Top 10 visits to do in Ariège

Between the Pays de Foix, Le Pays Cathare, Couserans, the Ariège mountains… Ariège will not fail to surprise you with the beauty of its landscapes, but also by its history and its old stones. In the Ariège Pyrenees and in the Couserans Valleys, you will go on extraordinary nature outings and practice winter or white water sports. In the castles, museums and tourist sites, you will discover the culture of Ariège, its ancient trades and its traditions. We take you on a grand tour of Ariège, with a Top 10 must-see visits and activities.

Opening photo: Pat on Stock / Adobestock Château de Roquefixade

1. Visit Foix, the capital of Ariège

Located on the Piedmont Way of the Ways of Santiago de Compostela, Foix has a very interesting religious heritage. The historic city center is crisscrossed with medieval streets and dotted with beautiful buildings. During your visit, don't miss the following monuments:

• The Castle of the Counts of Foix
• Saint-Volusien Abbey
• The view at the foot of the Saint-Sauveur Cross
• The banks of the Ariège

2. Experience life during prehistory at Mas d'Azil

The Cave of Mas d'Azil is one of the largest in Europe, with impressive dimensions. It is the eponymous Azilian cave and it contains artistic and lithic treasures. During a visit to its Prehistory Interpretation Center, you can satisfy your curiosity about our most distant ancestors.

3. Assault the Cathar Castles

Ariège was very marked by the persecutions against the Cathars and their castles. Many towers and fortifications were destroyed or besieged. Some have survived the ages and bear witness to this troubled period in the history of France. Among others, you can discover Catharism at the Château de Montségur, the Château de Foix, that of Usson or Roquefixade.

4. Discover the religious heritage of the “ City of three bell towers ” in Pamiers

Pamiers is a charming medieval village. In the center of the village, an astonishing visit awaits you: a ^17th century convent. There are relatively few old convents open to the public. You will therefore be able to benefit from an extraordinary immersion in the daily life of the Carmelites.

5. Walk in the Pyrenees Ariègeoises National Park

The Pyrénées Ariégeoises Regional Natural Park is an exceptional natural space, in the heart of the Ariège mountains. The park center offers nature outings to guide you through the park, as well as workshops to explain the Pyrenean environment, its specific fauna and flora. There are also many mountain lakes, suitable for swimming, fishing or hiking.

6. Enjoy the mountain resorts of Ariège

Green resorts or ski resorts, whatever the period, there are activities to do all year round in the Ariège Pyrenees. Service providers compete in their imagination to entertain you and please the whole family.

7. Hiking on the Routes of Saint-Jacques de Compostela

On the ancient paths of Saint-Jacques de Compostela, you can explore the mountains and valleys of Ariège on the GR10. Hiking routes and loops are also available for you to stroll through the natural park. Finally, for a bit of a change, you can learn more about the history of the region on the Sentier des Bonhommes, to follow in the footsteps of the Cathars.

8. Taste the famous cheeses and charcuterie of Couserans

Whether you prefer a good cheese platter or a plate of charcuterie, or even both, let's be greedy... In any case, you will enjoy Couserans and Ariège in general. Cheese from Saint-Girons, Bethmale, Tomme des Pyrénées or mountain sausage, white sausages or black puddings... There is something for everyone.

9. Admire an Ariège geological curiosity: the petrifying waterfalls of Roquefort-les-Cascades

Roquefort-les-Cascades is nestled in the Massif de Plantaurel. The mineral waters of the mountains have shaped a geological curiosity of great beauty: petrifying waterfalls. A wonderful walk, in the heart of the forest, takes you there. At the end of the path, there is an impressive tufaire almost 30 meters high which will delight nature lovers.

10. Kayaking down the Ariège River

The Ariège is a beautiful river which winds through a preserved natural environment. To protect its fauna and flora, its valley is classified as a Regional Nature Reserve. There is nothing better than a trip on the water in a kayak to soak up its mysterious atmosphere and surprise some animals and birds hiding there.

We hope that this Top 10 will inspire you for your next Ariège vacation and we wish you great discoveries.

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