The 14 must-see things to visit in Ariège
The visits not to be missed in Ariège
With family or friends, discover medieval cities and fortresses but also hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls in Ariège. You can also stroll through its streets to discover local products and handicrafts. Take the opportunity to taste the specialties of the Ariège and Catalonia.
The castle of Montsegur
This building is located at 1207 m above sea level at the top of a rocky ridge in the Pyrenees, on a steep slope to the north. From the top of this mystical site, you will have a breathtaking view of the village, the impressive vertical walls of the Gorges de la Frau, the medieval castle of Roquefixade and the surrounding plains.
This emblematic Ariège monument was built in 1206 in the commune of Montségur. This building attracts many tourists every year thanks to its geographical location, its natural beauty and its fascinating history linked to the Cathar religion.
The cave of Niaux
The decorated cave of Niaux is one of the most famous Paleolithic sites in Europe. By the light of a lamp, explore this unique room in the Pyrenees and discover several cave paintings made by our ancestors and representing the Magdalenian fauna (horses, bison, cattle, fish, deer …).
Numerous enigmatic signs (dots, lines, claviforms…) have also been found on the walls and floors, generally painted in red and black. The meaning of these colors is still a mystery.
The House of Wolves
This is a destination not to be missed, as it will allow you to discover the wolf packs of Europe, Poland, Canada, the Alaskan Tundra and the Arctic. Accompanied by the park’s animal caretakers, spend a privileged moment with these animals by feeding them or by observing them more closely in the vision tunnel. If you are lucky, you may even witness the birth of baby cubs.
Located within the Orlu National Wildlife Refuge, the Wolf House Park is also home to other iconic animals such as dwarf goats, rabbits, poultry, sheep, guinea pigs and rainbow trout. You can also participate in various activities such as the footprint casting activity or the Gold Digger workshop.
The cave of Mas d’Azil
Lovers of history, geology and archaeology would surely be delighted to visit this cave classified as a historical monument since 1942.
This exceptional site is famous for its immense cavities, crossed by a road and by the Arize river. It shelters numerous prehistoric vestiges like the famous skull of Magda, parietal paintings, the propelling stick “Faon aux oiseaux”, the ibexes carved on a tooth of sperm whale…
The visitable part of the cave is located on the right bank of the Arize. The ornate galleries are inaccessible, but you can explore them using virtual reality techniques for a fun and digital journey guided by sumptuous lights.
The castle of Roquefixade
The ruins of the castle of Roquefixade are located in the massif of Plantaurel, between Foix and Lavelanet.
Climb to the top of the impressive cliff and discover this fortress of more than 100 meters long. From there, you will have a magnificent view of the Tabe massif , the castle of Montségur, the Lauragais, the Corbières, the Olmes country and all the Pyrenean chains.
The discovery of this site allows you to borrow one of the most beautiful hikes in Ariège.
The fountain of Fontestorbes
The Fontestorbes fountain is a singular and mysterious place. Among the 10 most important in France, this fountain flows permanently, except during low water periods when it becomes intermittent.
Witness a unique spectacle during the month of July through October when the river flows for 20 minutes, then gradually decreases to atrickle 40 minutes later.
The lake of Bethmale
Bethmale Lake is a beautiful place to fish, rest and picnic.
Located in the heart of the regional natural park of the Ariegean Pyrenees, at an altitude of 1074 meters, this heavenly site extends over an area of 1.1 ha with a depth of 5 meters. It is characterized by its crystal clear emerald waters and its hardwood forest.
This natural site in the Ariège is accessible all year round. In summer as well as in winter, the landscape remains incredibly beautiful. If you visit in the spring or fall, you will see many soft green or orange leaves lining the grounds around the lake.
The castle of Lagarde
Main residence of the Lords of Levis from the 13th century, the castle of Lagarde contains many fascinating stories.
Located at 500 meters above sea level on the hill overlooking the Hers-Vif valley, near Mirepoix, this historic building now belongs to the Dupuis publishing family. It is surrounded by 1000 olive trees and 4 hectares of vineyards dating from theNapoleonic era.
Various activities and events take place in this emblematic place of the Pyrenees such as gourmet markets, equestrian cavalcades, fireworks shows or exhibitions of old cars and motorcycles.
The cathedral of Saint-Antonin in Pamiers
Seat of the diocese of Pamiers, Couserans and Mirepoix, this building has been classified as a historical monument since 1996. Dedicated today to Saint Antonin, this gothic style church has an interesting architectural feature: its bell tower-porch. It is almost 70 meters high and can be seen from far away in the city and the surrounding area.
XPloria the Time Explorer Forest
Do you like adventures in the wilderness? Visit this tourist and cultural structure located in the heart of the forest of Castagnès, in the village of Mas-d’Azil.
Many interesting things are to be discovered during this immersion like models of prehistoric animals, various fauna and flora, interactive showcases, giant illustrations…
Temporary exhibitions, games, animations and events are also organized to help you learn while having fun.
The Forges of Pyrene
During your trip to Ariège, don’t miss the Forges de Pyrène, a shaded park of 5 hectares located in Montgaillard, 5 km from Foix. Enjoy a guided tour by glass artisans and passionate animators.
