In the heart of a 5-hectare park, crossed by a river, come and enjoy an experience in family for a day and immerse yourself in the heart of the last century. Ideal for young and old alike, the Forges de Pyrène invite you to travel through the 1900s through museums, immersive experiences and live workshops to discover life in the past.
Up to 6 workshops per day from 10:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m., the majority of workshops are covered and operate even in bad weather.
An experience at the heart
of the last century!
In Pyrenees, at the gates of Foix, in Ariège, it was an unforgettable village…
It is in the year 1998 AD, in France, that our story begins.
5km south of Foix, in the small village of Montgailhard, there is an even smaller village, an unforgettable village: Forges de Pyrene.
Here, only a few sounds evocative of ancient times and nostalgic-looking professions will revive memories of your childhood or, for the youngest, will be the beginnings of a journey to the ages of yesteryear.
The smell of bread, the song of the anvil or even the sound of the school bell will delight you. the small and big history of the Pyrenees in 1900.
The facilitators and artisans share with you with humor and conviction their passion for this region and the trades of our ancestors.
The forge workshops
Come and meet our mediators, guardians of the traditions of this past life.
Among these workshops is the only swift forge, classified as a historic monument since 1987. The swift, powered by a water mill, is one of the very last still in operation in France. A timeless parenthesis where visitors will be able to see this authentic heritage still furnished and fitted out as in the past.
- Le master of the forge, accompanied by the song of his anvil, will explain to you with force and passion the importance of iron and everyday tools from this bygone era. You will be privileged witnesses to the creation of one of these tools, before your amazed eyes.
- The supplier will delight your taste buds with its daily bread made from knowledge only shared by two other bakeries in the department.
- The gold prospector adventurer who traveled around the world in search of this famous nugget that has made humans dream since the dawn of time.
- The schoolmaster which, at the sound of the bell, will immerse you or take you back to the 1900s. Watch your fingers!
- Under the advice of the basket maker, a true magician of plant braiding, you are invited to handle
wicker and try your hand at your own creation.
Other equally exciting professions, some of which will test your dexterity, are also to be discovered within this place.
The legend of Pyrene
The legend of Pyrene is an ancient legend dating back to the time of Greek mythology. According to legend, Pyrene was an Iberian princess, daughter of King Bebryx. When the Greek hero Heracles (Hercules) arrived in the region, he was invited to the court of Bebryx. The two heroes fell in love with each other.
Unfortunately for her, the hero had a divine duty to accomplish, his famous works and therefore had to leave her behind. Pyrene, filled with sadness, fled into the Pyrenees mountains, where she died of grief. According to legend, Heracles, once his work was accomplished, wanted to return to see his beloved and learned of her disappearance. He would have created a funerary monument in his honor at the place where he found his bones.
This legend of Pyrene is often considered an allegory of the meeting between Greek and Iberian cultures. It also illustrates the beauty and wildness of the Pyrenees region, as well as the strength and resilience of its inhabitants.
Opening
Prices
| Prices | Min. | Max. |
|---|---|---|
| Adult |
11.5 € | - |
| Kids |
8 € | - |
| Student fee |
9 € | - |
| Big family |
35 € | - |
Contact information
Info & Reservation
F.A.Q.
How much time should you allow to visit the site?
Plan at least half a day to visit the Forges de Pyrène site. The best is to plan a day to have time to see and do everything.
Is it possible to eat on site?
Yes, it is possible to eat on site and two options are available to you:
- Picnic tables are at your disposal on the site, and a covered dining hall in case of rain.
- You can also eat at the Ô Bistrot Pyrène restaurant which is located at the entrance to the site (reservation recommended).
Are pets allowed on site?
Animals are not allowed on the site. Individual, shaded boxes are available to you free of charge with a padlock and key which will allow you to see your faithful companion throughout your visit. Don't hesitate to take his basket!
Is the visit accessible to people with reduced mobility, as well as strollers?
The Forges de Pyrène site is largely accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. However, some activities are only accessible by stairs.
