These little-known sites, like “Machu Picchu” in the Pyrenees, to discover in Ariège

If theOccitanie full of treasures, theAriège contributes fully to this. Between the “Machu Picchu” of the Pyrenees, the “City of Arts” of Carla-Bayle or the ruined castle of Lagarde, this territory is rich in surprises. Here are five sites to discover this summer!

1. The “Machu Picchu” of the Pyrenees

Do you know the “Machu Picchu” of the Pyrenees? Located at approximately 2,750 meters above sea level on the Bulard Mail, a summit in Ariège, this former mining site was once nicknamed the “man-eater”. Its particularly exposed position was the scene of dramatic accidents, hence this other nickname.

The site closed in 1919, the ores having been exhausted. Old buildings (canteen, dormitories, etc.) and mining installations today bear witness to a bygone era.

2. A “little Versailles” at Lagarde

Located about a hundred kilometers south of Toulouse, the Lagarde castle would have been nicknamed “the little Versailles”. The building has been the subject of numerous alterations over the centuries. In the 17th century^e century, major works were intended to transform the castle. In particular, a French garden project is being launched, with remarkable trees, ponds, flower beds and statues.

Under the Revolution French, the castle will be pillaged and transformed “into a stone quarry”. Since 1990, groups of volunteers have tried to restore the ruined building.

3. Notre-Dame de Vals, an astonishing church

This curious and quirky building was built on a rock split in two. To enter this site built more than 1,000 years ago, you must take a staircase built in the natural crack in the rock.

Notre-Dame de Vals is a rock church. Inside, the visitor can discover Romanesque frescoes from the 12th^e century, notably an “extremely rare” representation of the child Christ, who is being given a bath.

4. The largest open-air talc quarry

It’s not snow. It’s… talcum powder! The Trimouns quarry, near Luzenacis the largest operating open-cast talc quarry in the world.

The deposit is located on the side of the Soularac peak (Tabe massif) between 1,650 and 1,800 meters above sea level, overlooking the Ariège valley. On site, nearly 400,000 tonnes of ore are extracted per year, which provides around 10% of global production.

Tours are offered to discover this incredible site.

5. A plane in a cave

Located north of Tarascon-sur-Ariège, the Bédeilhac cave was the scene of an aeronautical feat! The facts date back to July 1, 1972. That day, test pilot Georges Bonnet took on a crazy challenge at the controls of a touring plane, a Rallye 125 from the Morane Saulnier factories in Tarbes (Hautes-Pyrénées): he will land in the cave. And take off again.

Even today, visitors to the cave can admire a replica of the plane during their journey through the cavity.

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon -.