Around the Gourgue

de fr

Walk between the limestone plateau and the valley with old mossy box trees, views of the Roc d'Anglars, and the discovery of a cave and the Trou de la Gourgue with its turquoise blue water that supplies part of the village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val.

Details

n°231565
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.45 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 2h 20 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 159 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 155 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 311 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 149 m
Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Photos

Moss
A ditch
European charcoal
The bottom of the cave

Description of the walk

Road access: from Saint-Antonin, take the road towards Caylus (D19). Shortly after the football stadium, follow the small road on your left (just before passing between two houses on the side of the road). Continue along this road, which then turns into a track that is perfectly passable by car. Park at the end of the track near the barrier.

(S/E) Take the track you just drove on until you reach the road. Turn left and continue for about 200 m along the side of the road, passing over the Rivière de la Gourgue.

(1) Take a path on the left shortly after an intersection with a road (yellowPR® sign). Follow this path. On the flat section, you will see an old well on your right. The path then climbs gradually. At the edge of the forest, turn around to enjoy the view of the Roc d'Anglars and its limestone cliffs.
The trail joins a small road, which you follow until you reach a road/path intersection with a cross. Look for theGR® trail markers (white and red).

(2) Follow the path on the left between the ruins and the cross; this is theGR®46(be careful of slippery rocks in wet weather).

(3) When you reach the bottom of the valley, turn left and keep on this path which follows the valley downhill. Continue to a cairn (and an orange mark on a tree) to see the cave, which is accessible for about a hundred metres (with a torch and depending on the water level)

(4). Take the path again. When you cross the stream, keep left and follow the valley until you reach the Trou de la Gourgue.

(5) Then follow the track to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 161 m - Car park - barrier
  2. 1 : km 1.21 - alt. 154 m - Leave the road and take the path on the left
  3. 2 : km 3.79 - alt. 304 m - Intersection, cross
  4. 3 : km 4.79 - alt. 186 m - At the bottom of the valley, take the path on the left
  5. 4 : km 5.42 - alt. 172 m - Cave
  6. 5 : km 5.84 - alt. 164 m - Gourgue hole
  7. S/E : km 6.45 - alt. 161 m - Car park - barrier

Notes

Depending on the season, the path at the bottom of the valley may be transformed into a stream.

Worth a visit

Drinking water station at the side of the road (wooden building).
Gourgue cave, which can be entered. Another small cave on the right-hand side of the track after the Gourgue.
Gariottes on the limestone plateau.

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Downloads
Open in the mobile app
Download GPX GPX
Download PDF PDF

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 36 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
User 12327555

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 16, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely, relaxing walk, perfect for our little dog, who had a brilliant time

Machine-translated

Domi de Saint-Cirq
Domi de Saint-Cirq

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 27, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

I did it in reverse but it was also very good.
A short, peaceful ride.

Machine-translated

nicodaime
nicodaime

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

That day, the stream had burst its banks, so we needed waterproof shoes and walking sticks. We admired the moss on the trees and, of course, the cave. We found a height difference of 208 metres.

Machine-translated

gaston16
gaston16

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Route completed on 26 June 2024.
An easy and pleasant hike despite a short section on tarmac. Very few people on the trail. Most of the hike is in shaded areas. One section runs alongside a stream that covers the path, so caution is advised. This is indicated in the guidebook. Overall, this trail is well worth the trip.

Machine-translated

nicodaime
nicodaime

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 12, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This was my first time doing it with so much water, which made the course more challenging. I even got caught in a light rain shower, but I loved this circuit.

Machine-translated

gamo
gamo

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 11, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

a short hike in the right direction, pleasant but nothing striking on most of the route, which is partly on roads. However, the section between points 3 and 4 was magnificent and surprising. Following the May rains, the Gourgue river sometimes splits into two or three streams of clear, fast-flowing water and runs the entire width of the white stone path. We had to walk on the sides between the mossy trees to find a dry path. The cave is very beautiful, with the water casting dancing reflections on the cyclopean entrance. It is easy to venture further into the darkness with a torch to discover a series of splendid pools (I was not equipped and was barefoot without any problems).
The Gourgue hole is an interesting curiosity, but safety measures prevent you from getting close, which is very frustrating. Don't expect much.

