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Motorhoming in Ariège
Motorhoming in Ariège
Ariège is the south eastern most department of the Midi-Pyrénées and the mountainous southern half of Ariège borders on Spain. It is a land of contrasting landscapes which have been inhabited since prehistoric times by man who has left his mark through each period of the history of Ariège.
In the north west of the region is the Mas d’Azil which means ‘sheltered village’. This gigantic grotto through which runs the river Arize, with its 50m high opening its width of 48m has served since the beginning of time as a natural shelter. Various discoveries were made when the road was tunnelled through the cavern showing that the grotto has been home to several civilizations.
Foix is the ‘capital’ of Ariège and has influenced this area of the Pyrénées since the middle ages. The château of Foix bears witness to this, with its three towers dominating the town and the surrounding area. This 11th century fortress makes up only part of the glorious medieval history of Foix. Go for a wander through the old quarter to discover the half-timbered houses, the sculptured fountains and the arched passageways created by the houses which join up over the streets. For the most spectacular view of the town and the Pyrénées of Ariège, go for a walk along the ‘balade de la Croix Saint Sauveur which will take you about an hour and a half but which won’t disappoint.
A little further south east is the town of Tarascon sur Ariège, geographically important as it is the meeting place of five valleys. After being almost completely destroyed by fire in 1701, today it is a charming town which managed to preserve its 14th century church tower and the Gate of Spain, la Porte d’Espagne. It is an excellent starting point for exploring the valleys and also offers its own rich natural and historic heritage.
Just next door to the south is the village of Niaux and its grotto where you can see the wonderful prehistoric drawings which can be visited in ‘le salon noir’. These works of art, dating from around 12,000BC make up a very small part of around 14km of underground galleries. If it’s a bit cold underground you can buy yourself a pure Pyrenean wool jumper from the village craftsman.
One of the little villages on the route of Saint Jacques de Compostelle is Saint Lizier which has a very rich history. Its imposing 12th century roman cathedral is home to tableaus painted around 1080 by Italian artists which are considered as some of the most important paintings of the period. The village is listed as one of the ‘most beautiful villages in France’.
Use the Aires de Service in Ariège before doing some motorhoming in the Hautes-Pyrénées or motorhoming in the Haute-Garonne.
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