France: Ariège

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.

Crags included:
Arabaux, Abeilles, Carol, Roquefixade, Lavelanet, Roche Ronde, Roc à Steph,
Calamès, Roc de Sédour, Bédeilhac Quarry, Dévers de Sédour, Sabart, Alliat,
Génat, Le Saut de l`Ours, Arbiech, Sibada, Baychon, Auzat, Goulier, Pic Rouge
de Belcaire, Les Toulousains, Sinsat, Verdun, Appy, Ax les Thermes, Dent
d`Orlu, Walking Peaks, Wild Swimming

Rockfax Rock Climbing Guide