Machine-translated

Pat31
Pat31

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 14, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A fairly short and easy route
Mostly shaded, so pleasant when it's hot

Machine-translated

SB31
SB31
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The circuit is superb. Beautiful views of the river, Saint Antonin, the cliff opposite... I was a little apprehensive due to my fear of heights, but I had no problems. The climb is all at once and at the beginning. Then there's the view and, towards the end, the descent in one go... a little steep, but secured by a rope on the left... So, not recommended after rain.
Just note that this is indeed PR 3 (at times there are at least five paths overlapping), especially if you've memorised the name "circuit du Roc Deymie"... (you have to leave all the other paths by turning left onto a long right-hand bend).
Towards the end, there is a staircase of about 1.5 metres, which, however, posed no problem for my Beauceron. On the contrary, he waited for me at the bottom...
As for other hikers, I didn't see any... (March 2022)

Machine-translated

mouton31
mouton31

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 27, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Enjoy your hike! The route is pleasant, with numerous streams, some of which are dry at this time of year. The cave is very accessible, and there is a hole in the rock used for collecting water. All of this is described in the hike information sheet. Another advantage for those visiting in summer is that much of the trail runs under trees.The region offers many hikes and very pretty villages, so there is something for everyone.

Machine-translated

lupi001
lupi001

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 21, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An easy and very pleasant hike in autumn. It offers variety, with a slight climb at the beginning followed by flat ground and descents with beautiful scenery.
For the meeting point, follow the map. The stadium isn't very well signposted, but the campsite is. When you reach the long buildings on either side of the road, take the road just before them. After that, the route is very easy to follow. The cave is just to the left of the path and 200 metres before the Rourgue hole. In fact, it's the hole that's fenced off, not the cave.

Machine-translated

2doudoux
2doudoux

Overall rating : 2 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 14, 2021
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : ★★☆☆☆ Disappointing
Route interest : Not used / Not applicable
Very busy route : Yes

) From the outset, it should be specified that the small road on the left after the stadium (there are two stadiums in St Antonin) is a few kilometres away... at the exit onto the road to Caylus. So we wasted time. Very disappointed. We took a short walk along the river towards the cave, which was in the opposite direction to the description. The map was accurate for this location, which is where the problem arose when leaving the road to Caylus. It's a shame because the place looks nice, so we went to buy the tours from the St Antonin tourist office

Machine-translated

MNORDIC
MNORDIC

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 23, 2021
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike, provided you complete it and, above all, follow the PR 12 signposts from the St Antonin NV tourist office
Departure from the Cirque de Bône car park for a round trip
90% of the trail is on paths.
the little Frayssinet Valley (including the Gourgue cave) is absolutely magical, with local heritage sites such as
dry stone walls, gariottes (stone huts), wash houses, walls that once diverted the course of the stream, etc.
Our choice: 20 km in total with detours to typical hamlets in the region

Everything is very well explained in the tourist office's little walking guide... yes, really!
With a rare discovery: the Pyrenean lily!

Machine-translated

frxxxdark
frxxxdark
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 20, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A very nice little hike to get back into shape^^. The cave is quite impressive and slightly muddy^^. Just make sure you bring boots in case the water reaches your knees (if you're worried about getting your socks wet xD) and, above all, bring a headlamp, as it's more fun with one^^

Machine-translated

Sèvettof
Sèvettof

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 08, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The start was a little difficult to find despite the explanation
Nice family hike, even though the climb was tough in the heat and sun. However, if you don't look carefully in the forest, it's easy to miss the cave. But apart from that, everything was great. Our little boy loved it.
We came across a few people, but it wasn't exactly busy either
On the way, we noticed that there are other marked trails, so we'll check them out next time

