Kakueta gorges: discover this jewel by exploring its gorges
For lovers of hiking and nature, the Kakueta Gorges are a splendid discovery. Hosted in the French Basque Countryin the border area with Spain, were opened to the public in 1966. Previously, these hidden paths were used by smugglers and during the Second World War many people escaped through this border crossing.
In its surroundings we can find the village of Saint-EngraceThe village has preserved all the traces of the villages of Haute Soule in the Basque mountains. Special mention should be made of its Romanesque church, which is considered to be an architectural jewel dating from the 11th century.
How to get there
Between the villages of Tardets and Larrau, on the D26 road, take the turn-off for Urdax-Saint Engrace and continue along the D113 road. Once you leave Urdax-Saint Engrace behind, continue up the valley, following the signs for the Gorges de Kakueta or Gorges de Kakuetta. There is car park for visitors, about 250 metres from the entrance to the gorges.
The route
It is recommended to use a appropriate footwear for hiking, since the humidity of the climate tends to make the slippery floors and also wear the helmet provided at the entrance, to avoid accidents due to falling stones. You do not need a guide to walk through the gorges, so you can make the stops of your choice. The Kakueta Gorges are open to the public between March and November. However, on rainy days, the managers may restrict the right of admission.
It is estimated that in about two hours the tour can be completed in about two hours.o that runs along the bottom of the gorge. There you will find several footbridges and bridges. There is abundant vegetation along the way and it is a spectacle to behold.
Halfway along the route, a tunnel will delight the little ones, who will be able to experience a real explorer's adventure. Near the end of the route, the Kakueta waterfall, an impressive 20-metre high waterfall, can be seen at close quarters. At the end of the route, visitors will reach the Grotte du Lac, a cave with curious formations of stalactites and giant stalagmites.
It is important to remember that these natural sites have a delicate ecosystem, so it is necessary to be very respectful of the environment, so that other people can enjoy them.
Extraordinary training
Erosion caused by meltwater from the last ice age has been sculpting the Kakueta Gorges for thousands of years. The canyon is about two kilometres long and the vertical walls rise up to 300 metres high.
In one section, known as "Le Grand Étroit" ("The Great Narrows"), the two walls are only three metres apart.
The gorge was formed 80 million years ago, and it is precisely here that the hiking trail is attached.
The Kakueta Gorges are considered one of the most spectacular natural spectacles in Europe, and are visited every year by thousands of hikers to admire their beauty.