Attend also the various workshops organized such as the blacksmith’s workshop, the master glassmaker, the basket maker, the bread oven, the goldsmith and the 1900 school.
During your visit, you can access the iron museum and the museum of old trades. It houses a collection of 5,000 pieces representing no less than 130 different trades. These are presented on a slide show and grouped into 5 thematic areas, including itinerant trades, agriculture and livestock, domestic life, housing and clothing.
The underground river of Labouiche
Live a unique experience in Ariège by visiting the underground river of Labouiche, which extends over 1,500 meters and is located about 60 meters underground.
To reach it, cross the magnificent tunnel under the daylight and go down the staircase of almost 200 steps.
Then board the small metal boat to contemplate the beauty of this unique natural site.
The regional natural park of the Ariegean Pyrenees
To you the walks in mountains in Ariège to breathe a good fresh air.
During your trip to Ariège, come and discover the numerous animal and plant species of the regional natural park of the Ariegean Pyrenees, some of which are even endemic, protected or threatened.
We find there for example the bearded vulture, the capercaillie, the Pyrenean euproct, the woodlark, the European otter, the horned owl, the griffon vulture, the rock ptarmigan… On the flora side, the Siberian ligwort and the hooked pine are among the most emblematic.
Adjacent to the border ridges of Spain, this place has become a favorite spot for hikers thanks to the diversity of its landscapes: waterfalls, peaks, rivers, lakes, ponds, caves, monuments…
With a surface area of 2 462 km², the regional natural park of the Ariegean Pyrenees shelters the most beautiful tourist sites of the region such as the Mont Valier, the cirque of Araing, the ponds of Bassiès, the caves of Niaux or Mas d’Azil, the waterfall of Ars…
Mirepoix
The town of Mirepoix is easily recognizable thanks to its half-timbered houses, whose second floor is extended by wooden roofs maintained by pillars and beams carved with animals. This place is also famous thanks to its numerous tourist sites such as the Saint-Maurice de Mirepoix cathedral, the Terride castle, the Vergers du Bedou…
During your visit, do not miss the big market of Mirepoix which takes place every Monday on the squares Maréchal Leclerc and Philippe de Lévis. It will be for you the occasion to discover the culinary specialities of the region, as well as the products of the local crafts.
To see also in Ariège
Apart from these 14 emblematic places, other tourist sites remain to be discovered in Ariège like the blue pond, the peak of Estibat, the peak of the Three Lords, the waterfalls of Ars, Artigue or Roquefort-les-cascades, etc.
You can also visit the most beautiful villages of the Ariège: Camon, Foix, Saint-Lizier, Carla-Bayle, Seix and Ax-les-Thermes with its ski resort. There are many more, but these medieval cities are the most historically and culturally rich.
How to get to Ariège ?
Several means of transportation will take you to the Ariege. You can go there:
By car
There is nothing better than traveling in your own vehicle. Moreover, it allows you to move easily during the visits of the numerous tourist sites of the Ariege.
By train
You can get to the Ariege by train. This French department has many train stations. You will find them in Pamiers, Varilhes, Mérens-les-Vals, Foix, Ax-les-Thermes, Tarascon-sur-Ariège, Les Cabannes, Andorre-L’Hospitalet, Luzenac-Garanou, Mérens-les-Vals, Saint-Jean-de-Verges, Saverdun, etc.
By plane
The plane is a must when it comes to travel. However, Ariege does not have an airport. You must therefore land in Toulouse, located a few kilometers from the Ariège territory.
Where to stay in Ariège ?
To shelter its tourists, theAriege knows how to welcome! Marc and Montmija offer you different types of accommodation to stay in our vacation village, which in addition to the comfortable establishments, offers various activities and entertainment of all kinds.
Types of accommodation in Marc and Montmija
Marc et Montmija is a rental association for your vacations located in Ariège. It has 5 establishments in the Ariège, located near the emblematic sites of the Ariegean Pyrenees.
For example, you can stay in the vacation village Le Tarbesou, located at an altitude of 1,400 m on the Bonascre plateau in Ax-les-Thermes. Here you will find bright and spacious rooms and fully equipped apartments.
You can also spend your vacations in the gîte d’étape de Marc, located at an altitude of 1000 m in the hamlet of Marc in Auzat. The vacation village Les Lambrilles is also an excellent choice if you want to spend a pleasant time with family or friends. The latter offers you a unique stay in fully equipped cottages or chalets, with terrace and garden furniture.
The activities offered in the vacation villages of Marc and Montmija
Many activities are offered to please young and old alike: petanque or volleyball tournaments, dance lessons, mini-golf games, shows and various evenings, various games for children, hikes… You can also have free access to the swimming pool and the spa in each village.
The vacation villages of Marc and Montmija also offer various catering options to make your stay complete. It is usually a breakfast and a meal served in the form of a buffet or by the plate. The dishes are cooked from fresh, local and quality products. Taste culinary specialties from the Ariège and Catalonia accompanied by a wine from the region. With delicious pastries and a good cup of coffee, enjoy the nice weather and the beautiful views of the valleys by sitting on the sunny terraces. Children are offered a special menu at each service.