Ariège (river)

The Ariège (Occitan: Arièja, Catalan: Arieja) is a 163 km long river in southern France, right tributary of the Garonne.[1] Its source is in the Pyrenees, where it forms part of the border with Andorra. It flows north through the following towns in two departments:

• In Ariège: Ax-les-Thermes, Les Cabannes, Tarascon-sur-Ariège, Montgaillard, Foix, Varilhes, Pamiers, Saverdun.
• In Haute-Garonne: Cintegabelle, Auterive.

Ariège
The Ariège near Ax-les-Thermes
Location
Countries	France Andorra
Physical characteristics
Source
• location	Pyrenees
• elevation	± 2,400 m (7,900 ft)
Mouth
• location	Garonne
• coordinates	43°31′2″N 1°24′36″E
Length	163 km (101 mi)
Basin size	3,860 km2 (1,490 sq mi)
Discharge
• average	65 m3/s (2,300 cu ft/s)
Basin features
Progression	Garonne→ Gironde estuary→ Atlantic Ocean

Its longest tributaries are the Hers-Vif and the Lèze. It flows into the Garonne in Portet-sur-Garonne, south of Toulouse.[1] Taken literally, the Latin origin of the river's name, Aurigera, indicates it to be a source of gold.