Discover the major and unmissable sites of Ariège. Let yourself be carried away by the breath of history from 14 years ago to the present day through prehistory, medieval times and enjoy a getaway to Andorra and Spain!
Location
Ariège Pyrenees
South of Ariège, on the border with Andorra, are the Ariège Pyrenees. Between mountainous landscapes and activities, there are many [...]
Your program
1 - Niaux Cave and Prehistory Park
Day 1 - 13km stage:
For this exceptional stay, enjoy a special welcome at the Manoir d'Agnès*** in Tarascon-sur-Ariège.
Meeting with your guide at the Grotte de Niaux, a masterpiece of parietal art, with more than 100 representations of animals, of internationally recognized quality, one of the few still open to the public. Lunch at the restaurant Le Bouquetin, at the Parc de la Préhistoire in Tarascon sur Ariège.
Then, visit the Prehistory Park, a site of great beauty in a green setting in the middle of the waterfalls to learn while having fun how our ancestors hunted or lit the fire...
Installation in the rooms, dinner at the restaurant. Overnight.
Meeting with your guide at the Grotte de Niaux, a masterpiece of parietal art, with more than 100 representations of animals, of internationally recognized quality, one of the few still open to the public. Lunch at the restaurant Le Bouquetin, at the Parc de la Préhistoire in Tarascon sur Ariège.
Then, visit the Prehistory Park, a site of great beauty in a green setting in the middle of the waterfalls to learn while having fun how our ancestors hunted or lit the fire...
Installation in the rooms, dinner at the restaurant. Overnight.
2 - Saint-Lizier
Day 2 - 144 km stage:
After a hearty breakfast, drive to the city of Saint-Lizier, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on the way to Santiago de Compostela.
Your guide will be your traveling companion to visit the heart of Saint-Lizier, as well as the Bishops' Palace and the Notre Dame de la Sède cathedral "our little Sistine Chapel" in reference to its monumental paintings. Lunch at the Carré de l'ange restaurant in Saint-Lizier to taste gourmet cuisine with an exceptional view over the rooftops of Saint-Lizier and the Pyrenees mountains from the terrace.
Continue your journey towards the Mas d'Azil cave.
This site known for its prehistoric remains has an impressive arch crossed by the river and the road.
Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Your guide will be your traveling companion to visit the heart of Saint-Lizier, as well as the Bishops' Palace and the Notre Dame de la Sède cathedral "our little Sistine Chapel" in reference to its monumental paintings. Lunch at the Carré de l'ange restaurant in Saint-Lizier to taste gourmet cuisine with an exceptional view over the rooftops of Saint-Lizier and the Pyrenees mountains from the terrace.
Continue your journey towards the Mas d'Azil cave.
This site known for its prehistoric remains has an impressive arch crossed by the river and the road.
Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
3 - Discovery of the city of Foix
Day 3 - Stage of 35 km. :
Breakfast and direction the town of Foix.
Guided tour of the old town with its monuments and medieval streets. Lunch at the Lons restaurant, on the banks of the Ariège and guided tour of the Château de Foix! After exceptional work, the Counts of Foix welcome you to their home! Breathtaking medieval scenery, war machines, participatory workshops and a new interactive museum to experience total immersion in medieval times.
Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
Guided tour of the old town with its monuments and medieval streets. Lunch at the Lons restaurant, on the banks of the Ariège and guided tour of the Château de Foix! After exceptional work, the Counts of Foix welcome you to their home! Breathtaking medieval scenery, war machines, participatory workshops and a new interactive museum to experience total immersion in medieval times.
Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
4 - The medieval fortified town of Mirepoix
Day 4 - Stage of 129 km. :
Breakfast and departure to visit the fortified town of Mirepoix.
This beautiful medieval bastide with half-timbered houses has a magnificent cathedral whose nave is one of the widest in Europe.
Lunch at Les Minotiers restaurant in Mirepoix.
Continue your journey passing the Montségur pass which leads to the castle, perched on its rocky outcrop at an altitude of 1 m. Depending on your wishes, we can offer you a guided tour of the castle or a conference at the foot of the last Cathar refuge.
Before leaving this place steeped in history, take a cool break at the intermittent Fontestorbes fountain.
This Vaucluse fountain cascades from the cave intermittently with astronomical regularity. A rare phenomenon which makes it a curiosity of nature not to be missed!
Do not hesitate to push the door of the Fontestorbes lemonade workshop in Belesta, Laurent is waiting for you for a presentation of his activity accompanied by a tasting of this 100% natural artisanal beverage. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
This beautiful medieval bastide with half-timbered houses has a magnificent cathedral whose nave is one of the widest in Europe.
Lunch at Les Minotiers restaurant in Mirepoix.
Continue your journey passing the Montségur pass which leads to the castle, perched on its rocky outcrop at an altitude of 1 m. Depending on your wishes, we can offer you a guided tour of the castle or a conference at the foot of the last Cathar refuge.
Before leaving this place steeped in history, take a cool break at the intermittent Fontestorbes fountain.
This Vaucluse fountain cascades from the cave intermittently with astronomical regularity. A rare phenomenon which makes it a curiosity of nature not to be missed!
Do not hesitate to push the door of the Fontestorbes lemonade workshop in Belesta, Laurent is waiting for you for a presentation of his activity accompanied by a tasting of this 100% natural artisanal beverage. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight.
5 - Towards the Principality of Andorra
Day 5 - 212 km stage:
After breakfast, you will drive to the Principality of Andorra. After passing the Port d'Envalira, the highest road pass in the Pyrenees open all year round, you will enjoy a stop at the Mirador Del Quer which offers a plunging and panoramic view of the valley.
Continue on your way to the National Automobile Museum in Encamp. With 80 cars, 60 motorcycles and 100 bicycles, this museum has one of the most important collections in southern Europe.
Why not stop off in a Spanish village for the lunch break? The hilltop village of Os de Civis has the particularity of being part of the province of Lleida (Catalonia), but is accessible by road only from the Principality of Andorra. It is very popular with tourists because of its location, its restaurants (specialty of braised meats).
End of benefits.
Continue on your way to the National Automobile Museum in Encamp. With 80 cars, 60 motorcycles and 100 bicycles, this museum has one of the most important collections in southern Europe.
Why not stop off in a Spanish village for the lunch break? The hilltop village of Os de Civis has the particularity of being part of the province of Lleida (Catalonia), but is accessible by road only from the Principality of Andorra. It is very popular with tourists because of its location, its restaurants (specialty of braised meats).
End of benefits.
Prices / Validity
Adult: 705 €
| Price | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
|
Adult (from 25/11/2022 to 31/12/2024) |
Min. €705 |
Based on 20 people.
Payment method
- Bank / credit card
- Cheque
- Classic Holiday Vouchers
- Cash
- Bank transfer
The price does not include
Transportation, personal expenses, optional travel / cancellation insurance.
The price includes
4 nights in a *** hotel with closed parking, double room basis, meals from lunch on the 1st day lunch to lunch on the last day (wine and coffee included with meals), guided tours and entrances to the sites mentioned in the program, the guarding of the car parks in the city of Foix and Mas d'Azil, the road book, the tourist tax.
Stay
Accommodation
- Hotel
- 3 stars