Cherry Cottage: Self Catering Accommodation / Gite in the French Pyrenees
Sightseeing

 

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Castles/Chateaux

view from the top of Montsegur castle.
Montsegur: The castle ruin of Montsegur stands high on a hill or pog, approximately 1000metres above the valley (though the walk to the top is only approximately a 250metre climb).   It is an imposing sight from a distance, and even more so as it gets closer.  The violent history of the Castle chills the blood a little if you allow your imagination to run wild. 

In 1243 Montsegur was besieged during the battle against a group of Cathars, an assault that lasted over 9 months.  The besiegers, knights from the garrison of Carcassone, attempted to starve the defenders out but many locals supported the Cathars, and the plan of cutting their supplies did not work.  Eventually a group of Basques took the eastern wall, and thus weakened the defenses of the castle sufficiently for it to fall.  The 200 or so k nights and their families who had been seeking protection from the castles thick walls, surrendered and were given 2 weeks to decide whether to renounce their faith or face a violent death.  The majority of the defenders took the consulamentum and were led to the fields below the castle where they were burned alive. 

On entering the now deserted castle, the garrison expected to find the fabled treasure of the Cathars, but to date, its location is a mystery.  The Cathar history and its lost treasure has proved to be an inspiration for both fictional and factually based novels such as ' Da Vinchi Code', ' Labyrinth' and ' The Holy Grail and Holy Blood'. Getting there: 50 mins by car. Head towards Foix on the N20 from Les Cabannes.  Take the turning off signposted Lavelenet and follow signs to the castle. 

it is easy to let your imagination carry you back at Roquefixade castle, just outside Foix

Roquefixade: This is the most western Cathar Castle, and although a complete ruin, is evocative and worth a visit for the stunning views.  It is a 20 minute climb up to the castle (no admission fee) from the village of Roquefixade, a bastide built after the Cathar crusades.  Getting there: 35mins by car from the village of Nalzen on the D117. Also signposted from Foix. 
Les Grottes: There is plenty of choice if you are a Cave fan, giving many an option for the rare rainy day that you may get on holiday. 

Mas d'Azil: This is one of the most famous prehistoric (Paleolithic) sites in the world. The Azilian Age (app. 8000 B.C.), characterized by small flint tools, colourfully decorated pebbles, and finely carved harpoons, borrows its name from the cave. The area was excavated by Edouard Piette in the 19th Century and he interpreted his findings of bone carvings as indicating that man had domesticated reindeer and horses.   Occupations at the site range in date from 17,800 to 6500 years BC.

Many of the previously mentioned prehistoric artifacts are displayed in the cave museum and the village museum, the latter housing the beautiful "Le Faon aux Oiseaux" (Fawn with Birds). The cave was also used as a shelter throughout the ages by persecuted people such as the Cathars, or Huguenots (Protestants). Getting there: 40 mins by car from Tarascon sur Ariege

Labouiche: The underground river at Labouiche is the longest navigable subterranean river in Europe.  It is worth a visit for the boat journey along about a km of river-way, which takes about an hour and a quarter.  The caves at Labouiche are about 6km's outside of Foix.  Getting there: 40 mins by car from Foix

Lombrives: The caves at Lombrives claim to be the biggest show caves in Europe and has been listed in the Guinness Book of Records for more than 40 years! There is a more touristy atmosphere here than at other caves, perhaps accentuated by the train ride, which kids love!  Lombrives was inhabited around 4000BC.  During the Albigensian crusades, up to 600 Cathars are said to have been walled up inside (1328).
There are various tour options ranging from about 20minutes up to 5 hours walking underground!   You need to reserve places for the longer trips (05 61 05 98 40. There is a train ride also. Getting there: 10 mins by train from Les Cabannes to Ussat Les Bains  dir. Toulouse/Foix.

Niaux: The Grottes here are famous for their cave paintings by prehistoric man.  The Tour, taking about 45 minutes, is done by handheld torchlight in order to keep the temperatures in the caves at 12 degrees so as to preserve the pictures.  It takes you almost a km into the grottes. Studies of the paintings date them back to around 10,800BC, with the crayon being made of bison fat and manganese oxide.   A line of footprints can also be seen, left by the artists, in a part of the cave only opened up since 1970. It is a good tour, leading your imagination back to what it might have been like to live in one of the caverns. Reservations are needed in advance. Getting there: 20 mins by car from Tarascon sur Ariege towards Vicdessos

Grotte de la Vache, Alliat: This cave is found approx 2km's from Niaux, and was inhabited for approximately 10,000 years, from 15000 BC to 12500BC.  Many flint tools have been unearthed here, and some are on display. Getting there: 25 mins by car, or you can walk from the Niaux Museum (Musee Pyrenean) which short cuts the road slightly. 

Grotte de Bedeilhac: Though not as imposing as Niaux, this cave is well worth a visit.  It contains examples of all techniques of Paleolithic art including, drawings, clay moldings and paintings.  During the Second World War the entrance cavern was used as a aircraft hangar.  Getting there: 30min by car from Tarascon sur Ariege, head towards Saurat on the D618
sante!
Wine Tasting: Ariege is situated to the West of the famous Languedoc-Rousillion region of France, and offers an opportunity to take a drive through the vineyards that produce Corbieres, Cahors, and Fronton wines.  The famous Blanquette de Limoux (local champagne equivalent) is delicious, and found in the nearby Limoux area. 
Prehistoric Park: This museum is worth a visit to help explain some of the history of the local caves and their drawings.  Explanations are available in English.  It also shows reproductions of various art that is from caves not open to the public. Outside there are examples of the types of shelters constructed by Magdalenian people and demonstrations of flint sharpening and fire building. Getting there: By car to Tarascon sur Ariege. Bypass Tarascon, initially following signs to Foix, until you get to the dual carriageway roundabout on the outskirts of Tarascon.  From here the Parc de Prehistoire is signposted.
cycling up the orlu valley - one of the few flatter areas for cycling this area
Orlu Valley: The Orlu Valley is a stunning place to visit for walking and cycling.  There is also the Forge Museum, and the Wolf Reserve (Parc de Loups). Getting there: 40 mins by car via Ax les Thermes. Head to Ax on the N20.  Take the 2nd exit from the roundabout in central Ax, then look for a left hand turn signposted Orlu.  Follow the road up the valley.
peregrine falcon hiding its meal from spying eyes. Excellent bird demonstration at LordatBird of Prey Flight Demonstration,  Lordat: You really shouldn't miss this fantastic opportunity to see up close several of the local bird of prey species that we have living in the Pyrenees.  The setting for the flight demonstration is a local castle ruin, with spectacular views.  up up and away! the griffon vulture always finds it tempting to go awol.The enthusiasm of the 'bird man' is contagious and it would be impossible not to enjoy the show.  The birds are beautifully looked after, and really seem to enjoy their roles in the show , particularly the Griffon Vulture! Getting There: Head towards Ax on the N20.  Turn L in Luzenac and straight through the town to head up into the hills.  Go through the village of Unac.  At the cross roads (on a hairpin), turn L and head into Lordat village where you park at the base of the castle).

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