Nistos

A journey through time

In an authentic natural setting, Nistos invites you to take a trip back in time, from the prehistoric era to the digital age. Explore Mont-Ergé or the Calvaire du Mont Arès at Nestier, and discover the fascinating Grottes de Gargas, famous for their mysterious handprints with incomplete fingers that remain an enigma to historians. Just a few hours from the pink city of Toulouse, this is the perfect getaway to combine nature and history.

Stories and peopleThrough the centuries

In Nistos, take a trip back in time: Nestplori@, the digital interpretation centre in Gargas takes you on a journey from prehistory to the present day. Also worth a visit: the Gargas caves and the mystery of incomplete hands; the Oppidum du Mont Ergé, a place of worship of the Celtic God; the monastery and calvary of Mont Arès and the Maison du Savoir.
A stone’s throw away, Saint Bertrand de Comminges, Grand Site de Midi-Pyrénées, will amaze you with its grandeur.

Walks and hikesItineraries for all

There are plenty of varied and enjoyable walks for all the family. Mont Arès and its 12 chapels are original; Mont Ergé at Montsérié for its Oppidum; the Anglo-Canadian cemetery for its history and the Neste-Nistos cultural trail with its Roman or Celtic circuit: the choice is yours!
Whatever your level and desire, don’t hesitate to set off with a mountain leader. He’ll show you the hidden paths and reveal the secrets of the valley.

Meetings, appointmentsevents throughout the year

There’s plenty to see and do in the valley: transhumance, concerts, local markets, local festivals…

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Visit Nistos

Small ideas for great happiness

Calvary of Mont Arès

Near the village of Nestier, there is a unique calvary comprising 11 oratory chapels and a large chapel at the very top of the hill. The site has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1989.

Swimming at Les Ocybelles

Rediscover the pleasures of open-air swimming in 100% natural water at the Baignade Ecologique “Les Ocybelles”. An 800m² pool, playgrounds and picnic areas, walking trails…

Outdoor activities

Here you can enjoy the great outdoors: canoeing, kayaking, rafting, canyoning, climbing, via ferrata, horse-riding, fishing… For the feeling of weightlessness: fly over the Pyrenees in a glider, microlight or gliding.

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The caves of Gargas

Must-sees in Nistos

The caves of mutilated hands

Take a trip back in time to Aventignan. You are 27,000 years in the past! Stone Age hunters frequented the caves of Gargas. On the walls, they recount their daily lives, their hunting exploits… It’s their lives that are recounted here, and in many ways, it’s still a mystery.

200 hands with incomplete fingers are represented. Created using stencils, they are a real enigma for historians, who are still looking for their meaning: gestural language, pathological or ritual mutilation… The mystery remains complete.

Nestploria ‘s digital displays will complement your visit to the caves.

Discover the caves

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Discovery of the Hand at La Niche in the Grottes de Gargas ©Commune Aventignan Raymond Springisfield
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Commune Aventignan Raymond Springisfield

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