In Ariège, there are 2 major sites « Foix-Montségur, medieval towns » et "Niaux-Mas d'Azil, prehistoric Pyrenees" in the collection of 40 sites labeled " Great Sites Occitanie South of France ».
Two Great Sites located just 2 hours from Large Occitanie sites renowned: the city of Carcassonne, Toulouse, Pic du Midi, channel du midi, Canigou massif, Catalan country, Albi, Saint-Bertrand de Comminges.
From the almost complete Niaux cave au Montségur castle, the Grands Sites Ariège invite you to experience a saga that takes you on a journey from Prehistory until the times of crusade against the Cathars.
Foix-Montségur, medieval towns
Montsegur, Foix, Mirepoix, Saint-Lizier, are the testimonies of the medieval wealth of Ariège, discovered in a magical landscape which has as its eternal backdrop the majestic chain of the Pyrenees.
- Le Foix castle: Immersion in the Middle Ages, war machines, participatory workshops, interactive museum, escape game "The Cathar treasure"… definitely a visit not to be missed!
- Le Montségur castle : Emblem of Catharism, erected at an altitude of 1 m, welcome to a place steeped in history where stones speak and cry ...
- La Bastide de Mirepoix : the medieval city made of wood and cob opens up to those who know how to listen to narrate the most extraordinary medieval epics.
- La City of Saint-Lizier : Ancient Gallo-Roman city then seat of the Bishop's Palace, Saint-Lizier is gradually delivering all the testimonies of its rich past.
Did you know?
La city of Carcassonne is located just 45 minutes from Mirepoix! During your holidays in Ariège, take the opportunity to go for a walk on the ramparts! It is a great must-see site in the South-West!
Niaux-Mas d'Azil, Prehistoric Pyrenees
The largest underground network in Europe is deployed in Ariège. At all times, men have found refuge there, leaving many traces of their occupation. The oldest date back to the Magdalenian period, the last phase of the Upper Paleolithic, 14000 years ago. Living in small communities of hunter-gatherers, our caves contain tools, weapons, vestiges of their ancient homes and, most remarkably, numerous traces of their art.
- La Niaux cave : It is not only one of the most famous prehistoric caves in Europe but also one of the few decorated caves still open to the public. Immersion and incomparable emotion in facsimiles as offered by the visit of Lascaux.
- Cave and the Mas-d'Azil museum : Archaeological site of international stature, its 65 m high arch and its prehistoric treasures leave you speechless
- Cave of the Cow : In this archaeological site, thousands of prehistoric remains have been found.
- Le Prehistoric Park : Participatory workshops, museum, exhibitions ... the park offers an immersion in the daily life of our Cro-Magnon ancestors
- Bédeilhac cave : A place of refuge, the Bédeilhac cave impresses with the size of its porch and its vast galleries.
The Great Sites of Ariège are only 1 hour / 1h30 from theToulouse-Blagnac airport as well as theCarcassonne airport !
