Little known outside France and to an extent the Low Countries, the Ariege Department lies directly south of Toulouse, on the route to Andorra, rising dramatically to the high Pyrenees mountain range on the border with Spain.  It has a range of scenery from the high peaks to the sandy beaches at the edge of  lakes; dramatic fauna  including bears& wolves ( at least in a wildlife park!), we have had deer and wild boars  in the garden! A wide range of birds including eagles and kites can be seen seen (from our terrace), a wealth of wild flowers from alpines in mountains to orchids in the road verges! The  insect  life, also, can be interesting ...if you like this type of thing! Add to this heady mix the mystery, drama and tragedy of the history of the region, in particular Catharism, with their towering castles and blood curdling stories, then the appeal of the Ariege is boundless. The Ariegeoise people themselves are welcoming, open, proud and seem very in tune with their surroundings.

Things to see.
In the vicinity(mins 20) we have Carla Bayle, a pretty bastide village  with an artist's community and a swimming lake; Maz D' Azil with a Neolithic cave (which you drive through!), a   dinosaur park and a local market on Wednesday. The underground river at Labuiche is an astounding trip " the  cheddar caves  by boat! " ; Martin D' Oydes is an unusual circular village (ask that Tony Blair ...his family holidayed  there!).

Further afield (less than one hour or so) there are Churches,  Castles and  Caves, Medieval towns and  villages, Markets and Museums and, of course, the landscape.. lakes, hills and lots of mountains!. There are wildlife parks to visit and you can go shopping "duty-free " in Andorra! You can dabble your toes in hot springs or in the sea (about less than 2 hours of distance)

Things to do
In the vicinity (mins 20) you can go horseriding,  walk on marked trails, go swimming in a  lake, cycling (remember the hills! but the Tour de France 2010 passed through Artigat) Going fishing in lakes and rivers or visit the Vertigo Sequoia (click here for details)  an  Adventure park with aerial ropeways.

Further afield  (less than one hour or so) There is so much to make that the list seems that endlessly, Some are listed below click the link below the picture for more info.     www.ariege.com   has a lot of useful information.