History & Culture
The history and culture of our region in The Ariege Pyrenees.
Pre history
The caves of the Ariège, first frequented by the Magdalenian civilisation around 14,000 years ago, are internationally recognised as having some of the finest examples of Palaeolithic paintings and artefacts anywhere in the world. Four main sites are clustered around Tarascon-sur-Ariège, with the Grotte de Niaux being the most celebrated. A torch-lit guided visit to the cave penetrates almost 1 km into the vast galleries, revealing the famous drawings of Bison and horses. One can only imagine the emotions and motivations of those who came here to leave their mark.
The Grotte de Bédeilhac in our village tells a similar story. The artwork is perhaps not as powerful as that of Niaux, but it comes in a wider variety of styles, including mud reliefs and modelled stalagmites. The cave itself is a wonder to behold and was used as an aircraft factory in the Second World War by the French, and then by the Germans during the occupation.
In contrast to the caves at Bédeilhac and Niaux, which are thought perhaps to have been places of worship and ceremony only, the Grotte de la Vache, close to Niaux, has revealed remains of 10,000 years of habitation from around 12,000 BC up to the Bronze Age. A huge array of artefacts has been excavated and is on display, making for a fascinating walk through history.
For a truly immersive experience, the Parc de la Prehistoire is a great day out with plenty to learn and plenty of fun for the kids, featuring a range of outdoor activities and workshops, as well as a kids’ play area and a restaurant.
History
The history of the Cathars is one of Knights and Lords, Castles, Crusades, inquisitions, and martyrdom, with a good few burnings at the stake thrown in for good measure. The ruined castle at Montsegur was the site of the final defeat of the Cathars in 1244 after a siege of almost a year. The castle is well worth a visit for its position and the sense of history, although less so for the castle itself, little of which remains in its original form.
The castle at Roquefixade is similarly ruined but is well worth the 20-minute climb purely for the views. The Ariègeoises take great pride in their Cathar heritage, and there are many tourist attractions celebrating the history.
Towns and Villages
Tarascon-sur-Ariège, our nearest town, about 5 minutes away is a good sized town with several supermarkets and a number of restaurants and bars. Occupying a basin at the convergence of 5 valleys and with the river Ariège flowing through, the wooded peaks surrounding the town give it a real mountain feel. The old town has remnants of the medieval walls and towers and is well worth a visit. Market day is Saturday with the usual array of regional produce on offer. A popular agricultural fair is held twice a year timed to coincide with the ‘Transhumance’ (moving of the flocks to pasture), and the annual music festival is always popular.
Foix, about 20 minutes drive north of Tarascon, is the departmental capital of the Ariège and has plenty to do and see. The biggest attraction is the hilltop château with its three conspicuous towers from different eras, giving stunning views across the valley.
The old town has been well preserved with houses dating from the 14th century overhanging the cobbled streets. There are plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars and lively markets are held on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Other must-see towns include the ancient bastide town of Mirepoix, home to one of the finest surviving arcaded market squares in France. Houses surrounding the square date back to the thirteenth century, with intricate wood carvings on the exposed timbers supporting the buildings.
Carcassonne is around an hour away and is well worth a visit to see the UNESCO World Heritage site, the ‘Cité de Carcassonne‘, a restored medieval hilltop fortress. Carcassonne is also home to a number of other tourist attractions, as well as shops and restaurants.
For a somewhat less cultured experience, duty-free shopping in Andorra is only an hour or so away, with bargains aplenty to be had. Just be sure to check the duty-free limits as the border police frequently search vehicles returning to France.
Eating
Guests staying in Bedeilhac are ideally placed to enjoy the excellent choice of restaurants, cafés and bistros in nearby Tarascon-sur-Ariège and Foix.
The Ariège is renowned for its authentic Pyrenean cuisine, with many establishments showcasing fresh local produce, seasonal ingredients and traditional regional recipes. From relaxed lunches in welcoming cafés to memorable evening meals in family-run restaurants, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of dining experiences to suit all tastes and budgets. Set lunches are widely available, offering great value for money. Local specialities such as duck, charcuterie, mountain cheeses and other regional dishes feature prominently on many menus. Whether you are seeking a simple meal after a day in the mountains or an opportunity to discover the rich culinary heritage of the Ariège, the surrounding towns offer quality dining, genuine hospitality and plenty of choice throughout your stay.
For the best pizza around (we think), check out Pizza de Peppo by the river in Tarascon – facebook.com/pizzadepeppo/.
The Vieux Carre in Tarascon is a great place to eat inside or out, with a good range of dishes and a good value set lunch – levieuxcarre.fr.
Introduction to the Area
Discover the stunning local area surrounding Base Calames, from dramatic Pyrenean mountains and historic villages to walking trails, wildlife, markets, caves, and unforgettable outdoor adventures in the Ariège region of southern France.
Wildlife
Explore the remarkable wildlife of the Ariège Pyrenees, where soaring birds of prey, wild deer, butterflies, mountain rivers, and unspoilt forests create one of the most diverse natural landscapes in southern France.
Activities
From hiking, climbing, skiing, and cycling to cave exploration, wildlife watching, and relaxing village markets, discover unforgettable holiday activities in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees.
About Base Calames
Learn more about Base Calames, a welcoming family-run holiday retreat in the Ariège Pyrenees offering comfortable accommodation, outdoor adventure, and an authentic experience of mountain life in southern France.
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Accommodation
Discover Base Calames, a spacious holiday home and gîte in the Ariège Pyrenees, France. Sleeping up to 12 guests across six comfortable bedrooms, the property offers well-equipped self-catering accommodation with secure storage for outdoor gear, making it ideal for families, groups, walkers, cyclists, and adventure enthusiasts.
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