Based at Ax-les-Thermes, your holiday includes themed walks (fauna, farming etc.), outdoor activities such as canoeing, accrobranche (a tree-top adventure), river walking, a “prehistoric” day, adapted to suit both young and old alike, and of course the opportunity to discover local produce. It really is a unique experience of the Ariège Pyrenees, with the numerous entertaining and appealing activities we are offering you, the company and insight that only local guides can offer, along with enchanting surroundings!

Day 1
Arrival and time to settle into your hotel La Grande Cordée. If you come by train thanks to book the shuttle from Ax les Thermes train station to hotel when you book you trip or 4 weeks before. At 6pm welcome drink and presentation of the week’s activities by your guide.

Day 2
After breakfast you will set off on a walk to discover the fauna and flora of the Pyrenees, the protected Orlu Nature Reserve. We may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of some izards (a variety of chamois) and marmots. This hike gives you an insight into the wildlife of Haute-Ariège and your guide will really enjoy showing you the local heritage.

Day 3
Haute Ariège is a prehistoric hotspot with its many caves and offers unique opportunities with its Prehistoric Park for instance, which is definitely worth setting aside a day for. Today will begin with a visit to the Niaux Cave to see its impressive cave paintings. The rest of the day will be spent on “prehistoric” activities at the Prehistoric Park, where the whole family can learn about the lives of our ancestors through various workshops.

Day 4
After a substantial breakfast, you’ll leave for a morning’s canoeing down the Ariège River. Despite it flowing gently into the River Garonne in Toulouse, the Ariège is an ideal mountain river for whitewater sports. We are therefore offering you a down-river experience combining games, relaxation and fun. Picnic on the edge of the river. Free time before dinner.

Day 5
After breakfast you’ll set off on a walk to find out about pastoral farming, transhumance the lives of mountain shepherds and their herds. With a family-friendly walk you will discover the life in the summer pastures and Orrys (dry stone shelters for the shepherds) and learn about the history of the mountains that surround you. We’ll ensure you won’t miss out on tasting the shepherds’ produce and the local specialities by having a picnic barbecue during the course of this day of authentic flavours.

Day 6
Move from tree to tree with an Accrobranche circuit this morning. There are several different courses available, covering all difficulty levels and durations, which will captivate the hearts of both young and old. After a picnic at the side of the river and a river walk, we’ll go on a short canyoning river descent...

Day 7
End of stay after breakfast.

Start
From 16:00 at La Grande Cordée, Ax-les-Thermes
End
At La Grande Cordée after breakfast
How to get there
SNCF station in Ax-les-Thermes (09)
Accommodation
Full board in 2 to 4 bed rooms at the hotel La Grande Cordée with bathroom and WC. Buffet-style breakfast and evening meal at accommodation, picnics at midday on terrain. Traditional specialities guaranteed to be made from natural ingredients. For more information about accommodation: www.grande-cordee.com
Number of people
of 5 to 15
Level of difficulty
Easy: no specific challenges, ability to swim for water sports; Walks of between 4-5 hours a day, on marked trails in mid-mountain areas. Adapted for childs from 7 years.
Guide
Mountain guide, canoeing instructor, certified canyoning guide.
Carrying
Only personal belongings for during the day and your picnic.
Price includes
Fullboard accommodation, local transfers, visitors’ taxes, accompaniment, the necessary equipment for the activities.
Price does not include
Transport to and from start/finishing points, insurance, drinks, lunch on day 1 and day 7, daily cleaning of rooms.

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