Tarascon Country
between mountains, caves and Ariege villages
An authentic region where history and nature meet
Situated between Foix and the high peaks of the Pyrenees, the Pays de Tarascon includes several villages and valleys around Tarascon-sur-Ariège, gateway to the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Nature Park. It’s an ideal destination for combining hiking, medieval heritage and renowned prehistoric sites.
Land of caves
and legends
Niaux, Lombrives, Bédeilhac: life-size prehistory
The region is famous for some of Europe’s most remarkable decorated caves: the Niaux cave, with its Magdalenian paintings, the Lombrives cave, vast and steeped in history, or Bédeilhac, with its spectacular volumes. The Parc de la Préhistoire, in Tarascon, completes this family immersion.
Villages, castles
and Cathar memory
A living heritage of narrow streets, ramparts and medieval ruins
In addition to Tarascon, the region abounds in picturesque villages such as Surba, Banat and Ornolac-Ussat-les-Bains, with its thermal baths. Cathar relics such as the Château de Lordat overlook the valley, and numerous signposted footpaths link these sites on foot.
