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Ariège (; oc, Arièja ) is a department in southwestern
France France (), officially the French Republic ( ), is a country primarily located in Western Europe. It also comprises of Overseas France, overseas regions and territories in the Americas and the Atlantic Ocean, Atlantic, Pacific Ocean, Pac ...
, located in the
region In geography, regions, otherwise referred to as zones, lands or territories, are areas that are broadly divided by physical characteristics ( physical geography), human impact characteristics ( human geography), and the interaction of humanity an ...
of Occitanie. It is named after the river Ariège and its capital is
Foix Foix (; oc, Fois ; ca, Foix ) is a commune, the former capital of the County of Foix. It is the capital of the department of Ariège as it is the seat of the Préfecture of that department. Foix is located in the Occitanie region of southw ...
. Ariège is known for its rural landscape, with a population of 153,287 as of 2019.Populations légales 2019: 09 Ariège
INSEE
Its INSEE and postal code is 09, hence the department's informal name of ''le zéro neuf''. The inhabitants of the department are known as ''Ariègeois'' or ''Ariègeoises''.


Geography

The department is part of the current region of Occitanie. It borders Haute-Garonne to the west and north, Aude to the east, Pyrénées-Orientales to the south-east. To the south it borders
Andorra , image_flag = Flag of Andorra.svg , image_coat = Coat of arms of Andorra.svg , symbol_type = Coat of arms , national_motto = la, Virtus Unita Fortior, label=none (Latin)"United virtue is stro ...
and the Spanish Province of Lleida. Covering an area of 4,890 km2, the department is divided into three arrondissements:
Foix Foix (; oc, Fois ; ca, Foix ) is a commune, the former capital of the County of Foix. It is the capital of the department of Ariège as it is the seat of the Préfecture of that department. Foix is located in the Occitanie region of southw ...
,
Pamiers Pamiers (; oc, Pàmias ) is a commune and largest city in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the most populous commune in the Ariège department, although it ...
, and Saint-Girons. It comprises 13 cantons, 21 intercommunalities, and 327 communes. In 2009 the Regional Natural Park of the Ariège Pyrenees was created covering about 40% of the area of the department of Ariège.


Natural regions

There are three main areas: ;The Ariège plain The north of the department consists of plains, hills and low valleys where agriculture is prevalent. Part of
Lauragais The Lauragais () is an area of the south-west of France that is south-east of Toulouse. The Lauragais, a former county in the south-west of France, takes its name from the town of Laurac and has a large area. It covers both sides of the Canal d ...
covers the northeast of the department. Two major rivers, the Ariège and the
Lèze The Lèze () is a long river in the Ariège and Haute-Garonne ''départements'', southwestern France. Its source is in La Bastide-de-Sérou. It flows generally north. It is a left tributary of the Ariège into which it flows between Labarthe- ...
traverse the plain from south to north. A landscape of grain fields dominates the scene with growing of
sweetcorn Sweet corn (''Zea mays'' convar. ''saccharata'' var. ''rugosa''), also called sugar corn and pole corn, is a variety of maize grown for human consumption with a high sugar content. Sweet corn is the result of a naturally occurring recessive muta ...
and sunflowers and with
prairies Prairies are ecosystems considered part of the temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands biome by ecologists, based on similar temperate climates, moderate rainfall, and a composition of grasses, herbs, and shrubs, rather than trees, as t ...
. ;The Pyrenean foothills This area includes the Plantaurel mountains and the Pre-Pyrenean hills below 1000 m. Various geological structures are present in contrast: the Foix Valley with its granite mountain landscape and the
Lavelanet Lavelanet (; ''L'Avelhanet'' in the Languedocian dialect of Occitan) is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. Population Its inhabitants are called ''Lavelanetiens.'' Tour de France In 20 ...
region with marl and
limestone Limestone ( calcium carbonate ) is a type of carbonate sedimentary rock which is the main source of the material lime. It is composed mostly of the minerals calcite and aragonite, which are different crystal forms of . Limestone forms w ...
. ;Ariège high country The geography is dominated by the Pyrenees mountains exceeding 1,000 m above sea level which form the border between France and Spain. The ''
Pica d'Estats Pica d'Estats (or ''The States Peak'') ( Catalan: ''Pica d'Estats'', French: ''Pic d'Estats'') is a mountain in the Montcalm Massif, Pyrenees. on the Spanish– French border, and is the highest mountain in Catalonia. This mountain is includ ...
'' (3143 m), the ''
Pic de Montcalm Pic de Montcalm is a French pyrenean summit, culminating at , located in the Ariège department, Midi-Pyrénées region of France. Topography Located in the Ariège south of Auzat in the Vicdessos, it lies slightly north of the Franco-Sp ...
'' (3077 m), and ''
Pic de Sotllo Pic de Sotllo (french: Pic du port de Sullo, oc, Pic del pòrt de Sollo) is a mountain of the Montcalm Massif. Located in the Pyrenees, at the border between France and Spain, it has an altitude of above sea level.. It shares the name of three ...
'' (3072 m) are the highest points of the department. These peaks are clearly visible from
Toulouse Toulouse ( , ; oc, Tolosa ) is the prefecture of the French department of Haute-Garonne and of the larger region of Occitania. The city is on the banks of the River Garonne, from the Mediterranean Sea, from the Atlantic Ocean and fr ...
in the Haute Garonne. The landscape is dominated by forests with coniferous species coexist with hardwoods such as chestnut trees, Black Locust trees,
ash Ash or ashes are the solid remnants of fires. Specifically, ''ash'' refers to all non-aqueous, non-gaseous residues that remain after something burns. In analytical chemistry, to analyse the mineral and metal content of chemical samples, ash ...
trees, and beech trees. There are hundreds of kilometres of well-marked paths which allow exploration of the magnificent Pyrenees mountains. The high mountains are easily accessible via good roads, cable cars or by foot. There are a number of lodges providing high level mountain accommodation that are comfortable, warm and with good meals. There are also a number of fresh water lakes which provide a variety of activities including, walking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, sailboarding and picnicking. There are several downhill ski resorts, the three largest being Ax-Bonascre, Les Monts D'Olmes and
Guzet-Neige Guzet-Neige is a ski resort situated in the Haute-Ariège area of the Ariège department in the French Pyrénées. The climb to the ski station has been used three times as a stage finish in the Tour de France. Location Guzet is located between ...
. There are many cross country ski-ing resorts, one of the best being at Plateau de Beille, near Les Cabannes. Ariège is one of the least populated and most unspoiled regions of France. The locals enjoy keeping traditions alive, especially old farming techniques. Consequently, as fewer insecticides, for example, have been used, the flora and fauna of the area continue to be rich in both diversity and numbers. Butterflies are common and birds are numerous; particularly noticeable are large birds of prey, including the magnificent Griffon vultures. There are also many unspoiled villages and hamlets tucked away in the valleys close to the department's border with Spain – Seix, Cominac, and
Aulus-les-Bains Aulus-les-Bains (; oc, Aulús) is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region of south-western France. The inhabitants of the commune are known as ''Aulusiens'' or ''Aulusiennes''. Geography Aulus-les-Bains is located at t ...
are examples – together with picturesque mountain villages, most notably
Aleu Aleu is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region of southwestern France. The inhabitants of the commune are known as ''Aleudiens'' or ''Aleudiennes'' Geography Aleu is located some 10 km south-east of Saint-Girons a ...
which comes alive in the holiday season.


