Holidays in Cathar Country, head to Ariège with the family!

Looking for fun activities for a family holiday in Ariège ? Cathar Country combines a rich history, breathtaking mountain scenery and an authentic atmosphere. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Ariège, and in particular Cathar Country, has a long and tumultuous past to tell you. It is a land of character and rebellion, and some of its inhabitants, famous or unknown, have distinguished themselves through the ages. This territory of mountains, valleys and deep forests also offers an exceptional natural setting for the practice of many unusual sports and activities. Here are some ideas for discovering Cathar Country with your family !

Opening photo: The beautiful fortified town of Mirepoix in Cathar Country Photo © JackF | Adobe-Stock

Discover the history of Cathar Country

Ariège is a region that will allow you to introduce your children to the history of France, through key events that took place there.

It has been a welcoming land for humans for thousands of years and many caves bear witness to this: the Bédeilhac Cave, the Vache Cave, the Niaux Cave… Prehistoric habitat sites have been reconstructed there and museums house many objects to help us understand life in this distant era. Visit in particular the Pyrenean Park of Prehistoric Art in Banat, an ideal place to experience prehistory with your family, or the Mas-d'Azil Cave. This eponymous Azilian site includes a habitat space, housing the interpretation center, a huge decorated cave and a museum.

At Mas-d'Azil, you'll also take a leap back in time to the Bronze Age. Amazing dolmens still stand proudly, showing us the region's importance during this era. It's also a former Protestant stronghold, which experienced an epic siege! It was assaulted by nearly 14,000 of Richelieu's soldiers for several weeks...

The Mas d'Azil Cave Photo © tamagoshis | AdobeStock

If you're interested in the Middle Ages, head to Mirepoix; you'll be charmed! This 14th ^- century fortified town boasts an impressive medieval heritage : half-timbered houses, a central square with its wooden gallery, the Maison de la Chevalerie, the cathedral, and more.

And to finish this journey through time, Montségur is the most representative fortified castle of the fight against Catharism. But, this is only one of the events in its history. Since prehistory, the site has been occupied, passing between the hands of the Romans, Protestants, Catholics and Nazis... It is a must-see place !

The central square and ancient arcades of Mirepoix Photo © Gumbao | AdobeStock

Explore Ariège and Cathar Country, on foot, by bike or on horseback

Haute-Ariège lives up to its name! It's a land of mountains, valleys, and rivers, where you can enjoy beautiful hikes. If climbing doesn't scare you, head to Montségur. Many trails crisscross the Massif Saint-Barthélemy Regional Nature Reserve, around its peak. The paths can be steep, making them more suitable for hiking.

Will you have the courage to climb up to Montségur Castle, on its rocky escarpment? Photo © Séverine-Galus | Adobe-Stock

If you love natural sites and forest environments, you will have a great time in Haute-Ariège. The region is unspoiled and has retained a wild side with impressive forests. The Cathar Country is full of waterfalls, gorges and fountains… where you will take refreshing walks in all seasons and see geological curiosities. We particularly recommend the Cascades de Roquefort-les-Cascades, the Cascades de la Piche, in the Prayols forest, the surroundings of Seix, with its passes, cirques, waterfalls and ponds, but also its mines.

Would you prefer a stroll through a village? Nicknamed the " village of a hundred rose bushes ", Camon is a fortified village typical of the region, with pretty alleys, an abbey, a magnificent rose garden and dry stone huts. Carla-Bayle is a former Protestant citadel, now transformed into a city of the arts. Numerous art galleries are spread throughout this lively village, thanks to workshops, artistic meetings and a plastic arts festival.

Discover the Couserans on horseback or pony with your family, with Crins en Soi!

Camon, a charming village to discover. Photos © Deborah CC-BY-2.0 & Pedro CC-BY-2.0|Flickr

Play sports and have fun with the family in a leisure park

In Léran, Lake Montbel covers 570 hectares. Appy-parc offers all kinds of water sports : inflatables, slides, playgrounds, etc. To enjoy the lake, Yakay-Kayak offers canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, stand-up paddleboards, etc. You can also rent all kinds of boats: pedal boats, jet skis, rowing boats or electric boats, mini-catamarans, sailboats, etc. There is even a sailing school to teach you how to sail.

If you're looking for a more urban aquatic space, you'll find what you're looking for in the heart of the town of Pamiers. The Neptuna Water Park has several indoor and outdoor pools, including a play lagoon, a sports pool, an " outdoor blue lagoon ", a whirlpool and a " plouf parc " for children. In the summer, inflatable structures are installed there. You'll also find games, activities and water gymnastics classes.

L'Appy-parc also has a treetop adventure park around Lake Montbel. In Bélesta, in the Fontestorbes forest, you can climb the trees at Crapahut Parc Aventure. You'll gain height and exercise, while enjoying the coolness of the forest canopy and the magnificent view! Courses are suitable for all ages and levels and you have access to many other activities, such as laser tag or escape game.

For a change, in Aigues-Vives, Kart'Are welcomes you to experience the thrills on its karting tracks or in its paintball park.

Come and do some sport and push yourself during your vacation in Cathar Country. Photo © Crapahut Parc Aventure

Meet the animals at a farm or animal park

In Lapenne, the Bison Farm is an unusual animal park with American bison of course, but also aurochs, Scottish Highlands, African Watussi, deer, fallow deer... Children will love the tractor ride to see the bison. Then, you walk the park's trails to surprise woodland animals and original birds. Finally, the farmyard is a very popular place for toddlers.

Another unique visit awaits you at Xploria Park. You will travel through a forest to go back in time to discover ancient animals. You will admire reconstructions of dinosaurs, giant mammals from prehistory, extinct species from yesterday and today. It is a fun, sensory and very educational journey.

In the Couserans region, at La Bastide-de-Sérou, the Reptile Farm takes you on a world tour of cold-blooded animals ! Snakes, iguanas, lizards, and turtles are all on display. This is a great opportunity to introduce children to lesser-known species, helping them become more familiar with these animals and overcoming any fears they may have.

Fortunately, they are only found at the Reptile Farm and not in the wild! Photo © Reptile Farm

We hope we've given you some ideas for fun family outings. Ariège and Cathar Country have many other treasures and little corners of paradise to discover.