Gorges de la Frau

Wild gorge on the Cathar Trail – near Montségur

The river Hers has carved a canyon just over three kilometres long through the Frau mountain, with sheer limestone walls 300–400 metres high – the name itself means the break. The gorge links Fougax-et-Barrineuf in Ariège with Comus in Aude, and both the Sentier Cathare (GR 367) and the Chemin des Bonshommes (GR 107) run through it. The area is a nature reserve and a Natura 2000 site, and only a short drive from Bélesta and Fontestorbes.

TipsDrive from Bélesta towards Fougax-et-Barrineuf and follow the signs for the gorges de la Frau to the car park at Pélail, where the road ends. From there it is just over a kilometre to the gorge and then almost three kilometres of path through it up to the forest road towards Comus. There and back takes 4–5 hours. The path is rocky, so wear proper shoes. Shady and cool even in midsummer – but avoid it in heavy rain.

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42.8420° N, 1.8890° E

Gorges de la Frau

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