Climate

Ariège stands on the eastern limit of oceanic dominance over rainfall, but other influences are felt: *
Mediterranean The Mediterranean Sea is a sea connected to the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by the Mediterranean Basin and almost completely enclosed by land: on the north by Western and Southern Europe and Anatolia, on the south by North Africa, and on ...
– particularly visible in the vegetation of the foothills and of the valley of the Ariège river towards Tarascon, and in the Sault country * Continental – in the Pyrenean valleys, with many storms and big differences of temperature between day and night There is no great tendency to summer drought, as the flow of air from the north-west brings rain throughout the year. Rainfall is moderate on the foothills and in some sheltered valleys, measuring 700 to 1,000 mm per year, but increases significantly in the higher valleys with levels between 1,000 mm and 1,800 mm. The slopes exposed to the north-west, such as Aulus and Orlu, are, as one would expect, the wettest, together with the frontal ridges that meet air flow from the southwest (giving rise to the
Foehn effect A Foehn or Föhn (, , ), is a type of dry, relatively warm, downslope wind that occurs in the lee (downwind side) of a mountain range. It is a rain shadow wind that results from the subsequent adiabatic warming of air that has dropped most of i ...
). Snow cover is common over 1,000 metres, lasting several months above 1,500 to 2,000 metres. Some periglacial areas exist over 2,500 m but the only true
glacier A glacier (; ) is a persistent body of dense ice that is constantly moving under its own weight. A glacier forms where the accumulation of snow exceeds its ablation over many years, often centuries. It acquires distinguishing features, such a ...
in Ariège is that of Mont Valier, near Castillon-en-Couserans. Temperatures are mild in the foothills, most notably at the city of
Foix Foix (; oc, Fois ; ca, Foix ) is a commune, the former capital of the County of Foix. It is the capital of the department of Ariège as it is the seat of the Préfecture of that department. Foix is located in the Occitanie region of southw ...
(400 metres) the average is 5 °C in January and 19 °C in July. However, they decline rapidly with elevation, e.g. at l'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre (1,430 m) it is 0 °C in January and 14 °C in July.


