As one of the most southerly departments in France, Ariege in the Occitanie region benefits from an interesting landscape, culture and history. At its northernmost points, flat agricultural land dominates, but you don’t have to travel far before the influence of the Pyrenées mountains can be felt. Visible for miles around, their peaks in Ariege are among the least populated areas of France, and where they are occupied, traditional culture and farming techniques are prevalent. In the foothills, rich water courses lead to stunning waterfalls and feed the lush forests which cover the landscape. The towns and villages throughout this area boast historic buildings dating back as far as medieval times, but you’ll also find more recent architecture among them.
The climate is mixed, influenced by both the Mediterranean and the surrounding mountains, so hot summer days often give way to storms and cooler nights. The proximity to Spain and Andorra, as well as excellent transport links, are among the many reasons why this area is growing in popularity.
Keen cyclists are almost guaranteed a sight of the Tour de France each summer, as it passes through the mountainous areas – and of course, there are plenty of great routes to enjoy getting out on a bike throughout the year. Equally, fans of wildlife, history and health will find more than enough to amuse themselves year-round.
Ariege’s (number 09) prefecture is Foix, which dates back to Roman times with a castle on the hill overlooking the town. Its old town features medieval streets with half-timbered housing, while the abbey, church and Allée de Villote marketplace surrounded by shops and restaurants are all worth exploring.
Foix is outsized in population terms by Pamiers to its north, sitting along the banks of the Ariege river. It is famed for its floral displays and offers a good mix of facilities, from restaurants and bars to swimming pools and its stunning Place de la République.
Smaller towns and villages all offer plenty of character – it’s worth exploring the markets and local shops in most communities. Among the highlights are the beautiful medieval towns of Saint-Lizier and Mirepoix, the ruined keep at Tourtouse, and the fascinating village of St-Martin d’Oydes, where the houses encircle the church at the heart of the small community.
Riverside towns are a real attraction in Ariege, offering water sports, beautiful walks and stunning views. Seix is a stunning mountain village on the Salat river, with an impressive 16th century castle, while Camon, with its ancient abbey and famous decorative rose bushes, is known as one of the most attractive villages in France.
Ariege also benefits from thermal spas, with Aulus-les-Bains, Ax-les-Thermes and Ussat-les-Bains among the best-known places to enjoy the healing properties of the waters. Each is believed to treat different conditions based on its mineral content – but many simply visit for the chance to relax and unwind.
Finally, culture enthusiasts won’t want to miss the active artistic community of Carla-Bayle, in the north of the department, the cave drawings at Niaux, or the traditional cheese-making, wooden clog creations and folk dancing of Bethmale, in the south-west of France.
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