Ariège is one of the least densely populated areas of France. If you drive south by car, you can choose from many challenging hikes in the Pyrenees, with beautiful nature and views.

Walk for hours through the green countryside without seeing a car. The area around Château Cazalères lends itself perfectly to this. Several routes depart from Daumazan-sur-Arize, the nearby village. Walk over hills, along meadows and small rivers and through picturesque villages and forests. From Montbrun, Mas-d'Azil and Carla Bayle there are also many hiking routes.

You can make cycling tours of all levels.

The Tour de France regularly traverses the rolling hills and unexpectedly tough cols of this area. You can go on an intensive cycling tour by, for example, cycling part of the Tour de France with climbs of various categories. For example, reaching the top of the Plateau de Beille.

There are also plenty of routes where the altitude difference is not great. Between Saint-Girons and Foix is a voie verte. Where there used to be a train track, a beautiful cycle path has been built. You cycle through quiet areas and tunnels, it's a beautiful setting. Or take the road to Carla-Bayle, a beautiful fortified town just 10 kilometres from the Holiday Park. You can also rent bikes at the park, these are VTC (vélo tout chemin) bikes.

If you want to know more about cycling in the area and Pyrenees, cycling routes are available at reception and at the Tourist Office.

About 45 minutes' drive from Château Cazalères is the Golf Club de l'Ariège golf course near the village of La Bastide-de-Sérou. With many height differences and beautiful views, it is a wonderful course to play on. There is an 18-hole course described as an amazing variety that combines both pleasant playing conditions but is also technically demanding.

There is also a 9-hole course that serves as a pitch and putt course and an extensive practice area.

The course must be booked in advance.

Ariège owes its provincial name to the river L'Oriége, which flows through the south of the department. This river, along with all the other streams in this southern part of France, make for perfect canoeing and kayaking in Ariège.

Almost every town and village has a place where you can rent canoes. Further south, where the countryside disappears and the forests begin, you can usually rent rafts too, for just a little extra excitement! Canoe rental companies usually also offer other water activities, such as whitewater rafting and kayak polo. Ideal family activities!

Most popular is the area south of Foix. Here, the River Oriége runs through a narrow valley, leading to many rapids and many bends. Along the way, you can enjoy the wooded scenery on the banks and the cliffs rising above you. Halfway down, there are plenty of places to stop for a short break. Let yourself drift with the family, bring some food and enjoy a carefree day.

If you are looking for more of a challenge, then canyoning is for you. Canyoning involves walking, swimming, climbing, sliding, jumping and abseiling your way through a gorge through which water usually flows. By embarking on this adventure, you will discover what is hidden in beautiful gorges, waterfalls and rivers. There are several organisations where you can take such a trip. Difficulty may vary, so be well informed at the reception of the holiday park or at the Tourist Office.

If you love horses, you will love Ariège.

For the inexperienced rider, there is the possibility of taking an hour's lesson on a Mérens, a real Pyrenean horse. If you are an experienced rider, it is possible to take a ride through the beautiful hills, and there are also possibilities for a day trip. This does depend on the weather.

Information at reception.