The Caves
_{Caves and Prehistory in Ariège}

Ariège is a paradise for explorers of lost worlds. Come and search for the clues left behind by early humans: footprints, flint tools, jewelry, cave paintings. All of this makes the Ariège Pyrenees a major center of prehistoric art and history.

Set off on a journey back in time!

Niaux Cave

The Niaux Cave is one of the most famous caves in Ariège. Discovered in the 17th century, it is part of a vast underground network that includes several other caves such as Lombrives. This entire network was listed as a Historic Monument in 1911.

Excavations carried out from the early 20th century uncovered a rich collection of Magdalenian cave art, created around 16,000 years ago. However, archaeologists agree that it was not used as a dwelling. The Magdalenians likely used the site as a hunting camp, which explains the abundance of animal drawings.

You can discover these artworks during a 1 hour 45 minute guided tour.

You can also view exact replicas displayed at the Prehistory Park in Tarascon-sur-Ariège. The cave is located opposite another cave: the Cave of La Vache.

09400 Niaux

https://www.sites-touristiques-ariege.fr/grotte-de-niaux/

Lombrives Cave
_{At the heart of the largest cave in Europe …}

Lombrives is one of the most visited major sites in Ariège.

This fascinating cave bears traces of legends, protohistory, and history… It served as a shelter for Magdalenians, a burial site during the Bronze Age, a sacred Cathar site, a refuge for Protestants, and was frequented by kings and even used by bandits.

Lombrives has always fascinated people, who left thousands of signatures and mysterious symbols inside.

A guide will take you on a cultural, historical, contemplative—and slightly sporty—tour! Visitors aged 3 to 99 can enjoy it. Very young children can be carried in a front baby carrier (back carriers are not allowed for safety reasons).

“Little explorer” routes are also available for children.

Route Nationale 20

09400, Ussat-les-Bains

Tél : 06.49.44.45.00

contact@grottedelombrives.com

Bedeilhac Cave
_{From Prehistory to aviation !}

Discover an extraordinary underground landscape with vast chambers and spectacular formations. During your visit, you will encounter Cro-Magnon, who decorated the cave 16,000 years ago using remarkable techniques such as painting, engraving, and clay modeling. He even left the imprint of his hand.

More recently, the cave also played an industrial role. At the beginning of World War II, aircraft manufacturer Émile Dewoitine from Toulouse decided to install assembly workshops at the cave entrance. After many difficulties, it was eventually used for storing and repairing aircraft.

Grotte de Bédeilhac 09400 Bédeilhac-et-Aynat
Téléphone : 05 61 05 10 10
Site web : www.grotte-de-bedeilhac.org

Mas d’Azil Cave

Located in the town of the same name, the Mas-d’Azil Cave is one of the most unique caves in Europe and is world-famous.

Today, it is protected in several ways: it is classified as a Historic Monument and has also been protected since 2009 by the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Natural Park.

Another unique feature: the cave, shaped by the Arize River, forms a natural tunnel that was later adapted for road traffic. Most of the archaeological remains were discovered thanks to the construction of this road.

Dating back around 2 million years, the cave was occupied during various prehistoric periods. The Azilian prehistoric culture is named after it. Numerous artifacts found here have helped archaeologists and historians better understand early human life.

A guided tour immerses visitors in the time when the cave was discovered. Your ticket also gives access to a museum located a few hundred meters away.

Avenue de la Grotte, 09290 Le Mas-d’Azil

https://www.sites-touristiques-ariege.fr/grotte-du-mas-dazil-2

Underground River
_{of La Bouiche}

Embark on a fun and fascinating journey that will amaze both children and adults! This friendly tour takes place 60 meters underground along the longest navigable underground river in Europe!

Throughout the trip, passionate guides pull the boats along the river using ropes fixed to the cave walls. They share stories and secrets while explaining the scientific formation of the cave’s features.

Located 6 km from Foix, the Labouiche underground river is also accessible via the greenway “Foix–Saint-Girons,” on foot or by bike.

Rivière souterraine de Labouiche, 09000- Baulou