The Ariège has a special soul. Its past and its history are spread over centuries. We go back in time thanks to the traces and vestiges that men have left since prehistory, sometimes after bitter fights. Ariège is also nature, its main heritage. Its landscapes alternating peaks, valleys, gorges and caves lend themselves to all outdoor activities
Heritage and history
A Pyrenean department on a human scale, bordered by Spain and Andorra, far from congested roads, you can discover an extremely rich historical heritage with 7 major sites. The Ariège Collection invites you to experience a journey from Prehistory to the times of the crusade against the Cathars. We quickly let ourselves be carried away by the breath of History which comes to meet us on the traces of a very ancient human presence. The prehistoric caves open the doors of a world that is always very mysterious and full of emotions. The major site is the cave of Niaux. It is not only one of the most famous paleolithic caves in Europe with Lascaux and Altamira, but also one of the few decorated caves still open to the public even if the number of visitors is limited. In the Salon Noir, one is captivated by the overwhelming works of art created around 14,000 years ago. They are of high quality and incredible precision. The other site of international importance is the Mas d'Azil cave. It has the originality of being crossed over nearly half a kilometre by the departmental road and the river Arize. Its 65 metre high arch and its prehistoric treasures are breathtaking. Its museographic space allows access through virtual techniques to its inaccessible ornamented galleries. To complete these visits, the Prehistory Park is a true European interpretation centre, of the cave art and the daily life of prehistoric men. The Grand Atelier presents numerous works of art and facsimiles, among them the Salon Noir in the cave of Niaux. Animation workshops (flint knapping, fire lighting, painting on walls, etc.) are spread throughout the park over several hectares. The exhibition "The Giants of the Ice Age" immerses the visitor in a landscape of glacial steppe in the middle of woolly mammoths, steppe bison, mega deer or cave lions. In a play area, machines allow visitors to measure their strength with a bison or compare their run with a cave lion... On site restaurant, picnic area, shop... It is a very family site where you can spend the day without ever getting bored
An authentic department on a human scale
The Middle Ages witnessed the tragedy of the Albigensians and the marks of the magnificence of the illustrious family of the Counts of Foix. The 13th century was strongly marked by the presence of the Cathars who militated for a faith in accordance with the Gospels and denounced the abuses of the church. They were hunted down for more than a century and took refuge in the valleys of the Ariège. The castle of Montségur is the highest place of Catharism. It hangs on a rocky peak called "pog", at an altitude of 1,207 metres. The climb is a bit strenuous, but what a great reward once you reach the top: the panorama is breathtaking. Another rebel has entered the Ariège legend: Gaston Fébus, the most famous of the Counts of Foix, who in the 14th century defied the authority of the King of France by refusing to pay him homage. His story is similar to that of the castle of Foix. This impressive building dominates the town from its high walls and three towers and offers a magnificent view of the Pyrenees. An impregnable and still intact stronghold, it was built in the year 1000 and then rebuilt over the centuries. From the castle the most extraordinary medieval epics are recounted to those who know how to listen to it. Next to these fortresses, some medieval cities still deliver the riches of their past. The city of Saint-Lizier, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is an ancient Gallo-Roman city that became the seat of the bishopric. The cathedral and its treasure, the Bishops' Palace and an amazing 18th century pharmacy are must-see visits. At the foot of the Pyrenees, the bastide town of Mirepoix is made of wood and cob: the place aux couverts has kept its original structure with its half-timbered houses. One will not fail to raise one's head to admire the house of the Consuls decorated with a carved decoration of more than 100 wooden heads of still mysterious meaning. The former cathedral of St. Mauritius has a single nave 22 metres wide. Mirepoix is part of the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire.
Long live nature!
The Regional Natural Park of the Ariege Pyrenees and the nature reserves plunge the visitor into a great breath of fresh air between 300 and 3,000 metres above sea level. One sets out to meet an incredible wealth of fauna, flora, vestiges of the past, but also men and women of the present who lovingly share their activities
In order to preserve this still wild nature and guarantee quality services, the "Qualité Outdoor Ariège Pyrénées" label concerns sports leisure companies and accommodation structures specialising in welcoming hikers. The Guide Bureau in Ax-les-Termes brings together these mountain specialists. For sports enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, Pyrénévasion, located in Foix, takes you through the tumultuous meanders of the Ariège canyons. Calmer, in Le Vernet, the Belle Verte takes you on a canoe trip on the Ariège, accompanied by an instructor who presents the rich fauna and flora of the surrounding area. On land, there are activities for everyone. In Montardit golfers enjoy Montaswin Golf n'Cross. More perilous, the Akrobranch d'Orlu offers adventure courses and workshops in a magnificent beech wood and above the waterfalls of the Orlu canyon. The Orlu valley is also the ideal setting for discovering mountain biodiversity and observing wildlife. This is where the Mountain Observatory is located. Sometimes, nature can be appreciated in a different way. In Serres-sur-Arget, Denis and his Dahu Ariégeois offer "gourmet", "night" or both at the same time. The hikes are often enjoyed with the family and the company of animals is always a favourite with children. In the same commune, Cayrel'Âne offers to go on the trails at the rhythm of a long-eared companion. In short, Ariège is pure happiness!
Smart Info
When is it? All year round, because every season is interesting
Getting there. By train or plane, via Toulouse. By car, Toulouse is well served by motorways. Then a single toll motorway serves the Ariège from Villefranche-de-Lauragais to Pamiers. A four-lane road extends it to Tarascon-sur-Ariège
Useful. To best prepare your escapade.
AGENCE DE DÉVELOPPEMENT TOURISTIQUE DE L'ARIÈGE - More information on the site
