Gouffre de Cabrespine
in the Aude department
A must-see in the Aude region, the Gouffre de Cabrespine stands out not only for the richness of its calcite and aragonite crystals, but also for its exceptional dimensions. The Montolieu campsite is ideally situated to discover this underground site, just 40 minutes away by car. Allow around 50 minutes for a visit on foot, 2h30 if you choose an Accro Grotte sports tour and 3h for its nautical adventure.
Cabrespine: cave or abyss?
The difference between an abyss and a cave is the shape of the cavity. Whereas a grotto is more horizontal and accessible via a tunnel entrance, an abyss is more vertical, sinking into the ground.
It’s a gaping hole left after unstable underground cavities have collapsed in on themselves. This is what happened at the Gouffre de Cabrespine, after water infiltrated the limestone rocks, which eventually dissolved under the action of time, creating spectacular concretions in the process.
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Renowned for its crystallizations, the chasm has impressive dimensions, with a total surface area of 1,600,000 m3. This natural site is one of the most beautiful caves in Europe.
With an abyssal depth of 250 m, the Gouffre de Cabrespine was discovered by a club of speleologists in 1934 and opened to the public in 1988. The presence of Bronze Age pottery and tools demonstrates the human activity of the ancient caverns, but it is above all the Salles Rouges that have made it famous.
Glass trail, addictive cave and underground river
Nowadays, this cavity can be explored thanks to some daring developments.
For a family visit, a 50-minute walk on a suspended balcony allows you to contemplate the concretions.
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Sports enthusiasts can take to the monkey bridges and zip lines while admiring the great petrified waterfall or the Hall of Wonders.
Finally, you can discover the chasm from the water, by following the course of its underground river in a boat with a guide.
A unique experience that lets you marvel at the sound of lapping water.
Visit the Cabrespine chasm
Just 30 minutes from the medieval city of Carcassonne, you’ll find the Gouffre de Cabrespine in the village of the same name, in the heart of the Montagne Noire. It is close to the Pic de Nore, its highest point.
There are numerous hikes in the area offering breathtaking panoramas of the region, including the Pyrenees mountain range. So you’ll have plenty to keep you busy if you set off for the day to discover the wonders of the Montagne Noire.
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For your visit to the Gouffre de Cabrespine, remember to book your tickets in advance on the website, even if you can pick them up on site on the day.
Here is some useful information to help you prepare for your visit:
- Tour of the chasm: for all, 50 minutes, with guide or audio-guide in low season
- Accro Grotte: good physical condition, from age 12, 2h30, booking essential.
- La Rivière Souterraine: good physical condition, from age 10, 3h, booking essential
Staying at the Montolieu campsite near Le Gouffre
Strategically located in the village of Montolieu, the campsite lies between Toulouse and the Mediterranean, in a quiet, peaceful setting.
It’s the ideal place for a family vacation, with a wide choice of activities on offer. You can relax, enjoy the surrounding nature, or stroll through the streets of Montolieu.
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Books have a place of honour here, with an incredible number of museums, bookshops and craftsmen bringing the area to life. It’s also the ideal starting point for discovering the jewels of the Aude, such as the Gouffre de Cabrespine, not to be missed during your stay.
The majestic Gouffre de Cabrespine boasts exceptional concretions and spectacular views over a secret, unspoilt natural environment. Take advantage of your stay at Camping de Montolieu to discover stalactites, draperies, columns and other wonders of the underground world. The Sentier de Verre (Glass Trail) and Belvédère des Disques (Discs Lookout) are sure to please young and old alike, revealing a host of wonderful surprises.