History

Ariège is one of the original 83 departments created during the
French Revolution The French Revolution ( ) was a period of radical political and societal change in France that began with the Estates General of 1789 and ended with the formation of the French Consulate in November 1799. Many of its ideas are conside ...
on 4 March 1790 under the Act of 22 December 1789. It was created from the counties of
Foix Foix (; oc, Fois ; ca, Foix ) is a commune, the former capital of the County of Foix. It is the capital of the department of Ariège as it is the seat of the Préfecture of that department. Foix is located in the Occitanie region of southw ...
(Languedoc) and Couserans (Gascogne). A request was made to the Council of State to rename the department Ariège-Pyrénées. According to the proponents of this project, the word "Pyrenees" would better position the department to promote itself throughout France. The demand was rejected.
Foix Foix (; oc, Fois ; ca, Foix ) is a commune, the former capital of the County of Foix. It is the capital of the department of Ariège as it is the seat of the Préfecture of that department. Foix is located in the Occitanie region of southw ...
is the administrative capital of the Ariège. It is an ancient medieval town with a fortress, Chateau de Foix, perched on a hill overlooking it. The fortress has been attacked many times without being captured including an attempt by Simon de Montfort. It has also been used as a prison, and the names of English prisoners of war can still be seen on the cell walls. Another famous castle in the Ariège is
Montségur Montségur (; Languedocien: ''Montsegur'') is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France. It is famous for its fortification, the Château de Montségur, that was built on the "pog" (mountain) on the ruins of one of the last ...
, located on a rocky outcrop at a height of 1200 metres. During the Albigensian Crusade and siege in 1244 the castle was largely destroyed, with more than two hundred Cathar priests burnt at the stake as heretics. The castle was gradually rebuilt by Royalists over the next three hundred years. The start of the seventeenth century saw the area ravaged by the Huguenot rebellions of Protestants against Catholics. In 1621 the Huguenot forces ruined the church at La Tour-du-Crieu. In 1629
Pamiers Pamiers (; oc, Pàmias ) is a commune and largest city in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the most populous commune in the Ariège department, although it ...
was sacked by Henry of Condé following uprisings that left several hundred dead in the city. This was also the period during which the abbeys at Foix,
Tarascon-sur-Ariège Tarascon-sur-Ariège (, literally ''Tarascon on Ariège''; Languedocien: ''Tarascon d’Arièja'') is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France. Tarascon-sur-Ariège station has rail connections to Toulouse, Foix and Latour ...
, Saint-Girons,
Saverdun Saverdun (; Languedocien: ''Savardun'') is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France. Population Inhabitants of Saverdun are called ''Saverdunois'' in French. Name Saverdun gave its name to the former city of Verdun, Que ...
and
Le Mas-d'Azil Le Mas-d'Azil (; oc, Lo Mas d'Asilh) is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France, containing a cave that is the typesite for the prehistoric Azilian culture. The ''Grotte du Mas d'Azil'' (sometimes hyphenated, sometimes no ...
were torched and destroyed. The nineteenth century was a time of strong industrial growth, supported in Ariège by an abundant supply of water power. The department also benefited from its significant reserves of iron ore. The growth of iron-based industries was a feature of the period with the establishment, in 1817, of a steel manufacturing plant at
Pamiers Pamiers (; oc, Pàmias ) is a commune and largest city in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the most populous commune in the Ariège department, although it ...
. This has been the principal driver of the local economy ever since. Other representative examples of the iron-based industries that developed in Ariège during the nineteenth century include the forges at Montgaillard and the blast furnaces at
Tarascon-sur-Ariège Tarascon-sur-Ariège (, literally ''Tarascon on Ariège''; Languedocien: ''Tarascon d’Arièja'') is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France. Tarascon-sur-Ariège station has rail connections to Toulouse, Foix and Latour ...
. An additional part of the department's industrial development during the nineteenth century was the paper industry at Saint-Girons and the textile industry in the Pays d'Olmes. Changes in forest laws in 1829 resulted in the War of the Maidens, a revolt by peasants who resisted losing their rights to use the forests. They disguised themselves as women while performing acts of rebellion. Towns of particular historical interest in the department include
Pamiers Pamiers (; oc, Pàmias ) is a commune and largest city in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the most populous commune in the Ariège department, although it ...
, which hosted a large commercial centre and three churches; Mirepoix, a medieval town; and
Saint-Lizier Saint-Lizier (; oc, Sent Líser) is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France, situated on the river Salat. History Saint-Lizier has a rich history stretching back to pre Gallo-Roman times. In 72 BC, Pompey, returning from ...
, which is situated on a hilltop with winding streets, fine views, and a church with
cloister A cloister (from Latin ''claustrum'', "enclosure") is a covered walk, open gallery, or open arcade running along the walls of buildings and forming a quadrangle or garth. The attachment of a cloister to a cathedral or church, commonly against ...
s that are noteworthy. Saint-Girons is an agricultural centre with a Saturday market.


Heraldry


Anthem of Ariège

The patriotic song ''Arièjo O moun Pais'' was written by Father Sabas Maury, born on 1 March 1863 in Gestiès in the valley of Siguer. He was the pastor of Miglos and Varilhes. It became the anthem for Ariège.


Economy

The Ariège department is a largely unknown department which is situated next to Aude in the southwestern part of the Occitanie region. It shares its borders with Aude,
Andorra , image_flag = Flag of Andorra.svg , image_coat = Coat of arms of Andorra.svg , symbol_type = Coat of arms , national_motto = la, Virtus Unita Fortior, label=none (Latin)"United virtue is stro ...
, Haute-Garonne and Pyrénées-Orientales. It is predominantly a farming area, as the soil is rich and fertile. More than 50% of Ariège is mountainous, with 490,965 hectares being covered by forests. In the Ax valleys, the mining of talc is the most typical activity. The processing plant for talc at Luzenac is supplied by ''Carrière de talc de Trimouns,'' which is the largest producer in the region (400,000 tonnes per year). This industry is supplemented by tourism. Winter sports resorts are located at
Ax 3 Domaines Ax 3 Domaines is a winter sports resort situated in the commune of Ax-les-Thermes Ax-les-Thermes (; oc, Ax or ) is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region of south-western France. The inhabitants of the commune are k ...
, Ascou-Pailhères,
Plateau de Beille Plateau de Beille (Occitan: ''Plan de Belha'') is a ski resort in the Pyrenees. It is situated in the Ariège department, and in the region of the Occitanie. The winter sports resort lies at a height of . For a long time, this plateau was only ...
, Le Chioula, and
Goulier Goulier (Languedocien: ''Golièr'') is a former commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France. On 1 January 2019, it was merged into the new commune Val-de-Sos.Mazères, mainly manufactures fireworks and pyrotechnics. For the Saint-Girons area, industry is in decline. It is represented mainly by the production of paper. Hydroelectric production from Ariège is about one-fifth of Pyrenean production. The hydroelectric plant at
Aston Aston is an area of inner Birmingham, England. Located immediately to the north-east of Central Birmingham, Aston constitutes a ward within the metropolitan authority. It is approximately 1.5 miles from Birmingham City Centre. History Aston wa ...
has the largest annual production capacity in the Pyrenees (392 million kWh). With Orlu and '' L'Hospitalet-près-l'Andorre'', these three plants have the largest capacity in the department. The hydroelectric developments in Ariège can support a city of 600,000 inhabitants. Large industrial plants use the energy produced together with the
natural gas Natural gas (also called fossil gas or simply gas) is a naturally occurring mixture of gaseous hydrocarbons consisting primarily of methane in addition to various smaller amounts of other higher alkanes. Low levels of trace gases like carbon d ...
from Lacq. The Ariège Chamber of Commerce and Industry is situated at Foix. The department's Economic Development Agency ("Ariège Expansion") is at Verniolle. The department has established three 'business incubators' to support enterprise in Ariège.


