In the heart of the Pyrenees, on the borders of Spain and the Principality of Andorra, the Ariege surprises by its authenticity and its grandiose landscapes. Summer and winter, the department invites you to enjoy its preserved natural environment, its beautiful medieval towns and many activities.
In winter, the Ariège offers no less than 9 stations for practicing downhill skiing. Discover, for example, Ax 3 Domaines and its 80 kilometers of tracks, Goulier in the valley of Auzat Vicdessos or Guzet with its magnificent setting and its 29 tracks. Nordic ski enthusiasts can also enjoy their favorite activities in the Beille, Chioula or Lers pond areas. In the summer, there are many other outdoor recreation such as hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking with plenty of space for downhill and enduro, kayaking, canyoning... If you prefer to take a little height, let yourself be tempted by climbing, via ferrata, mountaineering, paragliding, glider or even a hot air balloon flight.
After having spent a lot of time, take a short break by visiting the pretty cities of Ariège. In Pamiers, discover the beautiful Saint-Antonin cathedral rebuilt in the 17th century on the remains of an ancient church of which only the gate (12th) remains. Built in Toulouse brick, it has a magnificent octagonal Gothic bell tower. You can also admire Notre-Dame-du-Camp church, Carmel, the Cordeliers Tower and Cailloup Abbey. In Foix, visit the castle which dates from the 12th century on the heights of the city and now houses the departmental museum. Enjoy the historic quarter, its medieval setting and its beautiful buildings : the Saint-Volusien abbey church, the Montgauzy chapel and the Rue des Grands Ducs.
Many other towns and villages deserve a detour such as Mirepoix (Cathedral, Castle of Lagarde), Saint-Lizier (palace of the Bishops, cathedral), Seix and its castle of Roy, Tourtouse, Saint-Martin d'Oydes... Take advantage of the thermal tradition of the department, go to Aulus-les-Bains, Ax-les-Thermes or Ussat-les-Bains which have high-quality establishments. But do not forget to visit the Cathar castles such as Montségur or Roquefixade, the caves of Niaux and Mas d'Azil, the Tarascon mountains... Finally, taste the local specialties : millas, garbure, thourin, rouzolle, Mounjetado, Croustade...