©1 Canoe Tarascon Ivan Olivier Adt09|ivan OLIVIER - ADT 09

I'll be arriving by train for a whole host of mountain adventures

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Nature, escape, sports and wine tasting in Tarascon-sur Ariège

This morning, Sarah and I are on the train for a ‘low-carbon’ nature, leisure and tasting day. Like a lot of people, we’re paying attention to our footprint on Earth by adapting our lifestyles, and in particular the way we travel!

Getting there
©2 Cropped Arrival Tarscon Station View Dr Adt|ADT
©3 Tarascon station Cote Parking Dr Sncf|SNCF
©4 Recadree Loc Km 0 Dr Adt|KM zéro

    As it’s the first weekend of the month, we’ve found train tickets for €1 thanks to the Occitanie Region and SNCF Voyageurs! We arrived at Tarascon-sur-Ariège station to blue skies and sunny skies, just the thing for an autumn day. The view of the quiés was already giving us a change of scene! A five-minute walk away, Sarah hired an electrically-assisted mountain bike from the Kilomètre Zéro shop (I was able to bring my own). As we’re just a stone’s throw from the tourist office, we’re going to check out some information, and the advice Coralie gives us is invaluable in fine-tuning our programme, including buying some local produceat Trésors de Pyrène for our snack!

    Stroll around the market

    Between cheeses and sausages!

    After parking our bikes on the metal hoops in front of thetouristoffice, which has the Accueil Vélo label, we set off to the market in search of local produce for our picnic. We found the cheese from the Vieux Prés farm calling our name, and the tasting convinced us! The café at Le Bellevue continues to immerse us in the local life of this small town, gateway to the Haute-Ariège valley.

    We set off on our bikes, heading for Ornolac-Ussat-les-Bains via the village ofUssat. As we approached the Pré Lombard campsite, we thought we might like to stay there again.

    ©5 Recadree Marche Tar Vue Dr Adt|ADT
    ©6 Pique Nique Yannick Riout|Yannick RIOUT
    Aerial view of a water park with slides and poolsAerial view of a water park located in a mountainous valley. It features several water slides, pools, and swimming areas. The surrounding mountains provide a spectacular natural backdrop. Trees and recreational facilities complete the landscape.
    ©A water park nestled in the heart of the mountains, offering breathtaking views and refreshing entertainment.|Simon MIONI

      CANOE RIDING

      Picnics, swimming, sunbathing and nature watching!

      David, manager of the Ariège Evasioncampsite, canoe hire centre and mountain outdoor activities instructor, will equip and brief us for the trip down the Ariègeriver on our own. Equipped with lifejackets, watertight jerrycans, paddles and a canoe, we set off on our adventure. The trip starts gently on a small lake, where we get to grips with our boat, and then the descent begins. We had to steer our canoe through small rapids. It doesn’t take long to get the hang of it! We cross Tarascon-sur-Ariège and then Bompas, where the Garrabet lake begins. Mercus is 3 km further on. The tranquility of a lake also means that we have to paddle to get there! But the beauty of the site and the view over the valley rewarded our efforts. We came across a fisherman, whom we paddled well out to sea in accordance with David’s instructions, because here everyone shares the river!

      ©7 Canoe Ariegeavasion Prepa Dr Adt|ADT
      Three people kayaking on a riverThree people kayaking on a river. The kayaks are yellow and purple. The kayakers are dressed in light clothing and appear to be having fun. Water from the river splashes around the kayaks. The river is surrounded by green trees and mountains in the background.
      ©A sunny day for a kayaking adventure with friends.|ADT09
      ©9 Kayak Au Pied Du Quie Sinsat Cp Ivan Olivier Adt09|Ivan OLIVIER -ADT 09

        David was in sight, and we arrived soaked but delighted, it has to be said that we got a bit wet, as the weather was just right. Based on our observations, David thinks we’ve seen a red kite- what luck! He also gave us some information on the formation of landforms, geology, hydrology, the formation of caves, prehistory… all the riches of nature in the Ariège. We also passed the thermal baths at Ussat, where the beauty of the façade catches the eye. Today, people still come here to take care of themselves, but in a more modern building just next door. Nearby, David points out the Lombrives cave, where Catherine offers incomparable historical and geological tours!

        We lost no time on the shuttle bus ride back to Ornolac-Ussat-les-Bains. We cycle back to Tarascon-sur-Ariège in the dry.

        Fountain with multiple water levels in a garden surrounded by vegetation and an old buildingA multi-tiered fountain is located in a garden surrounded by lush vegetation. An old building with arches and columns is visible in the background. Climbing plants partially cover the building, and flowers are planted in pots near the fountain.
        ©A peaceful garden with a fountain and lush plants.|thermes Ussat
        Two people exploring a cave with rock formations and blue lightsTwo people stand in a cave illuminated by blue lights that highlight the rock formations. The cave walls are adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, creating a fascinating underground landscape. The reflections of the lights on the rocky surfaces add a magical touch to the scene.
        ©Explorers discover the hidden wonders of the cave.|SOISNARD
        ©12 Pecheur Ivan Olivier Adt09|Ivan OLIVIER

          LOCAL BEER TASTING AND CITY TOUR

          Terroir and culture

          Clément, one of the four founders of a craft brewery in the heart of the town, tells us about their passion for the Ariège region and the creation of the four Destral beers. On tasting, I think I prefer the Black Style Porter, while Sarah finds La Fauve, an Irish Red Ale, to her taste. We take home a bottle of each to share with our friends.

