What’s on in the Ariege
Golf
Skiing
Cycling
Fishing
Hiking
As well as walking, hiking, skiing, climbing, golf and fishing, there are many other things to keep you and your family amused in Ariege.
Nature
Orlu Nature Reserve
The Ariege Pyrenees is a true paradise for flora and fauna. Wild Irises, rhododendrons, orchids…so many colours and scents that will leave you with indelible memories, great for the amateur photographer in you!
Discover the nature reserve at Orlu (1hr 11 mins away) and just marvel at the marmots and lizards. Visit the underground river at Labouiche….
Wolf World
Wolf World
Les Forges d’Orlu, 09110 ORLU
LA MAISON DES LOUPS (WOLF WORLD)
A wildlife park in the middle of the forest completely dedicated to wolves. You will be able to see packs of European and North American wolves in a totally natural environment. A botanic trail allows you to discover Pyrenean species, whilst a discovery trail shows you mountain animal tracks. There is also a bird trail. The “Maison des Loups” also includes an audiovisual room with a slide show, an auditorium, a play area for children, a picnic area, a shop and a refreshment area.
Further information at Wolf World
Reptile Park
Reptile Park
At the Reptile Farm, you can discover reptiles from around the world in complete safety. Caimans, iguanas, pythons, boa constrictors, grass snakes and tortoises presented during a guided visit will reveal the diversity of the reptile kingdom and how it has evolved and adapted. Through handling and demonstrations, keepers will explain different reptiles’ behaviour, senses, food and reproduction. You will also be able to take photos with the iguanas, tortoises and pythons. A great day out for the kids!
Contact
LA FERME DES REPTILES
Lieu-dit Brouzenac
09240 LA BASTIDE DE SEROU
Phone : 05 61 65 82 13
E-Mail : contact@lafermedesreptiles.fr
Website : www.lafermedesreptiles.fr
Nature Reserves
Mont Valier
LA RESERVE DU MONT VALIER – 43mins from Maison Famille
09140 SEIX
Phone : 05 61 96 00 01
E-Mail : tourisme@haut-couserans.com
Website : www.haut-couserans.com
Caves and Prehistory
Cave Paintings
Ariège is steeped in prehistory. The caves at Niaux, Mas d’Azil, La Vache and Bedheilhac are teeming with artifacts: footprints, weapons, hunting tools, jewellery, rock paintings…. All of which put the Ariègeois Pyrenees in first place for prehistory and its art.
The Prehistoric Park, the only one in the Pyrenees and Midi-Pyrenees region, immerses you totally into the Ariège as it was in the Magdelenian era. Not to be missed are the reproduction drawings of the Salon Noir in the Niaux cave, which can be seen in their entirety in a superb exhibition. There are workshops which bring the everyday tasks of our ancestors to life: you can learn how to sharpen flint, to light a fire, to paint on rock-faces.
There’s also a forest of dinosaurs at Mas d’Azil; a favourite place to explore which is educational as well as lots of fun.
The huge geological caves at Lombrives are the biggest you can visit in Europe, and the underground river at Labouiche is the biggest underground navigable waterway of the continent.
Parc de la Prehistoire
Horseriding
There is a horseriding centre only 10 minutes away from Maison Famille.
African Safari
There is a safari park just south west of Toulouse: for further info see African Safaris
This site is in french so here are the important bits.
The park is open 1st April to 30th Sept 930am to 8pm, 1st Oct to 31st March 10am to 6pm. Children between 2 and 10 yrs 7,50 Euros. Adults 11,50 Euros.
There is free parking, a picnic area, drive-through safari as well as the zoo area to walk round. There are special shows with seals and parrots.
From the 1st Oct to 31st March the cafe is only open Weds, Sat, Sun and school holidays. (this is to coincide with when the French children are off school)
Land Treks in a 4×4 vehicle
This is an enjoyable day out with plenty of beautiful scenery. For further information see Land Treks
Space centre Toulouse
The space centre at Toulouse is well worth a visit. For more information visit the Space Centre
Chateau at Foix
Saint Lizier