Visit Ariège and its wide-open green spaces
Staying at the campsite near Foix La Roucateille means having Ariège at your fingertips — and what an Ariège! Prehistoric caves, Cathar castles, the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Natural Park, outdoor sports, local gastronomy… This department in Occitanie, nestled between Toulouse and the Spanish Pyrenees, has nothing to envy of the major French tourist destinations. Better yet: it has kept its authenticity. Here, you discover Ariège at your own pace, far from the crowds and marked circuits.
Accessible by car from Toulouse via the motorway, by train to the Foix or Tarascon-sur-Ariège stations, and even by plane via the Toulouse or Carcassonne airports, visiting Ariège has never been easier. And to organize everything on-site, the Ariège Pyrenees Tourist Office is an essential resource.
Ariège castles and caves you must discover
Ariège is a land of memory. In the Middle Ages, it was a stronghold of Cathar resistance: a fascinating history that can still be read in its stones. Exploring Ariège is like stepping back in time at every turn of the road.
On the castle side, don’t miss:
The Château de Foix
Just 5 minutes from the campsite, fully renovated in 2019, with a 2,000 m² museum, an immersive room, archery and crossbow workshops, and a family escape game. In August, the sound and light show is exceptional!
The last Cathar bastion, perched high up, accessible on foot from the village. Guided tours from May to September (€5.50 adults / €3 children aged 8 to 15).
Perched on a cliff with an unbeatable panorama, free access all year round.
In ruins but inhabited by free-roaming goats and llamas, with equestrian knight shows in summer (€4 adults / €1 children aged 10 to 18).
On the cave side, the Ariège underground holds wonders:
55 m high, 50 m wide, and authentic prehistoric paintings that will take your breath away (€14 adults / €10 children).
The largest cave in Europe, an unforgettable labyrinth of underground rooms and galleries (€12 adults / €8 children aged 6 to 12).
Classified as a Historic Monument since 1929, with paintings and models dating back 16,000 years (€9 adults / €5.50 children aged 5 to 17).
The Ariège Valley:
nature, sports, and outdoor activities
Visiting Ariège also means getting active, and the choice is staggering. The Ariège Pyrenees Regional Natural Park offers an exceptional playground for all levels and ages. Hikes start directly from the campsite, via the communal park and the Cathar trail accessible on foot.
Sports activities not to be missed:
Hiking and trail running –
for all levels,
including the famous
Montgailhard trail
starting from the campsite
MTB and cycling –
on the department’s
network of greenways*
Canyoning –
in the canyons of
Artigue, Marc,
or Argensou
Canoeing, kayaking, and rafting –
guided or not,
an activity to discover
at all costs!
Climbing –
in Vicdessos, accessible
to beginners
Caving –
introduction at the Port de l’Hers
chasm or in the
Siech and Vicdessos caves
Bungee jumping –
in Surba, from 70 m
high. Thrills guaranteed!
Paragliding –
at Prat d’Albis, opposite the
campsite, in tandem flights
for beginners
Skydiving –
in Pamiers-les-Pujols or
Saint-Girons, at over
3,000 m altitude
Trout fishing –
at the fish farms in
Surba and Montferrier
Cani-hiking and cani-karting –
at the Plateau de Beille at 1,800 m
altitude with our
partner Angaka
Water activities –
water skiing, swimming, pedalos,
and water games in Mercus (10 minutes
from the campsite) or Montbel
Horseback riding –
in the Ariège
mountains
All-terrain scooter –
with Trott’ Occitanie to
discover Ariège differently
* Bike rentals of all types with the campsite’s partners to be discovered on-site! Also, a magnificent greenway, starting from Foix, for cycling in a natural setting, in complete safety and without steep inclines.
The best family activities to do around Foix
Families, Ariège has a program for you that will make the eyes of both young and old sparkle. Less than 30 minutes from the campsite:
- Château de Foix and its workshops — archery, crossbow, escape game, and immersive room.
- Forges de Pyrène in Montgailhard — the living museum of old-time trades, just a stone’s throw from the campsite.
- Prehistory Park
- Labouiche Underground River
- Foix-Saint-Girons Greenway
- Wolf Park
- Orlu Treetop Adventure
- The Reptile Farm
- Domaine des Oiseaux in Mazères — for a discovery of birdlife.
- Mercus Water Sports Center — developed beach, picnic area, beach volleyball, and pedalos for a full family day out.
- Mirepoix Market — every Monday morning, one of the largest markets in the region in a beautifully preserved medieval bastide.
To organize everything, the campsite reception is at your disposal: large map of Ariège, guides and brochures, personalized advice, and booking of visits.
The most beautiful towns in Ariège
Just 5 minutes from the campsite, Foix and its castle perched on its rocky outcrop will welcome you in its lively shopping streets. Further afield, a few gems not to be missed:
- Montgailhard — the village where La Roucateille is located, to be discovered on foot along the river, situated in the magnificent Communal Park bordering the campsite, seen from above by climbing the Pic de Montgailhard starting from the campsite (45 min flat out to reach the summit!), or with its theme park Forges de Pyrène.
- Mirepoix — a medieval Cathar bastide with its half-timbered houses, its Monday market, and its farmers’ market on Thursday mornings.
- Tarascon-sur-Ariège — nestled in the heart of the Ariège valleys, with its Castella tower standing on its rock.
- Saint-Lizier — its recently renovated Bishops’ Palace, its Gallo-Roman walls among the best-preserved in southern France, and its Notre-Dame cathedral with remarkable wall paintings.
- Saint-Girons — a typical town of the region, ideal for strolling and tasting regional products.
- Andorra — 1 hour from the campsite, much more than duty-free shopping: Canillo, Soldeu, Pas de la Casa, and the historic site of Les Bons are well worth the detour.
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