Transportation

Mostly mountainous and rural, the department of Ariège is far from the main transport routes serving the main valleys and coastlines. The railway arrived in the department in 1861 with the Toulouse to Puigcerda line which is the only line that remains open to this day in the department.Press Files, Rail Plan for Midi-Pyrénées 2007–2013, The Portet-Tarascon line: History and characteristics of the line
, April 2011, p 11, consulted on 11 November 2011 .
Besides the trains of the TER Occitanie, this route is still served by Intercity trains from Paris-Austerlitz. Since 2002 Ariège has been connected to the national motorway network via the A66 autoroute which joins the
A61 autoroute The A61 autoroute is a French motorway forming part of the ''Autoroute de Deux Mers''. It is long. It connects Narbonne (and a junction on A9) and Toulouse, where it becomes the A62 towards Bordeaux. It also has junctions with the A64 towards ...
at
Villefranche-de-Lauragais Villefranche-de-Lauragais (Languedocien: ''Vilafranca de Lauragués'') is a commune in the Haute-Garonne department in southwestern France. Villefranche-de-Lauragais station has rail connections to Toulouse, Carcassonne and Narbonne. Population ...
and continues south of
Pamiers Pamiers (; oc, Pàmias ) is a commune and largest city in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the most populous commune in the Ariège department, although it ...
by the National Route NR20 as a dual carriageway as far as
Tarascon-sur-Ariège Tarascon-sur-Ariège (, literally ''Tarascon on Ariège''; Languedocien: ''Tarascon d’Arièja'') is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France. Tarascon-sur-Ariège station has rail connections to Toulouse, Foix and Latour ...
.


Demographics

The department has 153,287 inhabitants (2019). The populations of the arrondissements are (2019): * Arrondissement of Foix – 47,433 * Arrondissement of Pamiers – 64,972 * Arrondissement of Saint-Girons – 40,882


Principal towns

The most populous commune is
Pamiers Pamiers (; oc, Pàmias ) is a commune and largest city in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the most populous commune in the Ariège department, although it ...
; the prefecture
Foix Foix (; oc, Fois ; ca, Foix ) is a commune, the former capital of the County of Foix. It is the capital of the department of Ariège as it is the seat of the Préfecture of that department. Foix is located in the Occitanie region of southw ...
is the second-most populous. As of 2019, there are 10 communes with more than 3,000 inhabitants: The main urban areas are those of Pamiers, Foix and Saint-Girons.


Housing

According to INSEE 24.6% of available housing in Ariège consisted of secondary residences. The following table indicates the main communes in Ariège (population more than 1,000) where second homes or occasional residences comprise more than 10% of total housing. Communes with more than 10% Secondary Residences (2017)


Politics

The department has two
parliamentary constituencies An electoral district, also known as an election district, legislative district, voting district, constituency, riding, ward, division, or (election) precinct is a subdivision of a larger state (a country, administrative region, or other polit ...
and 13 cantons. In general it can be said that: "With a republican and secular tradition since the Third Republic, Ariège is firmly held by the
Socialist Party Socialist Party is the name of many different political parties around the world. All of these parties claim to uphold some form of socialism, though they may have very different interpretations of what "socialism" means. Statistically, most of ...
(PS) even though in recent years the right has managed to sink a few corners of the fortress".''Description and Political Atlas of the department of Ariège''
, Atlaspol Cartographic geopolitical website, consulted on 4 December 2007
This resulted in a parliamentary representation until 2017 was dominated by the PS and a General Council where 19 of the 22 members were PS or close to this party – the political orientation of the department is therefore clearly identified. In 2007 it was the department with the most votes for Ségolène Royal (59.56%). In 2012 it had the third most voters for François Hollande in France with 64.69% after
Corrèze Corrèze (; oc, Corresa) is a department in France, named after the river Corrèze which runs through it. Although its prefecture is Tulle, its most populated city is Brive-la-Gaillarde. Corrèze is located in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine regio ...
and
Seine Saint-Denis () is a department of France located in the Grand Paris metropolis in the region. In French, it is often referred to colloquially as ' or ' ("ninety-three" or "nine three"), after its official administrative number, 93. Its prefecture is Bobigny ...
. Although male/female parity is well respected by MPs (Mrs. Frédérique Massat and Mr. Alain Fauré), all 22 councillors were men until 2011 when two women were elected. The President of the Departmental Council is Christine Tequi of the
Socialist Party Socialist Party is the name of many different political parties around the world. All of these parties claim to uphold some form of socialism, though they may have very different interpretations of what "socialism" means. Statistically, most of ...
.


Culture

The region was originally part of Aquitaine and has retained many hallmarks of the Gascon culture and Gascon language.


Gastronomy

The gastronomy of Ariège is based on the cooking of Pyrenean regional food, such as cheese or charcuterie from the mountain country
Azinat
is the local and typical dish of Ariège. The department is also well advanced in the field of organic farming.


