Our magical watering holes
Do you want to travel and discover new horizons? Why not visit AriègeThis French department in the Pyrenees is located in the Occitanie region of south-western France.
This place is packed with historic monuments, incredible landscapes and natural sites , not to mention its exceptional cultural and culinary wealth. During your visit, be sure to explore the Ariège mountains, its medieval fortifications, forests and nature reserves, and above all its magnificent waterfalls.
Discovering the waterfalls in Ariège
Do you like hiking? Take the paths that lead to the most beautiful waterfalls of the Ariège, and enjoy a moment of relaxation with family or friends in a green, atypical and exotic setting.
The Ars waterfall
The Cascade d’Ars is the highest and one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pyrenees. Located in the Ariege Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, in the heart of a forest of beech and pectin fir, this 1,380 m-high waterfall stretches 246 m over three successive levels. This natural site is home to rare and protected species such as the trumpet rat and the capercaillie.
As for the flora, you will discover bilberry, callune, rhododendron, etc. Over its rock walls, you will find thousands of tons of water from the mountains flowing gently, offering you an incredible spectacle. But if you want to see the waterfall at its best, visit it in the spring between May and June, when the snow melts.
The waterfalls of Artigue
Would you like to recharge your batteries in a quiet and peaceful place? The waterfalls of Artigue promise you unforgettable moments, conducive to relaxation and change of scenery. Located in the glacial Vicdessos valley, between Tarascon-sur-Ariège to the north and Auzat to the south, this natural site in the Ariège region lies at an altitude of 1251 m and is characterized by its turquoise-blue waters.
A walk along these waterfalls passes through the undergrowth of the Montcalm massif, the Vicdessos-Artigue valley, and the stream. This place is very popular with canyoning enthusiasts. Do not hesitate to practice if you have the necessary equipment. You can also take photos on the banks of the river , which flows for kilometers and has many orange flowers floating on it.
In the background, you have the snow-capped mountains. You can also swim, picnic, rest near the cliff or contemplate the landscape. The Artigue waterfalls are very popular with travelers, so it’s best to visit in June or September when it’s less crowded.
The mystical waterfalls of Roquefort-les-Cascades
This 30 meters high waterfall is located in the east of the Ariège, between wild forests and pastures, at the border of the Aude. This mystical place produces a rare and very fragile phenomenon: the tuffière, a light and friable porous rock, white to beige in color and made up of limestone deposits. The tuff is deposited on the mosses and pieces of wood, and forms a rock resembling a vegetal wall.
The waterfall of Roquefort-les-Cascades is very particular, because its water is very calcareous. If you visit it in autumn or spring, during the rainy and snowmelt seasons, you will witness a unique show in the heart of a green and magical universe. In winter, this waterfall is dressed in icy , sparklingfinery . Do not hesitate to take the hiking trail to discover all the richness of the flora and the magnificent landscapes of this emblematic place of Ariège.
The waterfalls of Turasse
The Turasse waterfalls are located at the foot of the Plantaurel massif, in the commune of Roquefort-les-Cascades. This natural site in the Ariège region is made up of numerous waterfalls between 490 and 580 m, fed by a stream flowing from the Bois de la Balme.
The waterfalls of Turasse are very rich in limestone and meet the criteria of a tuffière. The water of the numerous falls of this cascade is thus charged in sulfate, which makes its particularity. Its limestone deposits grow at a rate of 1.8 metres every 60 years.
This site includes several hiking trails for walking enthusiasts and nature lovers. It often hosts shows for the great pleasure of visitors.
The Aubert waterfall
Surrounded by a national forest, this natural waterfall of the Pyrenees is located in the west of the Sourroque massif, in the municipality of Moulis, near Saint-Girons. The cascade d’Aubert is located in the center of the Moulis canyon, near the Quère de Mail peak and the Sendè cave.
This natural site is an essential spot for sportsmen, hikers, nature lovers and thrill seekers. Upstream from the waterfall, and below the hamlets of Couret and Montfaucon-d’en-Bas is the acrobatic course of Roc Aventure. Many fun activities are organized, supervised by qualified instructors.
Slide on the zip lines, and contemplate the Aubert waterfall and its magnificent cliffs. You can also cross from one side of the canyon to the other thanks to the footbridges, monkey bridges, handrails and via ferrata.
The waterfalls of Caraoucou
Located in the Vicdessos valley, in the commune of Val-de-Sos, the Caraoucou waterfalls consist of 3 natural waterfalls in succession, with a drop of around 120 m.
The first waterfall is small and it intersects with the two big ones, one of which reaches 55 meters high. All three are fed by the Ruisseau de Sem, a tributary of the Ruisseau de Vicdessos.
The waterfalls of Caraoucou are suitable for many activities such as canyoning, hiking, climbing… You can also have a family picnic near the cliffs or contemplate the panoramic view on Ariège from the top of these 830 m of altitude.
Where to stay in Ariège ?
Ariège is a popular destination for holidaymakers, so the region is home to several accommodation centers to make your stay unforgettable.
Among them are the establishments of Marc and Montmija, located near the most beautiful waterfalls of the Ariege Pyrenees.
The vacation villages of Marc and Montmija
Live unforgettable moments in Ariège by staying in one of the vacation villages of Marc and Montmija. The association has several fully-equipped, comfortable establishments to suit all members of your family.
For example, you can stay in the vacation village Les Lambrilles, which is located at an altitude of 400 m in the heart of the regional natural park of the Ariege Pyrenees. Nestled close to numerous hiking trails, it’s a perfect stopover for walkers and nature lovers.
This establishment boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a lush, flower-filled park. You can sleep in cottages or chalets according to your preferences. Whatever your choice, each unit has a terrace and garden furniture with a view of the surrounding landscape.
Finally, you can also go to the vacation village Le Tarbesou, located at 1400 m altitude in the valley of Ax-les-Thermes. Sitting on the terraces, enjoy a panoramic view of Ariège and the Pyrenees. There you have the opportunity to stay in bright and spacious rooms, but also in furnished and carefully decorated apartments .
The proposed activities
To complete your stay, the entertainment teams at the Marc and Montmija vacation villages organize numerous activities such as mountain hikes, refuge outings, sports tournaments, dance classes…
You can also go canyoning, horseback riding, rock climbing, mini-golf, fishing, mountain biking or adventure courses. Various surprise evenings such as aperitif games, shows, dances or themed meals also take place in these establishments.
For children and teenagers, a club has been specially created so that they can meet only among themselves and fully enjoy their stay. The animators also organize several activities adapted to each age group such as show creations, archery, top chef workshops, theme days, tree climbing, big games in the nature, swimming pool…
Catering services
Each village offers its own catering formula. The latter generally consists of breakfast and a meal, either buffet-style or served by the plate.
Each week, the chefs take you on a journey of discovery of the culinary specialties of the Ariège and Catalonia regions, prepared with care from fresh local produce. Special menus have been developed for children.
