The Ariege borders Andorra and is situated in the middle of the Pyrenees. Its landscape is wild but easily accessible for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Walking, camping, fishing and climbing are popular in the summer - skiing is main focus in the ski resorts in winter.
Top grade trout streams rush down forested mountainsides into rivers where kayakers paddle. Walking trails lead to 3000 metres peaks where isards (chamois), marmots and even bears roam. In these mountainous regions you may spot bears, wild sheep or even an odd cyclist or two - the Ariege usually playing host to a portion of the 'Tour de France'.
Traditions have held fast in this sparsely populated area of France, not least in some of its more traditional farming methods such as the transhumance.
It is not difficult to see why the more rural, isolated areas served as a refuge for prehistoric man who sheltered in the many caves, for fleeing Cathars who defied the Church and for French resistance fighters.
