Plant life

The flora of the Ariège Pyrenees is rich in at least 1,700 species. This great diversity is linked to the various climatic influences (oceanic, Mediterranean and mountainous), to its complex geology and to the marked relief of this territory.

Moreover, the Pyrenees, both subject to quaternary glaciations and isolated from other European mountain ranges, are home toboreal species that have survived the ice age and are highly endemic (it is estimated that 14% of the flora of the Pyrenees is strictly specific to this mountain range). This means that some species were born in the Pyrenees and cannot be found anywhere else! Such is the case, for example, of the Pyrenean-violet, the ashy cranesbill, thePyrenean columbine, the horned pansy or the yellow gentian.

We in Couserans, are located right in the heart of the Regional Nature Park (PNR) and, although there is no specific regulation for this status, certain plant species of the Ariège Pyrenees are protected by law at a national, regional or departmental level. Their collection and destruction are therefore prohibited. For example, this applies to the hare’s-tail cottongrass, the cerastium pyrenaicum, thevanilla orchid or the round-leaved sundew.

The Regional Nature Park, as well as the Ariège Naturalists Association and other local associations organise outings, courses and nature workshops : sign up and discover how we can all learn/relearn about the nature that surrounds us, enthusiasts and novices alike.

*Do It Yourself : (learn) how to do it yourself

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Outings, courses and nature workshops

Natural sites to visit