Caves and Gorges of Aude and Ariege

Tautavel man was discovered here in 1971-1979 by Professor H de Lumley researching caves and gorges of Aude and Ariege. Tautavel man inhabited Languedoc 450,000 years ago. Museums containing pre-historic art some dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic Age make an interesting holiday.

Aguzou Caves

Still in their natural state with crystal and argonite formations. Discovered in 1965 the 25 caves are reputed to be the best in France. Groups of 8-12 people only and children must be aged 10. Nearest to the Holiday Gite in Axat.

Bedeilhac Cave

An opening 15 metres high and 720 long, used during the second world war as an aeronautical store. 13,000 years ago the Magdalenians decorated the walls with paintings, engravings and clay sculptures.

Grottes Des Canalettes

Limestone caves discovered in 1951 where 160m of passageway has been hollowed out by underground streams 395 million years ago. Admire the beautiful colours and shapes, floodlit stalactites and stalagmites hang like chandeliers. Potholing can be arranged in advance 30 Euros for 2 hours.

Niaux Cave

Here the Magdalenians drew in charcoal one of the great pre-historic masterpieces Bison, horses, deer and Ibex.

Aude and Ariege Gorges

Remarkable Gorges of Aude and Ariege carved out by rivers. Narrow twisting roads with overhanging rocks lead to the spectacular Eastern France Pyrenees.

Gorges St Georges

Narrowest gorge of the Upper Aude Valley South France. 350m deep 20m wide. Only a short drive from Axat Gite.

St Pierre Lys

named in honour of Felix Armand an 18th Century Aude priest who masterminded the tunnel Trou du Curé (Priest's Hole). Cut with pickaxes by villagers. Originally a mule track Napoleon declared 'a pity the man should be a priest'. Sheer vertical walls reach to the heavens revealing a small ribbon of sky.

Gorges Galamus

A natural site created by the river Agly cutting into the limestone cleft. A narrow road leads to St Antoine Hermitage which clings to the vertical rock face. Can be reached on foot take the small track lined with ancient olive trees. From the gite in Axat the tourist train runs a bus service to this popular South France attraction.

Gorges du Verdouble

Impressive rosemary lined Aude gorge with waterfalls, pools and small lake. The water used to feed the old wheat mill at Duilhac near Peyreperteuse. 5km from Cucugnan a perfect place for a picnic.

Gorges de la Frau

Known as the gorges of fear the river Hers a tributary of the Ariege flows down and makes a detour.