Discover
the Cabrespine chasm#Explore Nature
2023 is here, and we’d like to wish you all the best for a brand new year! Perhaps you’re already starting to select the places you don’t want to miss on your next camping holiday in the Aude. It’s hard not to encourage you to come and discover the Gouffre de Cabrespine near our campsite between Carcassonne and Narbonne!
Le Gouffre de Cabrespine#A must-see
Discovered late (1968) by Aude speleologists, the Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine lies near the Pic de Nore, the highest point of the Montagne Noire. Opened to the public 20 years later, it’s a richly rewarding visit to a chasm carved out by the river over a period of some 45 million years! This underground cavity is now over 200 metres deep.
As the guides like to say, the chasm could be home to the Eiffel Tower, even if this project is not on the agenda! During your visit, you’ll be able to admire aragonite and calcite crystals sublimated by a beautiful play of light. There are many ways to explore this incredible place.
Explore
the Cabrespine chasm#Rich in sensations
The classic visit to the Gouffre de Cabrespine leaves no one indifferent. You’ll be able to cross a glass footbridge at an altitude of over 200 metres, and discover the Salles Rouges (Red Halls), named after the strong presence of iron oxide, as well as the Salle aux Cristaux (Crystal Hall), home to magnificent aragonites. An enchanting play of sound and light accompanies your visit to the Gouffre de Cabrespine. The site is frequently renewed, and since 2018, visitors have been able to enjoy a new panorama of the chasm thanks to the Belvédère des Disques.
an unusual visit#Underground adventure
The more adventurous will be delighted to know that there are two other ways to explore the Gouffre de Cabrespine: the Rivière Souterraine route will give you access to the cave’s hidden caverns and take you through (a small part of) the 25 km of galleries. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll have the privilege of getting to know this underground river and exploring parts previously off-limits to the public (accessible from age 10, provided you’re at least 1.50m tall with your arms raised).
Another fun and sporty way to become an explorer is to don your exploration suit and try your hand at cave climbing with a guide. In fact, the Gouffre de Cabrespine has had the good idea of integrating an acrobatic course accessible from the age of 12, including zip lines and monkey bridges that will enable you to move around the site in complete safety in the company of an experienced guide. Your guide will be sure to give you valuable information about this Cathar landmark, while you’ll have access to privileged areas and viewpoints of the Gouffre de Cabrespine.
More information
The Gouffre de Cabrespine near our campsite in the Aude opens this year on February 7. The temperature is around 14°C in all seasons, so remember to bring warm clothing for your visit (approx. 50 minutes for the standard tour).
The classic route is suitable for people with disabilities).
Opening hours: daily from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00.
(Pets allowed on site)