Be swept away by the beautiful Pyrenees landscape, by the winds of history! This is the Ariège with its collection of tourist sites. From the Niaux cave to the Montségur castle, this collection invites you to experience a voyage from Prehistory up to the time of the crusade against the Cathars.
First take in the atmosphere of Niaux, with the “salon noir” sound mysteries where paintings of extraordinary quality are to be found. Niaux is one of the only major prehistoric sites still open to the public. A must-see addition to this visit is the life and art of the Magdalenians in the Prehistory Park in Tarascon-sur-Ariège.
The Mas d’Azil cave, whose depths have always served as a refuge, gave its name to the Azilian civilisation.
If the Ariège has an exceptional prehistoric patrimony, its medieval heritage is equally captivating.
From prehistory to the Middle Ages you will continue your journey by stopping at Saint-Lizier, another jewel in the Ariège collection. At the foot of the Couserans mountains, this village is a living souvenir of the ‘grand époque’ of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage, and one step on the way to Piémont (GR 78).
And now to Foix, the capital of Ariège.
Leaning against the powerful shoulder of the Pyrenean foothills. Foix is proudly dominated by the ancient Château Comtal, the property of Gaston Fébus, one of the most flamboyant counts of Foix. To take in the town’s atmosphere, walk the medieval streets of the old centre of Foix, and window shop in the Rue Delcassé.
In the 13th century, Foix defended the Cathar cause with conviction. 30 km further on, the masterpiece of the Ariège collection, Montségur, had a tragic destiny.
Perched on high at an altitude of 1207 metres, Montségur was the last stronghold of the Cathar church. The fortress was taken in 1244 and more than 200 Cathars were burned alive, making the site a symbol of resistance to oppression. Its ruins open on to a panorama that reinforces the intense emotion that Montségur instils in all who approach it.
Keys to discovery
> At the Prehistory Park, discover the numerous workshops (fire lighting, working with flint...): allow at least one day to discover life in Magdalenian times.
> Before climbing up to the Montségur fortress, make sure you have good shoes and allow 20 minutes for the walk. The museum in the village is a must-see addition to the fortress visit and if you are curious, go all the way to the Fontestorbes fountain.
> To visit the Cave of Niaux, do not forget to book in advance and dress warmly since the temperature in the cave is 12°C all year round.
> Take advantage of your summer stay in Foix to discover the superb sound and light show that will take you back in time.
> Did you know? The city of Saint-Lizier is a UNESCO world heritage site along the roads to Santiago de Compostela.
> During your visit to the Mas d’Azil, a charming detour awaits you: a short walk that will lead you to an authentic dolmen (a prehistoric megalithic tomb).
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