The Ariege region of Southern France is the compact
area where the Ariege River cuts through the Pyrenees on
its way from Andorra to the coast. There is a lot of
high quality climbing in the area with a superb variety
of rock types to go at; from the soaring granite slabs
of the Dent d'Orlu, to the steep limestone bulges of
Genat. Limestone, granite and gneiss are on offer and
routes vary in size from boulder problems to long epics
of over 20 pitches. The area has a long and intriguing
history and offers plenty to do apart from the climbing,
including mountain walking, caving, river rafting,
skiing and checking out the many ancient castles. Factor
in the year-round climbing, easy access from northern
Europe and plenty of high quality accommodation in the
area and it is easy to see that the Ariege region has
lots to offer. The areas covered in the guidebook are in
and around the main Ariege river valley which runs down
from Andorra through Tarascon-sur-Ariege and Foix. All
the main sport climbing crags are covered including,
Alliat, Auzat, Calames, Sinsat and ther Plantaurel, as
well as many longer routes on the Dent d'Orlu and
Sinsat. There are also sections on Mountain Walking,
Road and Mountain Biking, Water sports and skiing.
Despite its attractions, the area has remained off the
radar to the climbing world in general, and the lack of
a comprehensive modern guide to the area must be a large
part of the reason for this. This publication will
hopefully open up this great area as a new destination
for travelling climbers. |
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