Ariège With its 13 decorated caves, the Ariège is one of the major centres of prehistoric art. For conservation purposes, only two caves are open to the public and then only with limited access. This is why the park was created: technical features are used to bring alive the art, techniques and lifestyle of Magdalenian hunters. Fitted with your infrared headset, you enter "Le Grand Atelier", a dark universe with starry sky and water and light features recreating the atmosphere of a cave. As you walk through, you will see models, films, slide shows, a replica of footprints found in the cave at Niaux, paintings and sculpted objects preparing you for your amazing encounter with Niaux's "Salon Noir".

The cave paintings' beauty was revealed using ultraviolet lighting. The cave and its paintings have therefore been reconstructed not as they are today but as they probably were 13,000 years ago during the Magdalenian period. 20 metres long and 3 metres high, this replica shows clearly lines that in the original cave have become less distinct over time. It brings out figures and reveals graphical techniques with startling clarity. Admire the power of ibex, red deer, horses and bisons as originally drawn. Outside, there are 13 hectares of lakes, waterfalls, woodland and gardens to take modern man on a stroll in the footsteps of his ancestors. Through different workshops, you can learn to eat like a Magdalenian (first sharpening your flints and making fire) and try your hand at cave painting...

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