Films

* 1975: ''Le Passe-Montagne'' (The Mountain Pass), author Christian Bernadac, director Jean Vernier (television film) * 1980: ''L'Orsalhèr'' by Jean Fléchet * 1982: ''
Le Retour de Martin Guerre ''The Return of Martin Guerre'' (french: Le Retour de Martin Guerre) is a 1982 French film directed by , and starring Gérard Depardieu. It was based on a case of imposture in 16th century France, involving Martin Guerre. Synopsis The film relates ...
'', by Daniel Vigne * 2009: ''No pasarán'', film by Éric Martin and Emmanuel Caussé filmed in the Vicdessos Valley ( Miglos Lapège) near Saint-Girons in the Couserans at
Foix Foix (; oc, Fois ; ca, Foix ) is a commune, the former capital of the County of Foix. It is the capital of the department of Ariège as it is the seat of the Préfecture of that department. Foix is located in the Occitanie region of southw ...
and at
Tarascon-sur-Ariège Tarascon-sur-Ariège (, literally ''Tarascon on Ariège''; Languedocien: ''Tarascon d’Arièja'') is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France. Tarascon-sur-Ariège station has rail connections to Toulouse, Foix and Latour ...


Literature

* Several novels by Louis Henry Destel are set in Ariège. * The detective story by Pascal Dessaint ''Les Pis rennais'' (The Octopus) is set in the Couserans. It has been reprinted in comics. * Most of the novels by George-Patrick Gleize published by the Parisian publisher Albin Michel feature Ariège or the Pyrenees such as ''Le Temps en héritage'' (Foix country), ''Un brin d'espérance'' (A strand of hope) (Olmes country), ''Rue des Hortensias Rouge'' (Ax-les-Thermes country), ''Le Forgeron de la liberté'' (Mirepoix country), ''Le Sentier des pastelliers'' (Mazéres region), ''La Vie en plus'' (Couserans), ''Le Destin de Marthe Rivière'' (Le Quérigut), ''Le Chemin de Peyreblanque'' or ''L'Auberge des myrtilles'' (Tarascon country), ''Une nuit en juin'' (Cerdagne and Pamiers region).


Music

* Mirepoix Musique promotes concerts of classical music, talks and readings in and around Mirepoix. * Making Music at Malegoude * Vocal Festival of La Bellongaise at Orgibet * Jazz at
Foix Foix (; oc, Fois ; ca, Foix ) is a commune, the former capital of the County of Foix. It is the capital of the department of Ariège as it is the seat of the Préfecture of that department. Foix is located in the Occitanie region of southw ...
* Garosnow at
Ax-les-Thermes Ax-les-Thermes (; oc, Ax or ) is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region of south-western France. The inhabitants of the commune are known as ''Axéens'' or ''Axéennes''. The commune has been awarded one flower by the ...
* Art Show, contemporary music room (Holy Cross volvestre)


Theatre

* MiMa is an international festival of the art of marionettes held every summer in Mirepoix. Each year the event is guided by a central theme. The line-up showcases a variety of techniques including object theatre, glove puppets, string puppets and marionettes portées (puppets carried by a handle on the back of the head).


Tourism

File:Chateau de foix vue ouest.JPG, The castle of
Foix Foix (; oc, Fois ; ca, Foix ) is a commune, the former capital of the County of Foix. It is the capital of the department of Ariège as it is the seat of the Préfecture of that department. Foix is located in the Occitanie region of southw ...
File:Cathédrale Saint-Antonin de Pamiers (09).JPG, Cathedral of Saint-Antonin at
Pamiers Pamiers (; oc, Pàmias ) is a commune and largest city in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the most populous commune in the Ariège department, although it ...
File:MaisonDesConsuls.jpg, Covered shopfronts at Mirepoix File:Valier.JPG, Mont Valier seen from the road to Port d'Aula in the Haut Couserans File:Chateau Lagarde 020.jpg, The Château de Lagarde File:Nickel de Vives.jpg, A
Mérens horse The Mérens, Cheval de Mérens or Caballo de Merens, still occasionally referred to by the older name of Ariégeois pony, is a small, rustic horse native to the Pyrenees and Ariégeois mountains of southern France, where the river Ariège fl ...
File:Saint-Lizier - Cloître de la cathédrale - 20110308 (1).jpg, The cloister in the Saint-Lizier Cathedral File:Massif de Tabe 280.jpg, The Massif of Tabe


Notable people linked to the department


Art

* Joseph Bergès (1878–1956), born in Saint-Girons, was a painter. * René Gaston-Lagorre (1913–2004) was a painter who had his workshop in Couserans and lived in Seix. * Pierre Daboval (1918–2015) was an artist. He lived in Mirepoix from 1998 until his death. * Mady de La Giraudière (1922–) is a painter born in
Lavelanet Lavelanet (; ''L'Avelhanet'' in the Languedocian dialect of Occitan) is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. Population Its inhabitants are called ''Lavelanetiens.'' Tour de France In 20 ...
. * Roger Bataille (1926–62), born in
Foix Foix (; oc, Fois ; ca, Foix ) is a commune, the former capital of the County of Foix. It is the capital of the department of Ariège as it is the seat of the Préfecture of that department. Foix is located in the Occitanie region of southw ...
, was a painter. * Christian d'Orgeix (1927–), the surrealist painter, was born in
Foix Foix (; oc, Fois ; ca, Foix ) is a commune, the former capital of the County of Foix. It is the capital of the department of Ariège as it is the seat of the Préfecture of that department. Foix is located in the Occitanie region of southw ...
.


