occitanie's most beautiful castles, a vestige of Cathar history. Perched on its rocky peak, Montségur castle was a symbol of religious and political resistance in the XIIIᵉ century. To reach this vestige of the past, a path leads you to the hill's Pog, crossing here and there an old-time path and a commemorative stele. If you'd like to learn more about this Cathar refuge, visit the museum below. You'll discover a fascinating history, a true immersion in the Ariège of yesteryear.
3. Fontestorbes intermittent fountain, the unusual place to see in Ariège
Think you've seen it all in terms of fountains? Not a chance! The Fontestorbes f ountain is as astonishing as it isunusual, if you contemplate it between July and October. For 20 minutes, its powerful flow is a sight to behold. Then the flow gradually diminishes to a trickle. And there it goes again! This amazing cycle is only visible for 4 months of the year. The rest of the time, the waterfall has a normal flow.
For the record : although the cave from which the water emerges is now blocked, it once served as a passageway to a fairy house..
4. The Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises, for nature lovers
The Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises, created in 2009, covers 40% of the Ariège region. With a total area of 2,500 km², including 138 communes, it's a great playground for hiking enthusiasts! It borders Spain, and is bounded to the west and north-west by the Haute-Garonne, to the north by the Plantaurel peaks, and to the east by the Ariège river. Your visit will take you to the villages of Saint-Lizier, Seix, Massat and Mas d'Azil, to name but a few. Among the most popular hikes, we can recommend the Ars waterfall and Mont Valier.
Do you love nature and walking? Discover the 13 most beautiful hikes in the Pyrenees during your stay in south-west France.
5. La Maison des Loups, discovering a little-known animal
Are you too fed up with the nursery rhymes and stories about wolves that scare your children? Show them what a wolf really is, and fill them up with fascinating information about them at the Maison des Loups, a highly instructive park located in Orlu. Here, children and parents alike can observe and marvel at these fascinating animals, who have much to reveal about their true nature. Living in semi-liberty in an immense forest, they retain their natural instincts while being protected. Wooden towers allow you to observe them at close quarters, without running the slightest risk. Explanatory panels are there to guide you step by step - just follow the guide!
6. Mirepoix, the charm of yesteryear
The narrow streets of Mirepoix invite you to stroll past ancient half-timbered houses with colorful wooden shutters. Makes you dream, doesn't it? Yes, here, the charm of yesteryear has been passionately preserved, making for an enchanting visit. An architectural gem located near Toulouse, Foix and Carcassonne, Mirepoix is a veritable rainbow of color and history. A must-see in Ariège, even if you're only here for a weekend! The town's big market is a must, but there are plenty of other sights to visit, including the Maison des Consuls and the Cathedral of Saint-Maurice.
7. Discover Pamiers' treasures
Pamiers may not seem as picturesque as Mirepoix, but it's nonetheless one ofAriège's most historic towns to visit. Whether you'd like to stroll from bridge to bridge, or discover the town via the Pilgrim's Way to Santiago de Compostela, you'll be seduced by this town rich in history. Your tour takes you to the center of Pamiers, to discover its finest architectural treasures:
- saint-Antonin Cathedral
- the Tour de la Monnaie
- the Carmelite monastery,
- the canals,
- the Caillou abbey.
Your day in Pamiers is therefore set against a backdrop of natural and cultural heritage, making it one of the must-see places in the Ariège.
8. Château de Lagarde, residence of monarchs
Sometimes referred to as the "Little Versailles of the Pyrenees", the Château de Lagarde is a must-see in the Ariège region. Although it is now in ruins, you can still imagine its former splendor. Originally owned by the King of Aragon in the XIᵉ century, it later passed into the hands of the Lévis family. It was then transformed into an imposing fortress with colossal towers, before becoming a prestigious residence in the XVIᵉ century. In short: a history full of twists and turns! Sold during the Revolution, it is now listed as a historic monument.
Good to know: in summer, enjoy festive events, gourmet markets and live entertainment at Château de Lagarde.
9. The Mas d'Azil cave, the refuge of our ancestors
Ariège has an exceptional natural heritage to discover during your stay. At the Mas d'Azil cave, prehistory is revealed in three stages:
- Discover the life of early man at the interpretation center.
- Take an hour-long guided tour, during which you'll discover what archaeologists have found.
- Your ticket gives you access to the Mas-d'Azil Prehistory Museum.
This exceptional visit, punctuated by a luminous scenography, takes you on an exciting journey back in time to our roots. A must-see during your stay in Ariège, even with children!
10. Workshops at XPloria la Forêt à Explorer le Temps
Ariège is an ideal destination to visit with children, thanks in no small part to this kind of unusual, fun-filled place. Dinosaurs and other historical animals punctuate your walk in the heart ofXploria, the Time Explorer forest ideal for families on vacation in Ariège. Your journey takes you through the major stages in the evolution of our world. Covering a length of 2km, this open-air museum offers a fun and cultural walk for everyone. Animal models, excavation sites, giant illustrations: the perfect recipe for a successful visit!
11. Discovering the Labouiche underground river
Children and parents alike love visiting a cave in a small boat! This is the tempting program offered by the Rivière Souterraine de Labouiche, the longest navigable underground river in Europe. Stalactites, waterfalls, cave paintings and other historical artifacts punctuate this astonishing visit to the heart of the Earth's bowels. The 1h15 guided tour takes you on a fascinating and unusual journey, as close as possible to Mother Nature.
