Tarascon-sur-Ariège: Yesterday and Today
3 km from the Ariège évasion campsite Tarascon-sur-Ariège is a charming French commune of 3000 inhabitants located in the Ariège department in Occitanie. Nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, it offers a picturesque natural setting crossed by Ariège and a rich history spanning centuries.
Tarascon of yesteryear
- History:
- A development in the Middle Ages managed by the Counts of Foix thanks to its strategic location on the route to Spain.
Prosperity in the 19th and 20th centuries thanks to the metallurgical industry of Ariège, in 1869 a blast furnace was installed in the town, thus sounding the death knell for Catalan-style forges . In 1929 with the construction of the Sabart site, in Tarascon sur Ariège , the Alais, Froges and Camargue company became, over the course of the 20th century, one of the flagships of the aluminum industry “Pechiney”.
- Heritage:
- The Castella tower, which overlooks Tarascon, built in 1775. It follows the demolition, by order of the provincial engineer, of the Porte de Foix. The materials resulting from the destruction are partly reused during the construction of the round tower of Castella, the other part will be used for the restoration of the Spanish Gate. The Castella tower is located on the former site of the feudal castle.
Prosperity in the 19th and 20th centuries thanks to the metallurgical industry of Ariège, in 1869 a blast furnace was installed in the town, thus sounding the death knell for 
Tarascon Today
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- A diversified economic fabric with artisanal, commercial and tourist activities.
- The development of eco-tourism and nature sports .
- The presence of innovative companies
- Quality of life:
- A peaceful and green environment
- A family and friendly living environment
- Modern infrastructure with its cinema and local services and two markets per week.
- Tourist attractiveness:
- A rich historical and cultural heritage
- Spectacular natural landscapes
- Varied leisure activities for all tastes
- A wide choice of accommodation for all budgets
Conclusion
Tarascon-sur-Ariège is a town that has managed to preserve its old-world charm while looking to the future. Its rich heritage, its quality of life and its tourist attractions make it an essential destination for lovers of history, nature and traditions.
Festivals and traditions
- The great Tarascon Fair in Ariège on May 7 and 8 for over 700 years. There we find logging, sheep shearing, wool work and many others . It is also possible to take pony rides, or in a carriage pulled by a Castillonese horse, for an authentic experience.
- The Tarascon festival at the beginning of August is punctuated by a superb fireworks display in front of the Castella tower.
- Local gastronomy, rich and tasty.
Useful links
Tarascon town hall in Ariège: http://www.mairie-tarascon.com/
Wikipedia: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarascon-sur-Ari%C3%A8ge
