World masterpieces of 10,000-year-old prehistoric art lie slumbering in the Ariège Mountains’ countless caves !
The grotte de Niaux (cave), the most emblematic one, has a «black room» with a prodigious array of creatures (bisons, horses, deer, mountain goats, etc.) running along its walls.
Pech Merle and the Gargas Caves are also veritable art shrines decorated with handprints, footsteps and paintings of animals. Some of these priceless treasures are off limits to the public in order to preserve them.
Children enjoy the Parc de la Préhistoire in Tarascon-sur-Ariège, which offers life-sized recreations. If you are not claustrophobic, explore Lombrives Cave and Gouffre de Padirac underground.