The Parc de la Préhistoire sits in a meadow just north of Tarascon and serves as the regional introduction to the Ariège's astonishing cave art. The indoor museum walks through Magdalenian life, tool-making, and pigment use; the outdoor section has reconstructed shelters, demonstrations of spear-throwers and fire-lighting, and walking trails through the woods.
It is geared towards families and works equally well as a primer before visiting Niaux or as a fallback when cave tickets have sold out. Allow a full half-day. The site closes through the winter; check the calendar before driving up.