Let's take a map of France, and now head south, to theAriège, for a change of scenery just an hour from Toulouse. The department where the name "Pyrenees" does not appear, unlike its neighbors, while the goddess Pyrenees dominates this mountainous territory, composed of cities, valleys and villages. If geographically the department may seem isolated, it is not. The Ariège, bordering Andorra, is located only 1 hour from Toulouse and its airport, 1 hour from Carcassonne, 2h30 from Montpellier and barely 3 hours from Bordeaux. The access is easy thanks to the freeway, an expressway, road infrastructures excellently maintained (snow removal, regular salting...) and of good quality. Of course, one must think of the train which from Toulouse allows to reach L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre and which serves more than ten stations on the route, of which the cities of Pamiers, Foix, Tarascon-sur-Ariège or Ax-les-Thermes. Ariège has always known how to combine diversity with authenticity, modernity with humanity, that of the men and women who live there and who build this land to offer you the best of what they have, what they do, what they are.
Experiences and discoveries
For many, the Ariège evokes pure air, skiing, snowy slopes and exhilarating descents... Indeed, with 6 ski resorts, the department can boast of a superb wooded ski area ideal for all levels, but you will discover that there is more to it than that! We can't forget the 4 Nordic areas that allow you to see and practice the mountain differently, from another angle, in an adventurer mode. Yes, you can experience the thrill of the Great North in our great south, during a trapper's weekend, Jack London style, at the Angaka base on the Plateau de Beille: dog sledding, snowshoeing, igloo, bivouac in a yurt or tepee, night outings... Atmosphere is guaranteed and food is included. If you are more Copernicus than London, you can go to the science at the Chioula pass, on the opposite mountain, for an astro-discovery evening with a passionate and fascinating guide or a night walk with snowshoes which are a good way to explore some remote places, far from the crowd and the tumult of the ski resorts. You can enjoy the most beautiful snowy landscapes in a true spirit of freedom, whether in a sporty or more relaxed way, each at his own pace, alone, in couple, in family without sinking into the powdery snow and discover idyllic places like Tarbésou, the pond of Lers or in Mijanès-Donezan. And why not a hike aroundAx-les-Thermes?
For those who want to go higher
How to discover new horizons of altitude, wild places, immaculate snow as far as the eye can see, grandiose landscapes, spaces untouched by any passage, if not by putting on touring skis and going through Aston, Donezan, Couserans... There is something for all levels and all difficulties. The supervision and the security are a priority to take advantage of the sensations of the off-piste, to feel this adrenalin at the limit of the risk of the forbidden. The accompaniment of a guide is highly recommended, almost obligatory, to avoid spending the day with your eyes on the GPS. Mountain professionals are experts in the terrain, weather conditions and, in addition to their skills, will show adventurers the immense love and passion they have for this territory they know so well. They have become an integral part of this ecosystem. These professionals share the subtle places to go for maximum thrills and enjoy a unique freedom on these pristine slopes, off the beaten path. The ideal place to experience a freeride ski session and slide down dizzying couloirs, slaloming between rocks in a protected environment and a feeling of safety, no-risk. All this is of course possible from the Ariège ski resorts.
Fun and well-being
The new glides are not left out and the department is known to be a good spot for teenagers and young adults. The Ariège resorts have all adapted their structures to accommodate these new areas of fun, original snow parks, jumping tables, snakegliss or fatbike descents, and even ice climbing. After skiing, you can go down the slope on a monorail sled in Guzet, or for new sensations.
Lungs aired, eyes filled with wonder, muscles put to the test, it is time to discover the Ariege under another facet. The beauty of the department is not only reliefs and breathtaking landscapes, it also has an inner beauty... Under the prehistoric caves, in the agitated basements, bubbles a sulfurous water with beneficial and relaxing properties which gushes out between 37 °C and 70 °C in the thermoludic spaces of the Baths of Couloubret in Ax-les-Thermes or in the Well-Being Space at the thermal baths of Aulus-les-Bains. After taking good care of your body, it is time to feed it, to please it and to satisfy it... Ariège is full of quality producers and talented craftsmen. Along the village markets, you will discover the importance of short circuits and responsible economies. You will meet the person who produces the delights that will delight your taste buds with sweet pastries such as apple or blueberry croustade, the many varieties of cold meats such as liver sausage, jams or honeys, cheeses from Bethmale, Moulis or elsewhere, made from good cow's milk, ewe's milk, goat's milk, or all three at once! Different brands promote local products such as the Nòu brand or the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises brand..
Sites open in winter
After a good day of skiing or discovering and wherever you stay, there is inevitably something to see or do around you. Ariège is a lively department all year round and culture is one of its priorities. You will have access to the Scène Nationale and its eclectic program (dance, concerts, theater... shows for young people), cinemas, theaters, a casino... The ski resorts offer throughout the season entertainment programs and some high altitude restaurants organize unusual and unforgettable theme evenings, such as the chalet de Beauregard in Guzet or the Louzat in Ax-3-Domaines.. Imagine an après-ski at 2,000 m in a festive and friendly atmosphere and coming back down at nightfall, supervised, of course, by professional ski patrollers... or even tasting seafood and dancing to Latino music, transported by snow groomer or snowmobile! Further down in the valleys, the Ariège has been going on for 14,000 years. Thousands of years of history that begin in the cave of Niaux or Mas d'Azil, and then in its many castles of the Middle Ages, straddling the time of the Cathars, whose most beautiful jewel sits on its rock and dominates the beautiful medieval town of Foix. A visit to the castle-museum is a must. Discovering the cave of Niaux is a real moment of emotion because after a walk in the galleries, illuminated by flashlights, the arrival in the black room is overwhelming. Here, men and women have painted the walls of this cave and the spectator finds himself in front of the original paintings because of course, everything is authentic, they are not reproductions. The Lombrives cave shines by its immensity and the geological richness of the mineral concretions that it offers. Further inland, you will discover the attractive village of Carla-Bayle, where the philosopher of the same name was born, and its breathtaking view of the Pyrenean mountain range, also visible in the Couserans, in Saint-Lizier, where you will visit the Bishops' Palace and its museum. Winter and summer alike, Ariège combines nature, adventure and culture!
FUTURE INFO
When to visit?
Obviously in winter for the pleasures of the snow. Take advantage of this time to scout for short or longer stays, in spring or summer. You will discover the same places and landscapes but from a different perspective and with new activities.
Duration
For days of skiing and/or discovering, the weekend seems ideal, the Ariège being located at 1 hour from Toulouse. By car or by train, access is easy and the infrastructures reliable. One week will allow you to get to know some of the best places in Ariège.
Budget
It depends on the range of accommodation chosen. Hotels, gites, guest houses, yurts... the budget is between 50 € and 200 € per night (80 € per night on average in a hotel or guest house). For rentals in the resort, count between 500 € and 1 000 € per week. A large choice of restaurants allows an average budget of 25 € for an adult to 15 € for a child.
Public
Young and old, teenagers, young adults in couple or in group, family, friends, everyone takes great pleasure in staying in Ariège. The ski resorts, like the museums, offer advantageous rates for adults accompanied by children, as well as for students.
The advantages
Access to the resorts without a car and at a low price: by train from Toulouse and night train from Paris (Skirail offers, see "Good plan")
6 skiresorts and 4 Nordic areas to discover.
A large number of activities and visits to vary your program.
The minuses
Be careful, make reservations inadvance for accommodation at the foot of the slopes.
How to get there
By car, from Toulouse on the A66 freeway "l'Ariégeoise" to Pamiers, a four-lane road extends it to Tarascon-sur-Ariège.
By train, from Toulouse, several connections every day. From Paris-Austerlitz, night train at 22:12.
By plane, many daily flights from Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille, Nantes. Direct shuttle to the Toulouse Matabiau train station.
Good plan
The Skirail all-inclusive offer includes a reduced return train ticket from the Toulouse-Ax-les-Thermes line, access to the station and the day ski pass at a reduced price.
Useful
Everything on a single site to book: chalets, guest rooms, hotels, tourist residences, vacation villages, ski passes, ski lessons... in a short circuit! Transaction carried out directly from the client to the service provider, without any intermediate commission.
ARIÈGE PYRÉNÉES - More information on the website
