Les Forges would like to thank you for this wonderful season!
We look forward to seeing you again from April 18, 2026, for another season full of fun and friendship. See you soon, The Forges de Pyrène team
The village
des Forges
Discover an unforgettable village on the outskirts of Foix, where the charm of the past comes to life. Let yourself be guided by the smell of crusty bread, the melodious sound of the anvil, and the gentle ringing of the school bells, which tell you the fascinating story of the Pyrenees in 1900.
Our passionate guides invite you to share their love for this unique region and the traditional crafts of our ancestors. Take part in fascinating workshops: the blacksmith's workshop, the bread oven, the clog maker, the writing workshop, and even, in summer, gold panning on the banks of the Scios River.
With up to 6 workshops per day, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., you'll be spoiled for choice! Most of our workshops are indoors, allowing you to enjoy this enriching experience even in rainy weather.
The Forge in Martinet
Already in use in the Middle Ages, this large forge hammer powered by a water mill is one of the very last still in operation in France. Known affectionately as the "Forge à martinet" (hammer mill), it has retained its original appearance and still exudes a dark and mysterious atmosphere. Philippe (Zézé) holds its secrets and is happy to share them with you.
The Village of Forges de Pyrène in Ariège Pyrénées
In the heart of the Pyrenees, 5 km from Foix, our village invites you to discover traditional 20th-century crafts and ancestral skills in a lush green setting. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a family getaway, the Village des Forges de Pyrène is the ideal place for an unforgettable day out with the family.
Our mascots
At Les Forges de Pyrène, our mascots— donkeys, sheep, and chickens —play an essential role in the natural maintenance of the site. These farm animals contribute toeco-grazing, an environmentally friendly method that preserves the meadows and biodiversity of the Pyrenees while limiting the use of machinery.
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Donkeys: Our donkeys help maintain green spaces, grazing on grass and bushes with patience and efficiency, recalling their historic role in rural life in the Pyrenees.
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Sheep: Symbol of the pastoral tradition of the Pyrenees, our sheep maintain the meadows in a natural way, promoting biodiversity and soil health.
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Chickens: Always active, our chickens help control insects and enrich the soil, contributing to the ecological balance of the site.
Observing these mascots of the Forges de Pyrène helps visitors understand the importance ofeco-grazing in the Pyrenees and discover how animals contribute to the sustainable preservation of nature. An authentic experience for all lovers of Pyrenean flora and fauna.
The lively workshops
The workshops at Les Forges de Pyrène offer an immersive and lively experience, allowing visitors to discover traditional craftsmanship. Whether through clog making, basket weaving, gold panning, or other crafts of yesteryear, these workshops are led by passionate instructors who share their love of the craft with humor. Participants have the opportunity to learn by doing, while immersing themselves in local history and culture. It's a wonderful way to reconnect with heritage and enjoy unforgettable moments with family or friends!
The Baker
Nothing beats the taste of good sourdough bread, and our bread oven workshop will reveal all the secrets of this delicious tradition. You will learn that, just like Rome, good bread is not made in a day. From selecting the ingredients to mastering the heat, not to mention the baker's precise movements, each step is essential. Take part in preparing the dough and discover the techniques for baking in a traditional oven. At the end of the workshop, you'll leave with valuable know-how and, perhaps, a small loaf of crusty bread to enjoy!
The Village Blacksmith
In the village blacksmith's workshop, you will have the unique opportunity to discover the secrets of an ancestral craft that is essential to life in the Pyrenean valleys. Our passionate blacksmith will give you a warm welcome and introduce you to the techniques of forging and cutting, showing you how to transform raw metal into everyday tools and objects. An unforgettable experience that will connect you to local history and traditional craftsmanship.
The Clog Maker
You will discover the fascinating history of wooden clog making, an ancestral craft that combines skill and creativity. Our passionate guides will take you through the different stages of creation, from selecting the wood to finishing the clogs, while sharing anecdotes and techniques passed down from generation to generation.
The Peddler
The storytelling workshop invites young and old alike to discover the legends and traditions of the Pyrenees through fascinating stories told by passionate storytellers.
The 1900 School
The 1900 School at Les Forges de Pyrène transports you back to a bygone era, when education took place in a simple and authentic setting. The classrooms, decorated with maps and blackboards, evoke the teaching methods of yesteryear, with wooden desks and benches lined up in rows. Pupils learn basic subjects such as reading and writing under the watchful eye of their teacher. This immersion in the past provides an insight into the values and challenges of education in the early 20th century, while arousing visitors' curiosity and wonder.
Gold panning
Come and enjoy a unique experience with the Gold Panner, an enthusiast who invites you to discover the art of gold panning in the summertime, by the river. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of gold prospecting and learn the ancestral techniques used to find the precious flakes hidden in our Scios River.
During this immersive activity, the gold prospector will share his knowledge of traditional gold panning methods with you, while showing you the precise techniques to maximize your chances of success.
The Museums of Trades
The Museum of Crafts and its collection
of 5,000 tools round off a
visit rich in moments to share
for the enjoyment of children and
adults alike.
The Iron Museum tells the story of the extraordinary epic story of iron in Ariège through a journey featuring reconstructions and automatons.
Discover the tools, take part in the production line production line, and learn about the evolution of techniques throughout
throughout history.
" The Ages of Life" and the discovery trail
Baptistou, 85, takes you on a playful and moving journey through time. Addressing his granddaughter Marion and aided by interactive staging, he immerses you in the heart of the 1900s, to the delight of the whole family.
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Our mascot Caramel, the squirrel, introduces our young visitors to the typical environment of the Ariège region, its fauna, flora, and the resources that humans have been able to draw from it while respecting nature for so many years!
A site in the Foix-Varilhes urban area
