The Ariège MTB Crossing - Stage 09: Montégut Plantaurel to Le Mas d'Azil

To see:

Mas d'Azil Cave
The cave is, above all, an exceptional geological site. It all began in ancient times when dinosaurs ruled as masters, more than 70 million years ago. In the limestones that make up the Plantaurel range, 65 million years ago, the Arize river wore a passage and gave birth to the spectacular current porch (nearly 70m high), which was very quickly used by animals and humans. Occupied by cave bears, mammoths, and other woolly rhinoceroses, still present at the very heart of the cave, it later served as a refuge for the Magdalenian people. They left countless remains, tools, ornaments, weapons, painted pebbles, bones, etc., whose quantity and quality today make the Mas d'Azil famous and classify the cave among the greatest prehistoric sites in the Pyrenees.

Pailhès Castle
Built on a strategic site overlooking the village, Pailhès Castle played a major role in the Foix country from the 13th to the 17th centuries. However, it was during the reign of Henry III of Navarre (future Henry IV of France) that Pailhès lived its glory days, becoming the center of military and administrative life of the county. History also reports that in 1579 its owner, the Baron of Villemur, received the future King who slept on the bed since named "Henry IV bed" and currently exhibited at Foix Castle.

Natura 2000 - Orchids
A Natura 2000 zone (area for the preservation and enhancement of natural heritage) is located in the communes of Mas d'Azil and Camarade. Several hiking trails allow you to admire in the dry grasslands no fewer than 22 species of orchids, bat habitats, and many other species both in terms of fauna and flora.