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© unknownPrehistoric cave paintings at l'Ariège.
The Ariège is renowned as a frontier, between Gascony and Languedoc, France and Spain, but its topography is bursting with 14,000 years of visible history.

Beneath the rocky hilltops lies a concentration of prehistoric caves decorated with fine wall drawings and clay mouldings of bison, horse, reindeer and ibex.

The Grotte de Lombrives is the largest cave in Europe; the Grotte du Mas d'Azil is rich in refuge history, while the Grotte de Niaux is especially noted for its cave paintings.

The Parc de la Prehistoire at Tarascon makes a brilliant family outing. Don't miss the poignant imprint of children's feet in the ground made thousands of years ago.