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Gorges de l'Aude

Visit Gorges de l'Aude (Languedoc-Roussillon, France)

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...

Photos taken within 10 km

Address: Gorges de l'Aude, Aude, Languedoc-Roussillon || GPS: latitude 42.876, longitude 2.1825

Map of Gorges de l'Aude & places nearby



 

Highlights close by

More suggestions: Limoux 20km; Camon 24km; Saint-Hilaire 26km; Mosset 27km; Montsegur 29km; Molitg les Bains 30km; Ax-les-Thermes 33km; Eus 34km; Mirepoix 35km; Prades 35km; Villefranche-de-Conflent 35km;

See lots more places to visit nearby and a more detailed map at places near Gorges de l'Aude.
See Languedoc-Roussillon and Aude (the region and department for Gorges de l'Aude) for more travel ideas...

Suggested tourist attractions to visit near Gorges de l'Aude, France

• Fontaine Intermittente de Fontestorbes - site of natural beauty (20km)
• Limoux - recommended detour (20km)
• Camon - most beautiful village (24km)
• Gorges de Galamus - site of natural beauty (25km)
• Mosset - most beautiful village (27km)
• Eus - most beautiful village (34km)
• Prades - recommended detour (35km)
• Eglise de Sainte Marie de Marcevol (Arboussols) - religious monument (35km)
• Villefranche-de-Conflent enceinte / fort (Vauban fortifications) - heritage site (35km)
• Villefranche-de-Conflent - most beautiful village (35km)

The French version of this page is at Gorges de l'Aude (Francais)