Pre-Historic Rock Art in the Ariege Tour
Pre-Historic Rock Art in the Ariege Tour
6 Days Starting and ending in London, United Kingdom
Visiting: Toulouse, Tarascon-sur-Ariège, Canal du Midi, Mas-d'Azil
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 23
Age range:
18-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the prehistoric wonders of the Ariege region in France with our "Pre-Historic Rock Art in the Ariege Tour." Stay at the charming three-star Hotel les Minotiers in Mirepoix, and enjoy guided tours to the real cave of Niaux, the Prehistoric park at Tarascon sur Ariege, and the Bedeilhac cave. Experience a serene cruise along the historic Canal du Midi and an exhilarating boat trip on the subterranean river of Labouiche. With expert insights from Dr. David Saunders, this tour offers a unique blend of history, archaeology, and natural beauty, making it an unforgettable adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: London to Toulouse
Location: Toulouse
Accommodation Name: Hotel les Minotiers, Mirepoix
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly from London Heathrow to Toulouse and transfer by coach to Mirepoix (approx. one hour and 15 minutes) for check-in to the hotel for a five night stay. Evening welcome drink at the hotel, then a lecture from Dr David Saunders:“3 queens and the discovery of cave art”, followed by a group dinner.
Day 2: The real cave of Niaux and the Prehistoric park at Tarascon sur Ariege
Location: Tarascon-sur-Ariège
Accommodation Name: Hotel les Minotiers, Mirepoix
Meals Included: Dinner
This morning we drive 1 hour to Niaux Cave which involves a walk for approximately two kilometres past spacious galleries, low vaults and underground lakes. Within the first gallery, we can see graffiti left by previous visitors, the oldest dating from 1602, while on the sign panel there are many geometric signs, the meaning of which is still mysterious. The highlight of the visit however is found during the discovery of the Salon Noir, a vast rotunda with an impressive ceiling height. It is within this majestic room that our ancestors chose to represent more than 70 paintings of animals: bison, horses, ibex and deer. After lunch (own expense) we drive 15 minutes to Prehistoric park on the edge of the Tarascon which features reproduction paintings from other caves in the Pyrenees which are inaccessible or closed to the public. Other features include examples of the types of shelters that were probably constructed by our earlier Magdalenian ancestors alongside demonstrations of flint knapping, fire starting and spear throwing. Second lecture by David this evening: “The prehistoric portable art of Europe”, followed by dinner.
Day 3: Boat trip along the Canal du Midi followed by a visit to the Bedeilhac cave
Location: Canal du Midi
Accommodation Name: Hotel les Minotiers, Mirepoix
Meals Included: Breakfast
The history of the Canal du Midi goes back to 1666, when the king signed the Edict of Saint-Germain, authorizing the construction of the canal. It was inaugurated in 1681 where at 242 km long it links Toulouse with the Mediterranean Sea. Our canal cruise today will sails through a landscape of rolling countryside and canal-side vineyards. Bédeilhac has an enormous entrance, over 17 metres at its highest point. Unfortunately, the size of the cave’s mouth meant that during the last war it was an ideal natural hangar for aircraft. The French military occupied the cave from 1938, and they were followed by the German military during their occupation of France during World War II which resulted in the levelling of the cave floor and the laying of a concrete base upon which aircraft were stored. This process destroyed many of the archaeological deposits within the first 350 metres of the cave; however, Bédeilhac still has a great diversity of parietal and portal art including some truly exquisite examples of carved bone artefacts. This evening is free at leisure.
Day 4: Full day free in Toulouse
Location: Toulouse
Accommodation Name: Hotel les Minotiers, Mirepoix
Meals Included: Breakfast
Free day in Toulouse to perhaps visit St Stephen’s Cathedral and St Sernin Basilica, a wander around the Japanese Gardens or explore the Space Museum.
Day 5: La Mas d’Azil and an underground boat trip along the subterranean river of Labouiche
Location: Mas-d'Azil
Accommodation Name: Hotel les Minotiers, Mirepoix
Meals Included: Breakfast
The only cave within the Ariege with a road running through it, La Mas d'Azil delivers geological wealth, exceptional dimensions, and archaeological discoveries such as paintings and engravings representing bison, fish, horses and geometric signs; the bones of mammoths, woolly rhinoceros and cave bears; plus decorated pebbles, harpoons, and pottery. After lunch (own expense) we travel to village of Labouiche, where deep below ground flows Europe’s longest navigable underground river. Discovered in 1908 by a local doctor, it’s been open to the public since 1938. We take a 1.5km boat trip which culminates with a clattering waterfall known as the Cascade Salette, which tumbles into a sparkling turquoise pool. Depending on rainfall, the waterfall’s speed can vary anywhere from 100L to 1500L litres per second.
