Gorges de l'Aude

Visit Gorges de l'Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon

The Gorges de l'Aude are (mostly) accessed to the south of Quillan, itself south of Carcassonne  - Quillan itself is a pleasant town, but with little in the way of great monuments. It is however well placed as starting point for your explorations of both the Cathars castles to the east and the dramatic gorges to the south.

South-west of Quillan the River Aude and its tributaries have carved magnificent ravines and gorges in the landscape, and over the course of thousands of years have created the fine limestone cliff scenery that we enjoy today.

Among the highlights, the road heading south from Quillan to Axat (the D117) passes through the deep Gorges de Pierre-Lys, with cliffs either side of the road stretching to 700 metres in height. Beyond Axat the road (now route D118) passes through the equally dramatic Gorges de Saint-Georges.

The Gorges de Galamus, further east within the Aude department are another very impressive system of deep gorges. also well known for the Saint-Antoine hermitage, deep within the canyon .

All three of these Gorges de l'Aude offer a very good opportunity to enjoy the landscape, either from the comfort of your car or as a starting point for walking and cycling in the region - the latter is recommended since the narrow roads will require much of your attention, and you will see less of the scenery from the car window.

Various smaller gorges are also to be found in the department and also offer lovely scenic opportinities - these include the Gorges de la Frau, the Gorges du Verdouble and the the Gorges of Rébenty (the D107 near Pont d'Aliès).

Grotte Aguzou

Between Axat and Quillan, the cave at Aguzou is very extensive and a different experience to other caves you might have visited - there are no special effect, sounds or lighting, instead you will be given protective clothing and a light, and embark an an extensive underground hike! Visits are for individuals or small groups only, accompanied by a guide, and need to be booked in advance...see Aguzou Grotte for information about booking, prices, physical condition required...

Note: photo of Gorges de l'Aude is copyright

See Languedoc-Roussillon and Aude (the region and department for Gorges de l'Aude) for more travel ideas...

Suggested places to visit near Gorges de l'Aude, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Camon 24km; Mosset 27km; Montsegur 29km; Molitg les Bains 30km; Ax-les-Thermes 33km; Eus 34km; Mirepoix 35km; Prades 35km; Villefranche-de-Conflent 35km; Carcassonne 40km; Ille sur Tet 42km;

Gorges de l'Aude tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Fontaine Intermittente de Fontestorbes - site of natural beauty (20km) : Gorges de Galamus - site of natural beauty (25km) : Eglise de Sainte Marie de Marcevol (Arboussols) - religious monument (35km) : Lac du Bouillouses - site of natural beauty (37km) : Abbaye Saint Michel de Cuixa (Codalet) - religious monument (37km) : Eglise de Sainte-Marie (Corneilla-de-Conflent) - religious monument (38km) : Pyrenees Catalanes - regional natural parc (38km) : Orgued d'Ille-sur-Tet - site of natural beauty (42km) :

See more places and a map at places near Gorges de l'Aude