Gorges de Carança

An exciting and fun option for hiking in the Pyrenean valley of Carança is the Les Gorges de la Carança equipped path. It is a circular path that runs at high altitude over bridges, footbridges and ledges carved into the rock.

The great natural attractions of the Carança valley have been defended by the isolation provided by its peculiar geographical layout, with the deep gorges of the river below and the spectacular mountain range of forests, peaks and lakes above.

How to get there

Cross the border at Puigcerdà and take the N-116 towards Saillagouse, starting the descent towards the mountain pass. You pass the fortifications of Mont-Lluis, Sant Thomas les Bains and Fontpedruse.

When you reach Thués-entre-Valls, you will find a car park, specially equipped for visitors to the Gorges de la Carança.

Tour

It is a route of no great difficulty, suitable for children at any time of the year. However, it is advisable to wear comfortable footwear, as the route sometimes takes you along steep sections of the wall. It is also advisable to be aware of the weather conditions on the day chosen for the excursion.

The path starts by crossing the wooden bridge at the car park, leaving the entrance to the Gorges on the left. The route ascends, leaving Thués and the river Tet in sight, until you enter the path carved into the wall.

In this section, which is at a great height, a safety cable runs along it, on which the walker can also lean or support himself. The path continues along the river. Walkways and bridges appear between the trees and surprise the hikers.

In total, four bridges and four steps cut into the wall complete the route, which takes about four hours in total for the round trip. In summer, the water is tempting for a refreshing dip.

Shelter

The Carança refuge is small and tends to fill up quickly. But hikers have the option of sleeping indoors by renting a tent.

Hikers who have walked the trail recommend it for its rugged beauty. They also recommend taking food and drink with you, so that you can spend the day in comfort and take advantage of the fresh air.

The yellow train

To get to know the region better, visitors can take the Jaune train, or Yellow Train. Built at the beginning of the century to connect the Catalan highlands, it runs 63 kilometres through spectacular scenery.

The Yellow Train follows the valley of the river Têt from Villefranche-de-Conflent and then crosses the Cerdagne from Mont-Louis to Latour-de-Carol, overcoming 1,200 metres of gradient to reach Bolquère station.

Construction began in 1903. In 1909, a tragic accident resulted in the death of several people, including the engineer Gisclard. The Gisclard Bridge, 222 metres long and 80 metres high, pays tribute to him with its name.