The Ariège Region Experience the Rejuvenating undisturbed Nature Mountain cliff bound villages still active in the sheep trade can be found woven into the diverse landscape harmoniously with fauna and flora. Herdsmen tending sheep, cows and the famous »Merins« horses carry on traditions dating back hundreds of years as they drive their herds into the highland meadows where bears and birds of pray make their home. For many years »Terre Courage«, (»terre« meaning ground) was the motto of the Ariège, for it was a known certainty that Ariegean farmers needed courage to cultivate the often rocky ground. To survive, many wandered out over the entire world as story tellers and bear tamers. The Ariegean caves, as well as being a home to prehistoric man, have also served as both refuge and hideaway alike. A prime example is when Ariegean castles such as Montségur, Foix and Roquefixade all bid their protection to the Cathar. This very day the Ariegean region is a destination for numerous families who left for the cities in search of a better quality of life, who are now returning to experience the tranquility of country life.