Ariège is a department built for the outdoors. Between the Pyrenees to the south, the Plantaurel hills to the north and the Couserans valleys to the west, the terrain offers an exceptional variety of landscapes and activities. Here is our selection of the 15 best activities for a sporty, nature-filled summer.
1. Hiking: the undisputed classic
With over 1,500 km of waymarked trails, Ariège caters for every level of walker. From the loop around Lac de Montbel (easy, 2 h) to the ascent of Mont Valier (expert, 2 days), every hiker finds their match. The GR10 and GR de Pays cross the department and offer memorable stages.
2. Mountain biking: technical trails and sweeping views
The Plateau de Beille MTB centre has waymarked downhill (DH) and cross-country tracks. For enduro, the trails between Aulus-les-Bains and the Col de la Core are renowned. Forest tracks around Mirepoix offer smoother routes, ideal for families.
3. Canyoning: adventure in the gorges
The canyons of Marc, l'Artigue and Bassies rank among the finest in the Pyrenees. Led by professional guides, routes range from discovery level (age 8+) to full-on sport. Thrills guaranteed: natural slides, jumps and abseils in a spectacular setting.
4. Paragliding: soar over the Pyrenees
The flying sites of Buzan, Goulier and Col de Port offer tandem introductory flights with an instructor. In summer the thermals are excellent and the views breathtaking. Expect to pay €60-90 for a 20-30-minute flight.
5. Kayaking and white-water sports
The Ariège (the river that gave the department its name) and the Salat offer class II to IV kayaking and rafting runs. The water-sports centre in Foix provides beginner sessions from age 10. For the more adventurous, the upper Salat delivers technical descents in natural conditions.
6-10. Via ferrata, horse riding, rock climbing, fishing, trail running
- Via ferrata: routes at Sinsat and Auzat, with exposed sections and spectacular views
- Horse riding and trekking: riding centres in the Couserans and the Barguillère valley
- Rock climbing: cliffs at Sabart and Ornolac, equipped natural sites in Haute-Ariège
- Trout fishing: first-category rivers, day fishing permits available
- Trail running: waymarked paths and organised races all summer (Trail du Montcalm, Trail de Montségur)
11-15. Tree-top adventure, caving, archery, orienteering, swimming
- Tree-top adventure: Crapahut Parc Aventures in Surba and the Foix adventure park
- Caving: unequipped caves in the Arize massif with specialist guides
- Archery: permanent forest courses, combinable with hiking
- Orienteering: permanent waymarked circuits in several municipalities
- Swimming: Lac de Montbel, Étang de Lers and rivers to cool off after your exertions
Set up base at Domaine de la Trille, in the heart of Ariège, and head out each day to discover a new activity. Caravans and gîtes available all summer.
View availability
