What to see in France

Camping in Ariège, the art of slowing down

Foix en Ariège
Foix en Ariège

 

The Ariège is part of the Occitanie region. A department that is perfectly suited to camping holidays with its 5000 kilometres of paths and 300 kilometres of river, it is the perfect address for outdoor activities. Known for its caves, the Ariège has a rich natural heritage where valleys and Pyrenean mountains but also plains and forests follow one another. Finally, lovers of castles and authentic villages will also be delighted.

Campsites in Ariège

There are a total of 73 campsites in the Ariège which are available to you to visit each place you have chosen without stress and easily while remaining in a holiday and relaxing atmosphere. We recommend the campsite Le Montagnou*** located in Ustou at the foot of the mountains. The campsite L'Arize **** in La Bastide-de-Sérou, by the river, or the campsite Le Pas de L'ours *** in Aston, ideal for hikers.

The treasures of the Ariège

Its many caves are the symbol of a territory emblematic of prehistory. The famous Niaux cave near Tarascon-sur-Ariège and in the Pyrenees Regional Natural Park, bears witness to this with its 12,000 year old Magdalenian paintings. A precious collection of very well preserved animal drawings, such as ibex, deer, bison and horses. Please note that reservations are required.

Still in the Pyrenees Regional Natural Park, the Labouiche river is characterised by its underground nature. It has also been recognised as the longest underground river in Europe. Aboard a boat, and 60 metres underground, discover the beauty of an extraordinary landscape made up of concretions and waterfalls, all during a guided cruise. An original activity that will please everyone.

Let's stay in the PNR with the superb Ars waterfall. In the heart of the greenery in a preserved area, this magnificent natural site of 246 metres, offers a spectacle of three regular waterfalls, even more grandiose in spring when the snow melts. To discover one of the prettiest waterfalls in the Pyrenees, you will have to walk for an hour and a half, starting from Aulus-les-Bains, but it is well worth the effort!

Among the castles to be discovered in Ariège, there is that of Montségur which is part of the Cathar castles, but also the medieval castle of Foix. This imposing fortress dominates the town from its rocky outcrop with its walls and three high towers. It now houses the Ariège departmental museum. Below, Foix, the capital of the department, invites you to stroll through its pretty little streets and to explore the charming little squares, admire the abbey church of Saint-Volusien and enjoy its summer activities.

It's hard to make a choice as the Ariège is so rich in places to explore. So if your stay is longer or if you have decided to come back, you will have to discover the Romanesque cloister of Saint-Lizier, the medieval bastide of Mirepoix and the fortified village of Camon, classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France.

 

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