The Forges thank you for this wonderful season!
We are now closing our doors for the winter to prepare new surprises.
We will be delighted to welcome you again from April 18, 2026, to enjoy a new season full of friendliness together. See you soon,
The Pyrène Forges Team
ONCE UPON A TIME,
… LES FORGES
In Montgailhard, near Foix, discover an iconic site in the Ariège Pyrenees, dedicated to preserving the trades and traditions of the past. This reconstructed village offers you a true journey back to the 1900s, with lively and interactive demonstrations. Les Forges de Pyrène invite you to relive the region’s artisanal history through a captivating visit, perfect for a family day out in Ariège.
With up to 6 workshops per day, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., all our workshops are covered, allowing you to enjoy this enriching experience even in rainy weather.
The Forges of Pyrène in Ariège Pyrenees
In Montgailhard, near Foix in Ariège, the Forges of Pyrène immerse you in the trades and traditions of the early 20th century. This unique heritage site in the Pyrenees offers an immersive experience for the whole family: demonstrations, interactive workshops, and the reconstruction of an old-time village transport you to another era.
A journey through time in the heart of the Pyrenees
Stroll through this authentic village and let yourself be charmed by the precise gestures of the artisans, the ringing of the anvil, the bread oven, or even the sound of the school bell from 1900. Every detail tells the story of traditional know-how in Ariège at the beginning of the 1900s.
An exceptional collection of ancient objects and tools
Before the industrial era, every everyday object was crafted by passionate artisans. The Forges of Pyrène preserve this living heritage with more than 100 traditional trades and a collection of over 5,000 tools and utensils. The Museum of Trades invites you to explore every corner and discover the history of each craft passed down through generations.
The tilt hammer forge – a treasure of industrial heritage
The tilt hammer forge, listed as a Historical Monument, is a symbol of metallurgical activity in Ariège. Dating from the mid-15th century, it allows visitors to observe traditional forging techniques, where the tilt hammer transforms iron into edge-tool instruments.
Lively and interactive workshops for all ages
Visitors can take part in hands-on craft workshops: forging, clog making, basketry, discovering the traditional bread oven, 1900 school, gold panning initiation, and tales of Pyrenean legends. These activities allow everyone to relive the history of bygone trades and spark children’s curiosity, while immersing adults in the atmosphere of the early 20th century.
Plan your visit to the Forges of Pyrène
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with up to six workshops per day, the site is fully covered, allowing you to enjoy the experience even on rainy days. The Forges of Pyrène are the ideal destination for a cultural and family outing in the Ariège Pyrenees.
LES FORGES DE PYRÈNE, A JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF THE LAST CENTURY…
Un site de l’agglo Foix-Varilhes
