Little by little time and the elements did their work, the water broke the rock creating canyons and valleys everywhere. About 700 in the Pyrenees, counting those in Spain. Today, these geological splendors are high tourist destinations, must-sees for lovers of spectacular landscapes, but also for those who seek strong sensations, in particular by hiking, canyoning or rafting. Here are five of the most beautiful Pyrenees gorges to discover, from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean.
Olhadub gorge
From a distance it looks very fragile, hanging 150 meters above the void and connected to the cliff by simple steel cables. In High Soul (Basque Country) Holzarte pedestrian bridge on the other side passes the gorges of Oldhadubi. It was built in 1920 to allow the exploitation of the Holzarte forest. Sadly damaged by Hurricane Xynthia, it was rebuilt in 2010. Every year, thousands of hikers take its 70-meter length, sometimes tending to see the discreet Olhadoko Ereka 150 meters below, which formed these giant canyons of Olhadubi.
How to get there?
From Mauléon-Licharre or Oloron-Sainte-Marie (depending on whether you arrive via Bordeaux or Toulouse and Pau), follow the direction of Larra. Just before Larrau, park at the Logibar Hostel. The Holzarte footbridge is an hour’s drive away, which can be achieved with the family.
- to know A few kilometers from Holzarte are the Cacuetta Gorges, known for their lush vegetation. Since the dramatic accident in 2020, they are currently closed for safety reasons.
Canoeing in the Air Canyons
To admire the work of the river Aude, which has carved impressive gorges in the limestone, you can simply drive between Quilan and Axat on the D117, especially admiring the curious people.the priest’s pit”, a tunnel dug in the 19th century by Father Felix Armand and his parishioners. You may also decide to wear a life jacket to brave rough waves on a raft or canoe. Eight kilometers long, shallow and very narrow – barely twenty meters wide above Aksat – the Odi Gorges offer beautiful gorges that can be discovered by rafting or rafting. hydraulic speed.
How to get there?
From the A61, take the Carcassonne exit and join Limoux and then Quillan on the D118. The Gorges de la Pierre Lys is located just after the village of Belvianes-et-Cavirac. Saint Georges above Axat.
Galamus Canyon
The Catalans and the people of Oud share this enormous place, formed by the Agli River as it flows down to the Mediterranean Sea. Vertiginous, dry and rocky, the Galamus Gorges are as valuable for the biodiversity that lives on its cliffs – golden and Bonnell’s eagles, hawks and other eagle owls – as for its scenic road, so narrow that there is a lot of traffic. replaced in the summer. The wild and majestic character of the site attracted many hermits from the 7th century until the 1960s who came to seek tranquility in the natural caves that dot the cliffs. architectural feat Hermitage Saint-Antoine de Galamus was built in a natural cavity. Buildings and squares literally cling to the slope, dominating the valley in a breathtaking landscape.
How to get there?
From Carcassonne to Quilan, Aixat, then Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet. The cave car park is located at D7.
To visit the Hermitage Saint-Antoine de Galamus and its cave-chapel: 04 68 73 70 98.
At the foot of Canigó, Carança
All you need to do to visit Karancha Gorges is put on your hiking boots and forget your fear of heights. At about 1,000 meters above sea level, a stone’s throw from Canigo, the Catalans’ sacred mountain, this abyssal gorge can be crossed by vertiginous bridges carved into the rock in 1943. hydraulic station. Starting Thuès-entre-Valls, there is something for every taste and every condition. For a short trip to El Fornas, count an hour’s walk. five hours to the stone bridge. The more athletic can even continue to the Karansa refuge, which is guarded in summer (8h).
How to get there?
The most scenic option is undoubtedly to take the Yellow train, departing from Villefranche-de-Conflen or Latour-de-Carole and getting off at the Tues-Caranza stop. Take the RN116 by car. Paid parking is available in Thuès-entre-Valls.
Between Aragon and Catalonia, Congost de Mont Rebei
On the other side of the Pyrenees, the canyons that light up the mountain have nothing to envy the people of Colorado. Aragon is undoubtedly the state with the most beautiful canyons, like the Anisclo Canyons. On the border with Catalonia, Congost de Mont Rebay is another wonder. in the Sierra de Montsec, Nogera Ribagorkana cut into the limestone, carving cliffs that rise up to 300 meters above the turquoise water. Completely preserved, the site is accessible only after a thirty-minute walk along an old mule track. Thanks to the many routes that can be done on foot or by boat, you can discover a number of curiosities, such as the Romanesque chapel. pertussisbalanced on its rock, the cave Colomerathe lake Cinnamon or the pedestrian bridges of Monfalco.
How to get there?
On the A64, take exit 17 towards Lleida. Continue on the N125, cross the border, Bossost, Vielha and its tunnel. At Puente de Montañana, turn onto Trampe. The path that ascends to the Congost de Mont-Rebei reserve is on the right, just after the Noguera Ribagorçana bridge.
Source: Le Figaro
