Niaux

Niaux is a small commune in the Ariège department in the Occitanie region of southwestern France. It lies in the Pyrenees foothills along the Ariège valley, near Tarascon-sur-Ariège and Ax-les-Thermes. The village is set in a rural Pyrenean landscape with traditional houses, forests, and cultivated land.

The principal point of interest is the Grotte de Niaux, a paleolithic cave famous for its Magdalenian rock art. The cave contains well-preserved black drawings of animals, notably bison, horses, and deer, dating to roughly 13,000–11,000 BCE. The site has long attracted researchers and visitors and has been open to the public since the early 20th century. Guided tours allow visitors to view accessible galleries, including the notable Salon Noir, while portions of the cave remain protected to preserve the artwork.

Beyond the cave, the surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking and experiencing the natural beauty of the Pyrenees. The local economy is primarily rural, with agriculture and tourism supporting the community, especially during the warmer months when visitors come to explore the cave and the regional landscape.

Niaux exemplifies the region’s blend of natural and cultural heritage, where prehistoric art sites sit within a landscape of mountains, forests, and traditional village life.