N - Grotte de Niaux

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Deep in the Pyrenees, hidden among the folds of the valley of Vicdessos near the town of Miglos, in the Ariege region near Foix,  is found the “Grotte de Niaux” (pronounced grot de Neeo) cold and dark caves that contain rare prehistoric cave art rivaling the larger and more famous caves of Lascaux. There is even fairly modern “graffiti” to be seen when first entering the caves left by explorers from centuries ago up to fairly recently. I imagine young men of the late 1800s and early 1900s in suits taking their ladies out for a look in the “grotte” wooo…spooky, and left their names with dates to let us, who would come later, know they’d been there. Today one must call ahead if you’d like to tour inside. Only small groups are allowed, to guard the temperature in the caves and therefore preserve the cave paintings. Much has been learned from the mistakes made in previous cave finds the world over and Niaux is putting that information to work. There is usually at least one tour in English if they know in advance that you’re coming. Not many have heard of Niaux. It’s a nicely kept secret, but those who discover it, either by accident or on purpose, treasure the experience they find within…

The colors are not false in this photo. They are beautiful in real life as well.

The cover of the guide book you can purchase there. All proceeds go to help keep the caves preserved.

If you didn't know it was there, you might miss it... can you see the cave entrance in this photo? Click on it to make the photo larger.

Coming up to the "Grotte" entrance

The village down in the valley from up at the caves. The balcony gives a spectacular view

Some of the prehistoric art found in the "Salon Noir," Niaux

The small village of Miglos

This gives you an idea of the size of the entrance

Looking at the placards placed on the back of the huge "artistically designed entrance," describing the all sorts of information about the caves.

For more information go HERE

Some images from:


www.archaeologicaltrs.com

www.bradshawfoundation.com

F - Foix

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Château de Foix

View from down in the city, narrow streets and celebratory flags

In the Ariège region of France within the Pyrénées is found is a city named Foix. This historically was a major seat of power and people flocked to it from all over Europe. Today it is still a major tourist “must see.” The food, of course, is fantastic, the sites easy to get to, and Foix’s history is fascinating. The château has three distinctive towers, the two squared towers built in the 11^th century and the round in the 15^th, and presides over the town from a rocky mount. I love the tree-lined streets, the mix of architecture and the vibrant life of the city, especially during a festival. And if you’re a shopper don’t worry. Foix will keep you busy. To reach the château one walks a long and literally winding road up with views stretched out in all directions. I’ve been to Foix three times and each time something different entices me into coming back.

A view of the abbey church of Saint-Volusien and Notre-Dame de Montgauzy in Foix

The abbey church of Saint-Volusien and Notre-Dame de Montgauzy in Foix

Looking up at the round tower from the city streets

An interesting courtyard you can see through the gate protecting the private entry, notice the stairway curve...

My kids at a fountain sitting under a bridge

Fountains are found all over Foix. This is the "swan" fountain

A view of the city from the path leading up to the towers

A view from the towers

Foix's "Art Nouveau" post office

and the Plantain tree-lined street typical of the region

Buildings are built right into the rock base that the towers sit upon

Yes, there's a bit of wind up there! With our friends Jack and Jane

Here you can see all three towers

Image of three towers from this site
For more information on the Abbey Church, go HERE or to this fascinating  BLOG