In the footsteps of the past
Discover a fascinating journey back in time, located just a few minutes from the Arize campsite in Ariège. Whether you’re a family or a couple, educational and entertaining adventures await you. Explore ancestral forests, villages of yesteryear and immerse yourself in the daily lives of prehistoric man. Each site offers a unique experience, combining nature, history and entertainment for all ages.
Xploria: The forest of time
Just 15 minutes from the Arize campsite, the Xploria forest park invites you on an educational journey through time. The “Corridor of Time” is an invitation to walk on wooden footbridges, pass through the gates of time and discover life-size reconstructions of extinct prehistoric animals. Exploration continues in the botanical areas, offering a fascinating insight into the evolution of life on Earth.
This park, designed to stimulate curiosity and wonder, is an exceptional opportunity to learn while having fun in the heart of nature. Interactive workshops and immersive installations enrich the experience, making Earth’s history accessible, captivating and educational for all visitors.
Les Forges: a revitalized village of yesteryear
Just 20 minutes from the Arize campsite, the village of “Les Forges” reveals itself to be a forgotten haven nestled in 5 hectares of greenery, with a serene river running through it. This idyllic setting invites you to take a trip back in time, where Philippe, Benoît and Kamel, true guardians of tradition, open the doors to the workshops of yesteryear. Taking on the roles of blacksmith, clogsmith, baker and schoolmaster, they rekindle the flame of ancestral knowledge, offering a lively glimpse into the trades of yesteryear.
The experience is enriched by a museographic space featuring an impressive collection of 5,000 antique tools, silent witnesses to the gestures and techniques of the past. This plunge into artisan history promises a captivating adventure for visitors of all generations, punctuated by interactive demonstrations and fascinating anecdotes. “Les Forges” is thus positioned as a crossroads of memory and education, where every object, every gesture tells a story, reinforcing the link between past and present.
Tarascon-sur-Ariège Prehistory Park
The Mas-d’Azil cave continues to fascinate and inspire visitors well beyond the historical periods it has traversed. Between April 24 and October 30, during school vacations, the cave and its museum come alive with “Les Petits Aziliens”, a series of workshops designed to awaken children’s curiosity. These fun and educational activities allow young explorers to immerse themselves in the past in a fun and interactive way. Throughout the season, a multitude of other activities are offered to discover the cave in a new light, promising unforgettable experiences for all ages. These events, detailed in the brochure available on site, are all opportunities to experience the cave in a different way, with family or friends.
The Mas-d’Azil cave offers much more than a simple visit; it’s a captivating adventure through time, enriched by a varied program that highlights the richness of this extraordinary site.