Film

*
Terence Macartney-Filgate Terence Macartney-Filgate (6 August 1924 – 11 July 2022) was a British-Canadian film director who directed, wrote, produced or shot more than 100 films in a career spanning more than 50 years. Early life Born in England, Macartney-Filgate l ...
(1924–) is a British-Canadian film director living in Mirepoix. He has directed, written, produced or shot more than 100 films in a career spanning more than 50 years. * Richard Stanley (1966–), the South African film director, lives in Montségur


Literature

* Marie de Calages (1630–1661), born in Mirepoix, was a poet, crowned many times by l'Académie des Jeux Floraux. * Pierre Bayle (1647–1706), philosopher and writer born at Carla-Bayle (then called ''Carla-le-Comte''; the commune was renamed in his honour) * Frédéric Soulié (1800–1847), novelist born in
Foix Foix (; oc, Fois ; ca, Foix ) is a commune, the former capital of the County of Foix. It is the capital of the department of Ariège as it is the seat of the Préfecture of that department. Foix is located in the Occitanie region of southw ...
, lived as a boy in Mirepoix * Napoléon Peyrat, born in 1809 at Les Bordes-sur-Arize, died in 1881, pastor, historian of the Cathars and a poet * Marie-Louise (born 1876 in Mirepoix) and Raymond Escholier (born 1882 in Paris), co-authors of "regionalist" novels such as ''Cantegril'' which won the
Prix Fémina The Prix Femina is a French literary prize created in 1904 by 22 writers for the magazine '' La Vie heureuse'' (today known as '' Femina''). The prize is decided each year by an exclusively female jury. They reward French-language works written ...
in 1922 * Isabelle Sandy (1884–1975), writer born in Saint-Pierre-de-Rivière * Louis-Henry Destel (1885–1962), novelist born in Lézat-sur-Lèze, died at Saint-Girons. *
Marcel Pagnol Marcel Paul Pagnol (; 28 February 1895 – 18 April 1974) was a French novelist, playwright, and filmmaker. Regarded as an auteur, in 1946, he became the first filmmaker elected to the Académie française. Although his work is less fashionabl ...
(1895–1974), the novelist, playwright and filmmaker, taught at the École Supérieure in Mirepoix. *
Raymond Abellio Georges Soulès (11 November 1907 – 26 August 1986), known by his pen name Raymond Abellio, was a French writer. Life Abellio went to the École Polytechnique and then took part in the X-Crise Group. He advocated far-left ideas, but like man ...
(Georges Soulès) (1907–1986) philosopher, novelist. His paternal family came from
Ax-les-Thermes Ax-les-Thermes (; oc, Ax or ) is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region of south-western France. The inhabitants of the commune are known as ''Axéens'' or ''Axéennes''. The commune has been awarded one flower by the ...
and his maternal family was from Seix in Haut-Couserans * Gaston Massat (1909–1966), surrealist poet and resistance fighter born in Saint-Girons * Michel-Aimé Baudouy (1909–1999), scholar, novelist, and playwright born in Vernet d'Ariège * Max Leclerc (1923–), writer and television director, lived in the commune of Durfort (Maloureille) from 1974 to 1988 * Christian Bernadac (1937–2003), journalist and writer born in
Tarascon-sur-Ariège Tarascon-sur-Ariège (, literally ''Tarascon on Ariège''; Languedocien: ''Tarascon d’Arièja'') is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France. Tarascon-sur-Ariège station has rail connections to Toulouse, Foix and Latour ...
* Georges-Patrick Gleize (1952–), novelist and historian * Patrick Cintas (1954–), writer, painter, sculptor, and composer * Remy Marrot (author of the novel 'Le Tribunal du peuple') teaches in Pamiers.


Music

* Aycart del Fossat (fl.1250–68) was a
troubadour A troubadour (, ; oc, trobador ) was a composer and performer of Old Occitan lyric poetry during the High Middle Ages (1100–1350). Since the word ''troubadour'' is etymologically masculine, a female troubadour is usually called a '' trobair ...
from Le Fossat * Gabriel Fauré (1845–1924), composer, born in
Pamiers Pamiers (; oc, Pàmias ) is a commune and largest city in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the most populous commune in the Ariège department, although it ...
* Marie Laforêt (1939–2019) singer and actress. She defined herself as "Ariégeoise". Granddaughter of Louis Doumenach, founder of
Lavelanet Lavelanet (; ''L'Avelhanet'' in the Languedocian dialect of Occitan) is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. Population Its inhabitants are called ''Lavelanetiens.'' Tour de France In 20 ...
, a textile company * Christian Ton Ton Salut (1953–) is a jazz musician. He lived in
Pamiers Pamiers (; oc, Pàmias ) is a commune and largest city in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the most populous commune in the Ariège department, although it ...
from 1958 to 1977 and began his musical career with Marc Feinder's orchestra in 1970 * Daniel Lassalle (1965–), born in
Lavelanet Lavelanet (; ''L'Avelhanet'' in the Languedocian dialect of Occitan) is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. Population Its inhabitants are called ''Lavelanetiens.'' Tour de France In 20 ...
, is a baroque trombonist and sackbut player


