Perched close to Andorra in southwestern France's Ariège region, Tarascon-sur-Ariège is a tranquil historic town with pretty tiled-roofed houses and beautiful views of the French Pyrenees. Accommodation options include private houses as well as comfortable hotels housed in restored heritage properties, perfect for intimate trips and catering to an array of tastes and budgets. A room at one of the best places to stay in Tarascon-sur-Ariège offers the ideal springboard for an outdoorsy French escape.

Tarascon-sur-Ariège itself is well worth a wander. Pick a perch at a café for some people-watching over a coffee, or admire historic buildings as you amble around town. Families and archaeology buffs will adore the Parc de la Préhistoire, an interactive centre with recreations of ancient animals, environments, cave paintings and artefacts. Keen adventurers can delve into French Pyrenees’ extensive cave network in person, too, with visits to the Cave of Niaux, the Sabart Cave and the Lombrives Cave. Myriad hiking, horse riding and mountain biking trails wind their way through the Pyrenees, and there are opportunities to kayak, swim and fish in nearby lakes and rivers.

Return to best places to stay in Tarascon-sur-Ariège for quiet evenings spent feasting on delicious regional cuisine and planning the following day’s excursions!