Machine-translated

delfamily
delfamily

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 04, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

a wonderful time with the family
the only downside was that the "hole in the ground" was difficult to see (fence)
We finished the circuit in the stream (very cool)

Machine-translated

Other walks in the area

Walking Le Rocher Tremblant

Visorando Member
Le Rocher Tremblant
↔8.51 km ↗+201 m ↘-206 m ◔3h 00 ▲Easy
⚑Departure from Espinas (Tarn-et-Garonne)
Walk in the Bonnette valley between fields and forest with views of the Château de Cas and a strange rock formation known as Rocher Tremblant. You will pass two mills that have been converted into homes, a restored old church, a restored old bread oven and other small stone structures typical of our region (low walls, cazelles, etc.).

Walking Château de Cas in Espinas

Visorando Member
Château de Cas à Espinas
↔15.84 km ↗+356 m ↘-356 m ◔5h 35 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Espinas (Tarn-et-Garonne)
In this beautiful region of Rouergue, near Saint-Antonin, Caylus and the Bonnette valley, we walk along paths and through valleys, passing mills, beautiful Rouergate buildings, chapels and wash houses.

Walking Autour de Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val et au-dessus des Gorges de l'Aveyron

Visorando Member
Autour de Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val et au-dessus des Gorges de l'Aveyron
↔14.71 km ↗+429 m ↘-427 m ◔5h 25 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (Tarn-et-Garonne)
This hike, starting from one of the most beautiful villages in France, Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val, will also allow you to discover the Gorges de l'Aveyron. This 14 km loop will give you a beautiful view of the limestone plateaus between Rouergue and Quercy. You will also find a place of historical memory with the Maquis d'Ornano.

Walking Loop in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val overlooking the Cirque de Nibousou

Visorando Member
Boucle à Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val qui domine le Cirque de Nibousou
↔17.82 km ↗+552 m ↘-545 m ◔6h 40 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (Tarn-et-Garonne)
This is a loop that will take you up from the banks of the Aveyron to the Grotte de la Gourgue. You will return via the Cirque de Nibouzou. This is a variation of thePR®18.

Walking Cirque de Nibousou in Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val

Visorando Member
Cirque de Nibousou à Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val
↔7.54 km ↗+218 m ↘-215 m ◔2h 45 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (Tarn-et-Garonne)
A loop on the heights of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val with a passage through the undergrowth, around the Cirque de Nibousou and on the plateau. Beautiful panoramic views of the Cirque de Nibousou and the Gorges de l'Aveyron.

Walking The Cirque de Bône

Visorando Member
Le Cirque de Bône
↔9.02 km ↗+205 m ↘-206 m ◔3h 10 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (Tarn-et-Garonne)
This path follows the edge of the Aveyron river and then goes around the Cirque de Bône. There are several viewpoints from which you can admire the Aveyron valley and the limestone cliffs.

Walking Côte de "Ouf" and Cirque de Bône

Visorando Member
Côte de "Ouf" et Cirque de Bône
↔13.04 km ↗+428 m ↘-425 m ◔4h 55 ▲Difficult
⚑Departure from Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (Tarn-et-Garonne)
This is a beautiful loop along the banks of the Aveyron River, reaching a surprising viewpoint over the Cirque de Bône. The climb to the viewpoint is a tough one called the Côte de Ouf. Numerous landscapes of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val and its river await hikers. The return journey passes at the foot of Brousse through pretty woods and, in part, along the Aveyron once again.

Walking The Cirque de Bône via the Côte de Ouf

Visorando Member
Le Cirque de Bône par la côte de Ouf
↔9.02 km ↗+197 m ↘-198 m ◔3h 10 ▲Moderate
⚑Departure from Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (Tarn-et-Garonne)
This is a lovely, varied and undulating hike, partly along the banks of the Aveyron, offering superb views of the Cirque de Bône. To reach this viewpoint, you will have to climb the aptly named Côte de Ouf. From the plateau, you will overlook the river and the cirque before starting your return to the pretty village of Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val.

For more walks, use our search engine .

The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.