Day 6 Transfer to the airport for return flights to London Heathrow
Location: Toulouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today marks the end of your tour. Receive transfer to the airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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Return airfares from London Heathrow to Toulouse
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Five nights' bed and breakfast at three-star Hotel les Minotiers, Mirepoix, based on twin share or double occupancy
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2 dinners
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All guided tours and admissions as per the itinerary
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Coach transfers and touring as per the itinerary
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Tour Lecturer David Saunders thoughout
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Tour Manager throughout
What's Not Included
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Single supplement - £250
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Holiday insurance
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Meals other than those stated
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Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
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Porterage and gratuities
Accommodation
Hotel les Minotiers, Mirepoix: This three-star hotel, located near the medieval main square in the small town of Mirepoix, offers a terrace, bar, and restaurant, and comfortable bedrooms with ensuite bathroom, TV, WIFI, hairdryer and iron.MORE INFO
Difficulty
DemandingMode of Transport
Return airfares from London Heathrow to Toulouse, with coach transfers and touring as per the itinerary, including a boat trip along the subterranean river of Labouiche and a cruise along the Canal du Midi.Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The accommodation is at the three-star Hotel les Minotiers in Mirepoix. The hotel offers a terrace, bar, and restaurant, and comfortable bedrooms with ensuite bathroom, TV, WIFI, hairdryer, and iron.
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Who will be the tour lecturer and what is their background?
The tour lecturer is Dr. David Saunders, who has an interest in all areas of prehistory. He has completed over 10 years of archaeological excavations at Blick Mead near Stonehenge and lectures across all periods of prehistory throughout the UK. He has published two books on prehistoric monuments.
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What activities are included on the second day of the tour?
On the second day, the tour includes a visit to the Niaux Cave, where you will walk approximately two kilometers to see ancient graffiti and animal paintings. After lunch, the tour continues to the Prehistoric park at Tarascon sur Ariege, which features reproduction paintings from other caves and demonstrations of prehistoric skills like flint knapping, fire starting, and spear throwing.
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What can I expect during the boat trip along the Canal du Midi?
The boat trip along the Canal du Midi will take you through a landscape of rolling countryside and canal-side vineyards. The canal, which links Toulouse with the Mediterranean Sea, has a rich history dating back to its construction in the 17th century.
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What is unique about the Bedeilhac cave?
The Bedeilhac cave has an enormous entrance and was used as a natural hangar for aircraft during World War II, which resulted in the destruction of many archaeological deposits. Despite this, the cave still contains a great diversity of parietal and portal art, including exquisite examples of carved bone artifacts.
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What will I see during the underground boat trip along the subterranean river of Labouiche?
During the underground boat trip along the subterranean river of Labouiche, you will travel 1.5 km below ground and see the Cascade Salette waterfall, which tumbles into a sparkling turquoise pool. The speed of the waterfall can vary depending on rainfall.
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Are there any free days during the tour?
Yes, there is a full free day in Toulouse on the fourth day of the tour. You can visit St Stephen’s Cathedral, St Sernin Basilica, the Japanese Gardens, or explore the Space Museum.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes five nights' bed and breakfast at the hotel and two dinners. Other meals are not included and will be at your own expense.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final joining instructions and documentation will be despatched approximately 10 days before travel.
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Do I need any Visas or Vaccinations for my holidays?
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change. Please check with your local doctor/GP about the current Vaccination requirements of the country you are visiting. For Visa enquiries, please contact the Embassy of the country you are visiting.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Generally, single and double rooms carry the same price, which means that single supplements for certain itineraries can seem high. We would be pleased to arrange for clients travelling alone to share with another client, however this is subject to somebody in the same situation booking on the tour. If you would be interested in this option, please let us know at the time of enquiry/booking.
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Where does the tour manager meet us?
In most cases the tour manager will travel out with the tour group from the UK. However, this is not always the case and the tour manager may meet you at the destination station / airport. The exact details specific to your tour will be given to you in your final documentation, 10 days prior to departure.
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Low Deposit
Travel Editions requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel editions charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 45% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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