Politics

* Marc Guillaume Alexis Vadier (1736–1828), politician, member of the
National Convention The National Convention (french: link=no, Convention nationale) was the parliament of the Kingdom of France for one day and the French First Republic for the rest of its existence during the French Revolution, following the two-year Nation ...
, creator of the department of Ariège *
Joseph Lakanal Joseph Lakanal (July 14, 1762 – February 14, 1845) was a French politician, and an original member of the '' Institut de France''. Early career Born in Serres, in present-day Ariège, his name was originally ''Lacanal'', and was altered ...
(1762–1845), born in
Serres-sur-Arget Serres-sur-Arget is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France. Population Inhabitants of Serres-sur-Arget are called ''Serrésiens''. See also *Communes of the Ariège department The following is a list of the 327 comm ...
, member of the
National Convention The National Convention (french: link=no, Convention nationale) was the parliament of the Kingdom of France for one day and the French First Republic for the rest of its existence during the French Revolution, following the two-year Nation ...
* Alfred de Jancigny (1824–1892), préfect of Ariège in 1864 * Léon Galy-Gasparrou (1850–1921), MP for Ariège * Alpinien Pabot-Chatelard, préfect of Ariège from 1892 to 1898 * Théophile Delcassé (1852–1923), politician, several times Minister of Foreign Affairs, in particular during the conclusion of the Entente cordiale with Great Britain, born in
Pamiers Pamiers (; oc, Pàmias ) is a commune and largest city in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the most populous commune in the Ariège department, although it ...
* Paul Caujolle (1891–1955), Mayor of Siguer, General Counsel of Ariège and President of the National Assocuiation of Accountants * Pierre Dumas (1891–1967), born and died at Saint-Martin-d'Oydes (where an avenue is named after him), writer and journalist, great resistance fighter known as "Saint Jean", politician, MP for Haute-Garonne * François Camel (1893–1941) * Georges Galy-Gasparrou (1896–1977), MP, Secretary of State for Information, Mayor of Massat * Roger Fauroux (1926–), former Minister, former Mayor of Saint-Girons * Augustin Bonrepaux (1936–), politician, former MP for Ariège and President of the General Council of Ariège, former president of the Finance Commission for the
National Assembly In politics, a national assembly is either a unicameral legislature, the lower house of a bicameral legislature, or both houses of a bicameral legislature together. In the English language it generally means "an assembly composed of the r ...
. Participated in the opening of the road to Ariège particularly the Puymorens Tunnel * Jean-Pierre Bel (1951–), senator, President of the Senate of France since 1 October 2011 *
André Trigano André Trigano (born September 13th 1925 in Montreuil) is a businessman and former mayor of Pamiers in the French Pyrenees, a post he held from 1995 until 2020. Biography Trigano was born to immigrant Sephardic Algerian Jewish parents in Paris ...
(1925–) Officer of the Legion of Honour. He was Mayor of Mazères for 24 years, General Councillor for the Canton of Saverdun and MP for the 2nd electoral district of Ariège from 1993 to 1997. Mayor of Pamiers, he is also the brother of Gilbert Trigano, the co-founder of Club Med * Paul Vaillant-Couturier (Paris 1892–1937) originally from Sainte-Croix-Volvestre * Frédérique Massat (1964–), MP for Ariège since 2007


Religion

* Jacques Fournier (1285–1342),
Bishop A bishop is an ordained clergy member who is entrusted with a position of authority and oversight in a religious institution. In Christianity, bishops are normally responsible for the governance of dioceses. The role or office of bishop is ...
of
Pamiers Pamiers (; oc, Pàmias ) is a commune and largest city in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the most populous commune in the Ariège department, although it ...
then of Mirepoix,
Pope The pope ( la, papa, from el, πάππας, translit=pappas, 'father'), also known as supreme pontiff ( or ), Roman pontiff () or sovereign pontiff, is the bishop of Rome (or historically the patriarch of Rome), head of the worldwide Cathol ...
under the name of Benedict XII from 1336 to 1342 (Avignon), born in Canté near
Saverdun Saverdun (; Languedocien: ''Savardun'') is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France. Population Inhabitants of Saverdun are called ''Saverdunois'' in French. Name Saverdun gave its name to the former city of Verdun, Que ...
* François de Caulet (1610–1680), Bishop of
Pamiers Pamiers (; oc, Pàmias ) is a commune and largest city in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the most populous commune in the Ariège department, although it ...
*
Jean-François Boyer Jean-François Boyer (12 March 1675 in Paris – 20 August 1755 in Versailles), was a French bishop, best known for having been a vehement opponent of Jansenism and the Philosophe school. Life Boyer was a preacher, and the bishop of Mirepo ...
(1675–1755), Bishop of Mirepoix from 1730 to 1736, tutor to the Dauphin,
Louis XV Louis XV (15 February 1710 – 10 May 1774), known as Louis the Beloved (french: le Bien-Aimé), was King of France from 1 September 1715 until his death in 1774. He succeeded his great-grandfather Louis XIV at the age of five. Until he reache ...
's son. * Sabas Maury, Pastor of Miglos from 1890 to 1906 and creator of ''Arièjo ô moun Païs'' the well-known Ariége hymn * Philippe Mousset, Bishop of Pamiers, Couserans, Mirepoix. Appointed on 8 January 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI


Science

*
Raymond Augustin Mailhat Raymond Augustin Jean-Baptiste Mailhat (28 March 1862 – 22 April 1923) was a French manufacturer of telescopes and precision optical instruments. Biography Raymond Mailhat was born on 28 March 1862 in Saurat ( Ariège), the son of Jean Be ...
((1862–1923)) born in Saurat, was a manufacturer of telescopes and precision optical instruments.


