5 km north of Saint-Paul, in the last foothills of the Corbières, the fault of one of the most beautiful valleys in the region opens. A natural treasure that this narrow, deep and colossal notch cracked by the Agly.
The grandiose site of the “Galamus Gorges”, a classified and protected natural site, was undoubtedly the first inhabited place of Saint-Paul, our ancestors finding refuge in the limestone caves that pierce the vertiginous walls at this point.
In this deep fault, the Agly river bubbles and rumbles to the great joy of the athletes. On its steep slopes the holm oak, the juniper, the sabine and the Balearic cyclamen cling bravely under the piercing gaze of Bonelli’s eagle.
Galamus is both a gorge and an abyss. These gorges were a challenge for man who, around 1890, dug a road of more than two kilometres halfway up the abyss in order to facilitate the passage between the Aude and the Pyrénées-Orientales. This winding road has long inspired advertisers.
Practical information
- Buses and motorhomes are prohibited from driving in the gorges.
- It is therefore recommended to visit the gorge on foot and leave the vehicle in the car parks.
- During the months of July and August, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., alternating traffic facilitates passage through the gorges.
- Shuttles are available from the car parks during this summer period.