If you are not a fan of winter sports, and want to get away from the ski resorts of Ariège, you and your little family can turn to an equally fun activity by visiting an educational farm. Here are five that might surprise you.
Meet the sled dogs
Hatï, Sköll, Lokï, Ragnar, Taïma, Manì and their peers are waiting for you this winter in Massat, in Ariège, to show you their educational farm. These Siberian huskies, Greenland dogs, Lakoutian Laikas and Alaskan huskies form the Nordic pack of “Terre Sauvage”. You will discover their daily life and learn to decode their language and behavior. Mathilde and Iliès, their mushers, will also tell you where they come from, what their lifestyle is and what they particularly like. With this in mind, you can then learn to drive a team around the Lers Pond, or take your first time in a large team to the rhythm of the strides of the dogs who will set off to attack the Chioula pass. Activities that can be practiced both with and without snow. An unforgettable experience!
Practical information: Terre Sauvage, in Massat (09320). Prices: visit to the farm 15€ per person, introduction to a large team from 40 to 60€ per person, introduction to driving a team from 60€ per hour to 120€ per half-day per person. Reservation required online or on 07 69 43 56 06.
Among the black-headed Manech sheep
Nestled in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees, Ferme des Cycles embodies a vision of sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture. Certified in organic farming (AB) and labeled Nature & Progrès, this agroecological farm stands out for its commitment to responsible practices. The owners raise black-headed Manech sheep, an emblematic breed of the region, whose milk is transformed on site into farmhouse cheeses, yogurts and natural soaps. As for the sheep's wool, it is worked by hand to give birth to unique creations, testifying to preserved local know-how.
La Ferme des Cycles does not just produce, it opens its doors to the curious to share its values. Visitors can participate in fun and educational workshops, such as cheese and soap making, or discover wool processing techniques and the principles of permaculture. For nature lovers and foodies, a farm snack allows you to savor farm products while enjoying special moments with the animals: lambs, chickens, pigs and many other residents of the farm.
Practical information: La Fermes des Cycles, in Fossat (09130). Prices: guided tour of the farm €5, visit and cheese tasting €8. Reservation on 06 81 51 89 85.
Welcome to the llamas
Did you know that there were llamas in the Pyrenees? In Ariège, they even have an educational farm dedicated to them and which you can visit this winter. In an exceptional natural setting of 40 hectares, around thirty camelids evolve peacefully under the attentive care of Laurence and Eduardo. These passionate breeders (llameros), rich in experience forged between Bolivia and the Pyrenees, devote their lives to these fascinating animals, which are at once curious, gentle and deeply endearing. For years, they have been breeding, selecting and training their llamas for various activities: ecological clearing, hiking with portage, as well as wool production and processing. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the world of these unique creatures. You will have the opportunity to approach the llamas, to caress them, and even to observe the youngest of the herd. Walks in their company are even planned. The secrets of these captivating animals will be revealed to you: their behavior, their social bonds, as well as their multiple talents. A special moment!
Practical information: La Ferme des lamas, village of Saleix in Auzat (09220). Prices: €5 per adult and €3 from 5 to 15 years old for a visit among the herd, €20 per adult and €15 per child for a walk with the llamas. Reservation required online or on 05 61 03 19 80.
Immersed with Angora goats
Reintroduced in France in the 1980s, the Angora goat is now at home in Ariège, notably at the Ferme du Moulis. There, a herd of 140 heads is raised for its fleece: mohair. This textile fiber, twice as warm as sheep's wool, is also renowned for its softness. By going there, you will be able to discover the animals and the entire production cycle, from shearing to the finished product. Children will be able to enter the enclosures where, after an introduction to the animal, they will be able to touch and caress it. This winter, you may attend a shearing session, which takes place twice a year, in August and February, on this farm in Ariège. But for the birth of kids, it will be through videos, this event taking place in the spring. During the visit, you will be invited to stroll through the goats' pastures and to participate in several workshops: a game on the different natural textile fibers, an activity around the manufacture of a thread then a fabric, a demonstration of the use of a spinning wheel, a loom…
Practical information: La Ferme du Moulis, in Comarade (09290). Guided tour prices: €5 per adult and €2.50 per child under 18 years old. Information and reservation on 05 61 69 91 59.
At the bedside of animals
Most of the tenants of the Ferme de PAN come from seizures, abandonment or mistreatment. As a family, you will know each person's history to better interact with each animal, but you will also be familiar with each species to learn their needs. A way to raise public awareness of everything involved in owning an animal (diet, lifespan, habitat, activities, etc.). During your visit, you will cross paths with goats, donkeys, geese, rabbits, guinea pigs, ducks, chickens… To take care of all this menagerie, children will be able to transform themselves into real farmer, the time of a workshop. They will come into contact with the animals, provide care, give them food and… clean their litter. And yes, that’s also taking care of an animal!
Practical information: La Ferme de PAN, 16 chemin du Trémental in Arignac (09400). Prices: from €3 per person. By appointment only on 06 44 29 48 18 or by email at [email protected].