          Before heading home, we take the time to explore the city, thanks to the itinerary Coralie gave us earlier. Churches, squares, colourful little streets and the famous Castella Tower, with its magnificent views!

          Now it’s time to give the bike back to Patrice from Kilomètre Zéro and head for the station.

          ©14 View of Tarascon Guillaume Payen Tower Adt09|GUILLAUME PAYEN
          ©15 Girls Cycling Guillaume Payen Adt09|GUILLAUME PAYEN

            Back to calm

            After all these adventures, the train lulls us to sleep!

            We’re finally sitting down in the carriage of the train back to Toulouse, which leaves right on time! Phew, we’re going to be able to take a breath after such a generous day! I’m proposing to Sarah that we take the next train trip, but over two days, to enjoy the Ariege Pyrenees in a different way. I’ve already come up with a number of ideas from the stations at Tarascon-sur-Ariège, Les Cabannes, Luzenac-Garanou, Ax-les-Thermes, Mérens-les-Vals and even L’Hospitalet-Près-l’Andorre!

            ©16 Ruelle Tarascon Guillaume Payen Adt09|GUILLAUME PAYEN
            ©17 Arrivee Gare Tarscon Dr Adt
            ©18 Vue Bellevue Tarascon Stephane Meurisse Adt09|STEPHANE MEURISSE

              Living intensely

              Experiences in the Ariège Pyrenees
              Child dressed warmly playing in the snow with gloves and a scarfA child, dressed warmly in a jacket, hat, gloves, and scarf, is playing in the snow. The child appears joyful and is raising their arms in the air. In the background, there are ski slopes and ski lifts. The sky is clear and the snow is plentiful.
              ©A moment of pure joy in the middle of winter, a child plays in the fresh snow.
              Family vacations in the snow
              Mountain village with a church and houses surrounded by treesView of a mountain village with a central church and colorful houses surrounded by trees. The roofs of the buildings are of different colors and there is a large building in the background. The village is surrounded by greenery and mountains.
              ©A peaceful mountain village with a central church and colorful houses.|STEPHANEMEURISSE
              My spa treatment at Ax-Les-Thermes
              Relaxed woman in a bubbly hot tubA woman is lying in a hot tub with her eyes closed, surrounded by bubbles. She is wearing a black swimsuit and appears to be relaxing. The water is a light turquoise color.
              ©A woman enjoys a relaxing moment in a hot tub.
              My thermal water wellness day at Ax-les-Thermes
              Two people backcountry skiing in a snowy landscapeTwo people equipped with skis and poles are moving up a snowy slope. They are surrounded by snow-covered trees and mountains under a clear blue sky. Ski tracks are visible in the snow.
              ©Two skiers enjoy a sunny day in the snowy mountains.|STEPHANEMEURISSE
              Skiing in the fir trees at Ax 3 Domaines
              Person throwing snow in the mountains with snowy landscapesA person in winter clothing throws snow into the air, creating a cloud of flakes. The snowy mountainous landscape stretches out in the background under a clear blue sky. Snow-covered bushes are visible on the right side of the image.
              ©A moment of pure joy in a snowy landscape.|Maxime REY
              Snowshoeing in Chioula
              Winding ski trail in a snowy mountainous landscapeView of a winding ski trail in a snowy mountainous landscape. Two skiers are descending the trail under a clear blue sky. Snow-covered trees and mountains surround the trail, creating a picturesque setting.
              ©Two skiers enjoy a sunny day on the slopes.
              Northern ambience at Beille
              Fountain with multiple water levels in a garden surrounded by vegetation and an old buildingA multi-tiered fountain is located in a garden surrounded by lush vegetation. An old building with arches and columns is visible in the background. Climbing plants partially cover the building, and flowers are planted in pots near the fountain.
              ©A peaceful garden with a fountain and lush plants.|thermes Ussat
              My anti-burn-out cure at Ussat-les-Bains
              A platter with bread, wine, beer, and accompaniments in front of a fireplaceA wicker platter holds bread, a bottle of Hypocras wine, a bottle of MISTRAL beer, a jar of jam, and a wine glass. All of this is arranged in front of a lit fireplace, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
              ©A relaxing moment with local products in front of a fireplace.|Yannick RIOUT
              Immersion in the mountain spirit
              Ski slope with skiers and beginners on conveyor beltsView of a ski slope with skiers descending the slope. Beginners are using conveyor belts to go up. The slope is surrounded by trees and snow-covered mountains. Buildings and vehicles are visible in the background.
              ©A sunny day on the ski slopes with skiers of all levels.
              Goulier, my favorite resort
              Ariege's little extras
              The Ariege Pyrenees, your oxygen bubble!

              Looking for unspoilt nature, the great outdoors and white water?
              In winter, skiing, snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing, sledging, dog sledding, at Ax 3 Domaines, Beille, Ascou and le Chioula, Mijanés and Goulier...

              In summer, hiking, mountain biking, paragliding or canyoning...

              And all year round, you can enjoy the benefits of the thermal waters at Ax-les-Thermes, Ussat-les-Bains or the Bains du Couloubret.
              There are also some unmissable tourist sites: the Niaux cave and the Prehistory Park.

              Not forgetting the history of our mountains and its heritage, pastoralism and local produce!

              Book your next mountain holiday!