Tarascon-sur-Ariège: yesterday and today
Located 3 km from the campsite Ariège évasion Tarascon-sur-Ariège is a charming French town of 3,000 inhabitants situated in the Ariège department in Occitanie. Nestled at the foot of the Pyrenees, it offers a picturesque natural setting crossed by the Ariège river 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 situation on the road to Spain.
Prosperity in the 19th and 20th centuries was fueled by the metallurgical industry of Ariège. As early as 1869, a blast furnace was installed in the town, marking the end of the Catalan-style forges. In 1929, with the construction of the Sabart site in Tarascon sur Ariège, the Alais, Froges et Camargue company became, over the course of the 20th century, one of thealuminum , "Pechiney".
- Heritage:
- The Tower of Castella, which overlooks Tarascon, built in 1775. It follows the demolition, by order of the provincial engineer, of the Porte de Foix. The materials from destruction are partly reused during the construction of the Castella round tower, the other part will be used for the restoration of the Porte d'Espagne. The Castella tower is located on the old location of the feudal castle.

Tarascon today
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- A diversified economic fabric with craft, commercial and tourist activities.
- The development of ecotourism 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 selection ofaccommodations for all budgets
Conclusion
Tarascon-sur-Ariège is a city that has preserved its charm of yesteryear while turning to the future. Its rich heritage, its quality of life and its tourist assets make it an essential destination for lovers of history, nature and traditions.
Holidays and traditions
- Fair Tarascon sur Ariège takes place on May 7th and 8th, a tradition spanning over 700 years. Visitors can enjoy woodcutting, sheep shearing, wool processing, and much more. Pony rides and horse-drawn carriage rides with a Castillon horse are also available for an authentic experience.
- Tarascon's party in early August punctuated by a superb fireworks in front of the Castella tower.
- Local, rich and tasty gastronomy.
Useful links
Town Hall Tarascon sur Ariège : http://www.mairie-tarascon.com/
Wikipedia: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarascon-sur-Ari%C3%A8ge

Prosperity in the 19th and 20th centuries was fueled by the metallurgical industry of Ariège. As early as 1869, a blast furnace was installed in the town, marking the end of 






