The fortress of the Counts of Foix (11th-15th Centuries) is a comprehensive example of mediaeval architecture largely untouched by the modern age. The most famous of its inhabitants was Gaston Phoebus. Today, the castle houses the museum of Ariège where the prehistoric, Roman, and Mediaeval Ages are represented together with the arts, crafts, and traditions of Ariège. The Middle Ages are relived in Foix each year: mediaeval market, street entertainment, concerts, talks, historical pageants, and a great sound and light show, "Once upon time in Ariège (Il était une fois . . . Ariège.)". Nearby: the Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge), St-Jean-de-Verges, Montgaillard, and the underground river at Labouiche.

MAS d'AZIL

Crossed by the river Arize and the main road, the Mas d'Azil cave is one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world. The Azilian Age (app. 8000 B.C.), characterized by small flint tools, colourfully decorated pebbles, and finely carved harpoons, borrows its name from the cave. Many of the previously mentioned prehistoric artifacts are displayed in the cave museum and the village museum, the latter housing the beautiful "Le Faon aux Oiseaux" (Fawn with Birds). The cave was also used as a shelter throughout the ages by persecuted people such as the Cathars, or Huguenots (Protestants). Nearby: the fortified village of Carla Bayle.

THE CASTLE OF MONTSEGUR

A citadel with impressive ruins, Montségur was one of the centres of the Cathar religion in the 13th Century. The castle was built at an altitude of 1207 metres (3960 feet) on a rocky cliff called the "Pog." During the Albigensian Crusade, the fortress became the symbol of resistance for the Southern Counts. In March 1244, after a 10 month siege, it fell into the hands of the royal army. Steadfastly refusing to renounce their religion, some 200 Cathars were burned to death at the foot of the "Pog." Nearby: House of Textiles and Horn Combs in Lavelanet, Museum of Montferrier, Roquefixade Belesta.

SAINT-LIZIER

Saint-Lizier was named for one of the very first bishops of the city (circa the 6th Century), although the first churches, here, were not built until the 12th Century. Once a bishopric, Saint-Lizier has remarkably preserved its past grandeur, including two splendid cathedrals with Roman foundations, a prestigious cloister, and the Bishop's Palace. The cathedral has the loveliest Romanesque frescoes in the Pyrénées. Nearby: the legacy of the bishops, Audressein, Aulus-les-Bains, Bethmale, Ustou - Guzet-Neige and the Cirque de Cagateille.

MIREPOIX

First appearing on record in the 5th Century, Mirepoix gained a certain measure of fame in the 12th Century when Simon de Montford gave the castle to Guy de Lévis as a reward for his faithful service during the Crusades. Examples of early architecture abound in the St-Maurice Cathedral, the marketplace surrounded by wooden covered galleries (the "couverts"), and half-timbered houses (the most original of which is the House of the Consuls). Each year in July, mediaeval pageants revive ancient times in the heart of the town. Nearby: Camon (fortified village), Lagarde (ruin of 13th Century feudal castle), Vals (fine church built into the rock), Montbel, Mazères (bastide, or fortified town, at 30 km., with ancient market place and 16th Century presbytery with Renaissance tower).

PREHISTORIC REGION OF SABARTHES

This lovely little mountain region near Tarascon-sur-Ariège is reputed for its wealth of prehistoric caves. The cave of Niaux contains Magdalenian Era (14,000 to 10,000 B.C.) drawings of bison, horses, etc., that are among the finest in the world. The Cave of Bédeilhac, a huge cavern with a gigantic porch opening, contains similar paintings and engravings from the Magdalenian. The Cave of Lombrives has rich, rock concretions amid long galleries and fairy-like caves - - the Mammoth, Pyrene's Grave, Bebryx's Throne, and the 1,000 Column Cave. The Cave of La Vache contains Magdalenian Era dwellings. Nearby: Country Life Museum at Niaux, permanent exhibition on prehistory and archaeology in Tarascon, Roc de la Vierge (Rock of the Virgin), Parc d'Espagne Leisure Centre, and the Ladres Basin Hot Springs at Ax-Les-Thermes (at 30 km.).