The Frau Gorges

Over 3 km in length, the Hers has dug a veritable canyon 300 to 400 meters high in the Frau mountain. They constitute a natural link between Comus in the Aude and Fougax and Barrineuf in the Ariege. Etymologically, Frau means fracture.

Full of history
The Gorges de la Frau also have their own history. Formerly one of the only passages between Aude and Ariège, they served as a den for smugglers. It was essentially exchanges of tobacco or alcohol, coming straight from Spain. Long before the era of the automobile, the inhabitants of the Pays d'Olmes thus communicated easily with their Aude neighbors, "often on the back of a donkey".

Family hikes
From the hamlet of Pélail to Comus in the Aude, nearly 7,5 kilometers of walking await hikers. An ideal circuit when the mercury rises. The gorges are mostly in the shade, which makes it a pleasant place for families. The route nevertheless remains quite substantial, since it takes 5 hours of walking to do the 15 km round trip, with a peak of altitude at 1 meters and a vertical drop of nearly 166 meters. It's not that difficult, but you still have to like the walk. Note the absence of torrents or fountains remember to take water.

The gorges are located on the Chemin des Bonshommes, a 107 km Cathar trail that runs through Ariège and its castles. Notice to amateurs.

Access: from Lavelanet, direction Bélesta then Fougax and Barrineuf then direction the gorges de la Frau. Parking at the end of the road and at the start of the trail.

Ranking & labels

• Natura 2000

Opening

Equipments

• Picnic area.
• Parking

Services

• Pet Friendly