Practical guides, itineraries and inspiration to prepare your stay in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees.
Fine sand, turquoise water and supervised swimming in summer: Léran beach, on the shores of Lake Montbel, is THE family beach of Ariège. Access, parking, services, activities: our complete guide.
Treetop adventure in the forest, paddleboarding and canoeing on turquoise water, a supervised beach in summer: the Lake Montbel leisure park at Léran has everything for a great family day out in Ariège.
A nearly flat 15 km loop around the largest lake in Ariège, through woodland, peninsulas and Pyrenean panoramas. Full route, short family variants and the mountain-bike version: our guide to the Lake Montbel loop.
Is swimming allowed or forbidden at Lake Montbel? The clear answer: yes at Léran beach, supervised in July-August — elsewhere, caution. Zones, water level, practical tips.
Where to base yourself to enjoy Lake Montbel? Our complete selection — with our recommendation: sleeping in a farm gîte or caravan, in total peace, 20 minutes from the lake — plus the list of lakeside campsites.
From the Bassiès lakes to the Ars waterfall, from the GR10 to family strolls around Mirepoix: our complete guide to hiking in Ariège, sorted by level and area, with tips from a local host.
A string of lakes at 1,650 m, a refuge staffed all summer, a granite cirque facing the Pique Rouge: the Bassiès lakes hike is one of the finest outings in Ariège. Detailed routes, elevation gains and practical tips.
Roc de Calamès, Roche Ronde, Génat plateau: around Tarascon-sur-Ariège, the trails offer superb panoramas over the Ariège and Vicdessos valleys. Our selection of 8 hikes, from family loops to sporty summits.
Village fête, night market, lotto, festival: there is always something happening in Ariège at the weekend. Our events agenda, updated every month, with weekly markets and the year's big events.
At 1,274 m, at the crossroads of three valleys, the Étang de Lers is one of the most beautiful natural sites in Ariège. Fishing, walks, paragliding, a Tour de France pass and Nordic skiing in winter: the complete guide.
With its 246-metre drop in three tiers, the Ars waterfall is one of the most spectacular in the Pyrenees. The loop route from Aulus-les-Bains, difficulty, best season: the complete guide.
Niaux Cave is one of the last decorated caves in Europe where you can see the original paintings, not a replica. Booking, the lamp-lit visit, the Salon Noir, children, what to wear: our complete practical guide.
Perched at 1,207 metres on its pog, Montségur castle is the most emblematic Cathar site in Ariège. The climb, tickets, opening times, museum, tips for children and weather: the complete practical guide for a successful visit.