Sport

* Louis-Henry Destel (1885–1962), rugby writer, born in Lézat-sur-Lèze * Jacques Dupont (1928–2019), cyclist, Olympic record holder, born in Lézat-sur-Lèze * Claude Piquemal (1939–), athlete, French sprinter, Olympic medallist, born in Siguer * Aldo Quaglio (1932–), French international rugby player, born and trained in
Lavelanet Lavelanet (; ''L'Avelhanet'' in the Languedocian dialect of Occitan) is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. Population Its inhabitants are called ''Lavelanetiens.'' Tour de France In 20 ...
* Jacques Crampagne (1944–), French international rugby player, born in
Foix Foix (; oc, Fois ; ca, Foix ) is a commune, the former capital of the County of Foix. It is the capital of the department of Ariège as it is the seat of the Préfecture of that department. Foix is located in the Occitanie region of southw ...
* Patrick Estève (1959–), French international rugby player, born and trained in
Lavelanet Lavelanet (; ''L'Avelhanet'' in the Languedocian dialect of Occitan) is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. Population Its inhabitants are called ''Lavelanetiens.'' Tour de France In 20 ...
* Jocelyn Degeihl (1959–), CN3 judo, vice champion of France, 1st Black Belt in the city of Foix * Sylvain Dispagne (1968–), French international rugby player, born in Saint-Girons * Jean-Louis Jordana (1968–), French international rugby player, born and trained in
Lavelanet Lavelanet (; ''L'Avelhanet'' in the Languedocian dialect of Occitan) is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. Population Its inhabitants are called ''Lavelanetiens.'' Tour de France In 20 ...
* Laurent Bonzon (1969–), vice champion of Europe for Judo Jujitsu * Michel Marfaing (1970–), French international rugby player, born and trained in
Pamiers Pamiers (; oc, Pàmias ) is a commune and largest city in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the most populous commune in the Ariège department, although it ...
*
Fabien Barthez Fabien Alain Barthez (born 28 June 1971) is a French racing driver and former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. At club level, he played football in both France and England with Toulouse, Marseille, AS Monaco, Manchester United ...
(1971–), French international football player, born in
Lavelanet Lavelanet (; ''L'Avelhanet'' in the Languedocian dialect of Occitan) is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. Population Its inhabitants are called ''Lavelanetiens.'' Tour de France In 20 ...
* Eric Carrière (1973–), French international footballer, born in
Foix Foix (; oc, Fois ; ca, Foix ) is a commune, the former capital of the County of Foix. It is the capital of the department of Ariège as it is the seat of the Préfecture of that department. Foix is located in the Occitanie region of southw ...
* Fabien Pelous (1973–), French international rugby player, born in
Toulouse Toulouse ( , ; oc, Tolosa ) is the prefecture of the French department of Haute-Garonne and of the larger region of Occitania. The city is on the banks of the River Garonne, from the Mediterranean Sea, from the Atlantic Ocean and fr ...
and trained in
Saverdun Saverdun (; Languedocien: ''Savardun'') is a commune in the Ariège department in southwestern France. Population Inhabitants of Saverdun are called ''Saverdunois'' in French. Name Saverdun gave its name to the former city of Verdun, Que ...
*
Benoît Baby Benoît Baby (born 7 September 1983) is a former French rugby union footballer. He usually played at centre, but also at fullback and fly-half and represented France. Baby made his ''début'' for the national team during the 2005 Six Nations, ...
(1983–), French international rugby player, born in
Lavelanet Lavelanet (; ''L'Avelhanet'' in the Languedocian dialect of Occitan) is a commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. Population Its inhabitants are called ''Lavelanetiens.'' Tour de France In 20 ...
and trained in
Toulouse Toulouse ( , ; oc, Tolosa ) is the prefecture of the French department of Haute-Garonne and of the larger region of Occitania. The city is on the banks of the River Garonne, from the Mediterranean Sea, from the Atlantic Ocean and fr ...
* Mylène Guirault (1985–), vice world champion for jujitsu * Yoann Huget (1987–), French international rugby player, born in
Pamiers Pamiers (; oc, Pàmias ) is a commune and largest city in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region in southwestern France. It is a sub-prefecture of the department. It is the most populous commune in the Ariège department, although it ...
and trained in
Toulouse Toulouse ( , ; oc, Tolosa ) is the prefecture of the French department of Haute-Garonne and of the larger region of Occitania. The city is on the banks of the River Garonne, from the Mediterranean Sea, from the Atlantic Ocean and fr ...
*
Jean-Marc Doussain Jean-Marc Doussain (born 12 February 1991) is a French rugby union fly half. He plays club rugby for Stade Toulousain and has appeared for the French national U20 side. He made his debut for France with 5 minutes left of the 2011 Rugby World Cup ...
(1991–), French international rugby player, born and trained in
Toulouse Toulouse ( , ; oc, Tolosa ) is the prefecture of the French department of Haute-Garonne and of the larger region of Occitania. The city is on the banks of the River Garonne, from the Mediterranean Sea, from the Atlantic Ocean and fr ...
, originally from Sainte-Croix-Volvestre


See also

*
Cantons of the Ariège department The following is a list of the 13 cantons of the Ariège department, in France, following the French canton reorganisation which came into effect in March 2015: * Arize-Lèze * Couserans Est * Couserans Ouest * Foix * Haute-Ariège * Mirepoix ...
* Communes of the Ariège department *
Arrondissements of the Ariège department The 3 arrondissements of the Ariège department are: # Arrondissement of Foix, (prefecture of the Ariège department: Foix) with 115 communes. The population of the arrondissement was 47,572 in 2016. # Arrondissement of Pamiers, (subprefecture ...


References


External links

*
Departmental Council website
*
Prefecture website
*
Ariège tourism website
*
Trekking in Ariège Pyrenees website
*
Ariège Photography Panoramics 360° website
*
Pyrenees Photography Panoramics 360° website 2
*
Department of Arriège: Accounts for Communes and Groupings
– Individual data Budget principle only – Consolidated data "Principle Budget and annexes"
Ariège Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Ariége economic portal
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ariège 1790 establishments in France Departments of Occitania (administrative region) States and territories established in 1790