12. The remains of the Château de Roquefixade
Another castle, another rocky peak, and an incredibly beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. Welcome to Château de Roquefixadeor rather its vestiges of a glorious past. Accessible after an easy 30-minute hike, the fortress plunges you into a Cathar epic. In the XIᵉ century, a fortified complex called Castrum surrounded this stronghold of the lords of Pailhès. The latter took part in the crusades against the Albigensians, protecting their heritage as best they could. The castle eventually fell into the hands of King Philippe le Hardi, before being destroyed by order of Louis XIII.
We invite you to discover artifacts from this eventful history at the Mairie de Roquefixade, to learn more about this historic treasure.
13. Les Forges de Pyrène, immersion in the Ariège of yesteryear
You're probably familiar with "forgotten villages", as they're known all over the world, but have you ever heard of the "unforgettable village"? That's the best way to describe the Forges de Pyrène, home to the world's largest collection of traditional tools and crafts. Up to 6 workshops a day are organized, allowing families to spend an entire day in this village of yesteryear, spread over a large 5-hectare park. Plunge into the heart of the 1900s with superb museum exhibits, discovery workshops and immersive experiences to discover what life was like at the turn of the century. A real "coup de cœur" visit to make in Ariège, as a couple or with the family!
14. Lake Bethmale, a touch of the other side of the world
Total relaxation guaranteed at Lac de Bethmale, a little treasure hidden deep in the forest. Nestled in a lush green setting, this emerald-colored watering hole lost in the middle of nature is as beautiful to see in autumn, when the trees are adorned in shades of orange, as it is in summer, when the greenery embraces it all. Even in winter, surrounded by immaculate snow, Lake Bethmale is pure splendor!
Let yourself be enchanted by the magic of the place. The place is so peaceful, so authentic, that you'd almost expect little elves to appear in the midst of the lush vegetation. In fact, a witch story has grown up around this mystical place... Watch out! A paradise for hikers and nature lovers alike, this lake at an altitude of 1074 metres is a must-see in Ariège.
15. Ax-les-Thermes, the must-see spa in Ariège
As its name suggests, the town ofAx-les-Thermes is the place to be if you're looking for a spa treatment, or just to enjoy the many benefits of a spa treatment. In winter, the Ax 3 Domaines ski resort comes to life, welcoming skiers and hikers alike. The area around Ax-les-Thermes is also a paradise for outdoor adventures. Whether you're into canyoning, mountain biking or caving, you've found the perfect place to have fun!
In a softer vein, you can also visit the old town center, rich in interpretive panels revealing the town's history.
What to do in Ariège with your family?
From nature discoveries to historical visits, there are plenty of places to discover with children in Ariège.
Families up close to animals
Surprising as it may seem, we invite you to visit the Maison des Loups when you visit Ariège with your children. While they may be a little apprehensive at first, it's the perfect opportunity to demystify this wild animal with the unfortunate reputation... all in complete safety.
In the family of animal parks, you can also visit the Reptile Farm in La Bastide-de-Sérou and the Ferme aux Bisons in Lapenne.
Play areas perfect for children
After so much excitement, they'll have earned a day of fun at Xploria, the forest to explore time. This discovery park is as fun as it is interesting, bringing our dear children plenty of joy.
Les Forges de Pyrène is another great idea for a family outing. Immersed in a village of yesteryear, children and parents enjoy watching craftsmen at work, taking part in workshops and learning about the lives of our ancestors. Simply fascinating!
Caves and natural landscapes in the Ariège with your family
While the Niaux cave can be a little dangerous with children (and is not recommended for under 6s), we recommend exploring the Labouiche underground river on a small boat for 12 people. They'll love it, and so will their parents! The Mas d'Azil cave also makes a great family outing in Ariège, exploring prehistory in caves and museums.
Nature in all its immensity is also on display at the Fontestorbes intermittent fountain. Take time out for a family picnic to admire this unusual natural spectacle. Nearby is the Crapahut Parc Aventure tree-climbing course, a great way to end the day.
Last but not least, a trip to Lake Bethmale delights young and old alike, who can enjoy a unique family outing in a natural setting like no other.
What to visit in Ariège in 3 days?
It can be hard to make a choice for just three days, as there are so many wonderful things to visit in Ariège! Here's a mini-itinerary to guide you.
- Day 1: Mirepoix, Montségur castle and the intermittent fountain of Fontestorbes
The first day begins in the northeast, in the charming historic town of Mirepoix. Continue south to the unusual Fontestorbes fountain, then admire, at least from afar, the Château de Montségur.
- Day 2: Roquefixade and the Forges de Pyrène
Start the second day with a visit to Roquefixade castle, one of Ariège's historical treasures. The day continues (and ends) at the Forges de Pyrène, whose installations are as exciting for adults as they are for children.
- Day 3: Foix and the Mas d'Azil cave
We haven't mentioned it yet, but the town of Foix is an essential part of Ariège's heritage. Take the morning to visit it, before ending your three-day weekend at the Mas d'Azil cave.
Of course, this itinerary is only a guide. Adapt it according to your passions and the composition of your family!
Ariège is one of the year's most popular destinations for vacations without breaking the bank. Between nature and heritage, wonder is everywhere, offering vacations that are as interesting as they are exotic. Want to go further afield? Discover our 21 must-do activities in Occitanie, a region of 1000 wonders.
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