Active Adventures

The French Pyrenees is undoubtedly a world class destination for adventure sports. Chez Arran offers holiday accommodation but also organises activities on request to add to your holiday. There really is a lifetime's worth of adventure here, whatever your ability level and whatever you are looking for. Within 10-25 minutes or even from the door step you can find canoeing, horse riding, climbing, trail running, mountain hikes, prehistoric caves, canyoning, thermal baths, wild swimming, biking, wolf park, via ferrate, high ropes course, cathar castles and in the winter cross country and downhill skiing.

Climbing - A vertical perspective

Ariège is a dream location for beginner & expert climbers alike

Ariege is a premier climbing destination for it's variety alone. You can relax on gentle granite slabs at Auzat, stretch the legs on multi pitch classics in the mountains, at Bassiès, Calamès or Sinsat. Alternatively opt for something steeper in Alliat, Niaux or Génat - the choice is yours.

There are more than 10 good crags within 15 minutes of Chez Arran. Explore on your own or, if you're keen to improve, ask us about expert coaching.

Walking - Explore the Pyrenees!

Discover the hidden gems & see magnificent wildlife

Ariège can offer a real wilderness experience that is hard to find in the Alps. It has a more 'off the beaten track' feel and many places to explore as well as the classic GR10 journey. As qualified international mountain leaders, we are perfectly placed to offer a programme of themed guided walks such as Historic, Peaks & Lakes, and more.

Free advice is available, along with free use of maps and guidebooks.

Skiing - Downhill & Nordic resorts – on & off piste wonderland

Carve fresh tracks or glide along wide pistes

20km and 20 minutes drive or train ride up the valley from Chez Arran is the ski town of Ax les Thermes, with fast gondola access to over 75km of pistes from 1,400m to 2,400m. The season is usually December to March. The Plateau de Beille is the Pyrenees' premier cross country ski venue. At over 1,800m and just 20 minutes drive from home, you'll find no less than 70km of beautifully maintained circuits.

Watersports

Splish - splash - plenty of watersport fun!

If you fancy a change from the Chez Arran pool there are many rivers and mountain lakes which provide tranquil or exciting water action.

For Canoeing and Kayaking We recommend Ariège Evasion, based just 5 minutes walk from Chez Arran. The water sport centre in Foix offers the thrilling sport of white water rafting. Lake swimming or canyoning is a must for families in the summer.

Biking and Bike Hire

Be there faster – grab some exercise - enjoy a col or VTT track

We offer bike hire, local maps and circuits in one of the Pyrenees' best destinations for biking. The Tour de France invariably passes through Ariège and Ax les Thermes ski resort offers summer uplift.

Trail running and fitness

The Pyrenees is a perfect place to improve fitness

We know several exhilarating runs to take and also during the summer there are local races to enter. There is also a fitness circuit in the local Ussat les Bains park. Afterwards why not relax and enjoy a coffee or cake at the cafe opposite!

Yoga in the Pyrenees

A physical, mental and spiritual discipline

We offer classes in Foix with a mixture of styles, based around hatha vinyasa and yin yoga. Corinne, your teacher, is Yoga Alliance qualified and has been practising yoga for over 20 years.

Snowshoeing Days in the Mountains

Snowshoeing is a winter wonderland experience

Create your own 'fresh tracks' in virgin snow, visit a frozen lake or a picturesque mountain village 'cut off' for the winter.

Actually an ancient method of travel, snowshoeing has grown to be a popular form of recreation with special trails developed in ski resorts as well as wilder mountain options.

We offer snowshoeing days out, weekends and longer itineraries are available on request.

Snow shoeing

Families & Children

Discover some great days out ...

There is much on offer for families and children from castles, to prehistoric parks, skiing and horseriding, not to mention caves or high ropes courses.

Check out our UK business for treks here: