Gorgeous Gorges

A gorge is a very deep crevice between two mountains or hills, formed by rivers running through and eroding rock over a very long period of time. Here are a couple to take your breath away.

Gorge de la Carança

A day out at the Gorge de la Carança is a giddy adventure through stupendous mountain scenery – but it’s not for the faint hearted!

Known also as Le Sentier du Vertige (very loosely translated as the dizzy trail), expect narrow ledges, (with cable handrail), metal walkways, ladders and suspension bridges, high above rushing water.

From the carpark, (small charge – take cash), head over the bridge and follow the footpath as it winds steeply upwards, and into the Gorge.

Initially cut out of the rock in 1943 to give access to the tunnel taking the water of the Carança to the hydroelectric plant in Thuès, the path hugs the steep limestone cliff.

In parts, you fear that one false move may send you hurtling down 400m into the gorge, but the wonderful views of craggy rocks, splintered multi grey, white and ochre, the deformed trees and plants clinging tenaciously to the gorge walls, and the myriads of butterflies glittering and fluttering around your head, make every step as much a reward as a challenge.

It’s elating and thrilling. Dogs are NOT welcome. Young children should only walk if you and they are confident that it is within their ability.

There are several options, with longer walks leading up the Gorge and meeting up with the GR10, and possibility of accommodation, so take a good map, plan ahead, visit their Facebook page (gorgesdelaCaranca), or ring the Mairie at Thuès on 04 68 97 06 96 for more info.

And don’t be surprised if you spot Indiana Jones on his way down, looking a bit stressed. If he can do it, so can you!

Gorge de Galamus (& Ermitage de St Antoine)

Nature and the Agly River sculpted the spectacular Gorges de Galamus, which curls and snakes through vertiginous limestone cliffs with stunning viewpoints.

Franciscan monks built the mystical sanctuary of the Ermitage de St Antoine, carved into the almost vertical cliff overlooking the Galamus gorges. It was accessible only by donkey until intrepid abseilers armed with pick axes hacked out the road in 1880.

There is nowhere to stop on the narrow road but there are carparks at both ends to leave your vehicle and walk, so even the driver gets the opportunity to appreciate the amazing views on foot.

Popular for canyoning and hiking, signs nevertheless warn that we should not go down to the gorge without the correct equipment and supervision, but on a hot day, the temptation of cool rock pools below is clearly too much for many, and signs are largely ignored.

Following a typhus epidemic in 1782, the cave behind the Ermitage de St Antoine, became a chapel, which one could easily imagine as a place of magic, black or white, with its strange symbols and indecipherable words etched into stone and marble surfaces.

This spiritual oasis is free of charge but there is a donation box to show your appreciation. A little café sells postcards, snacks, drinks and ice creams and the shady courtyard is perfect to relax, meditate, contemplate life and enjoy the rather special atmosphere in the shade of the ancient plane tree, planted in in 1782.