Ariège

Ariège is a department in the Occitanie region of southwestern France. It is named after the Ariège River, which flows through the area. The department lies mainly in the western and central Pyrenees, featuring mountainous terrain, deep valleys, and numerous gorges. Its southern boundary runs along the Pyrenees toward the border with Spain; the region is also near the microstate of Andorra. The landscape includes part of the Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées Ariégeoises, a protected area aimed at preserving natural and cultural heritage.

Administratively, Ariège has three arrondissements: Foix (the prefecture), Pamiers, and Saint-Girons. The department code is 09. As of recent estimates, the population is around 150,000, with Pamiers and Saint-Girons among the larger towns alongside the prefectural center, Foix, and Tarascon-sur-Ariège.

Economy and culture in Ariège center on agriculture, forestry, and tourism. Rural and mountainous areas support pastoral farming, while outdoor recreation and spa tourism attract visitors to towns such as Ax-les-Thermes. Hydroelectric power generated on the Ariège river contributes to energy production. The department is known for its historic sites and scenic landscapes, including the medieval fortress of Château de Foix, the market town of Mirepoix with its arcaded houses, the Cathar fortress of Montségur, and prehistoric sites such as the Niaux cave. Ariège has a rich Occitan heritage, with the Occitan language historically spoken alongside French and associated with local traditions.