Country:
City:
How to get there – From Villeneuve-en-Minervois, head towards Pradelles-Cabardes via the D111. After 6 km through the gorges, you’ll reach the village of Cabrespine. The road is narrow; at the left-hand bend, carry straight on towards the wash house. Then turn right and cross the bridge (the road remains very narrow). After the bridge, turn right and, 80 metres further on, you’ll find the Parking des Jardins, where you’re very likely to find a parking space.
(S/E) Head back towards the wash house until you reach the D111.
(1) Cross the D111 and head up Rue Alphonse Ségui. As soon as you can, turn right between the houses, then left to join a wider road.
After the last house, take the botanical trail which climbs to the left. Along this trail you’ll find information about the plants most commonly found in the area. Walk to the Fork in the road, just a stone’s throw from the chasm.
(2) From here, you are 50 metres from the Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine (this is the must-see attraction in the area). Head up to the right. Continue to the end of the botanical trail.
(3) The botanical trail ends here; do not carry on straight ahead but turn left.
The path continues to climb, and you’ll soon come to a Fork in the road. Take the path on the right (unless you wish to go as far as the Roc d’Agnel).
You will then begin a descent. After about 300 m, you’ll pass by the Coroluna cave.
(4) Continue down to the Escoles ravine, then head back up. Soon you’ll come across another cave (a larger one this time) which served as a refuge for members of the Resistance.
(5) Head back down to the stream.
(6) On the day we were there, the stream was dry, so it was very easy to cross. From there, you begin another climb up to a memorial stone. Then head back down to the village of Trassanel. Take the first road on the right until you reach the next junction.
(7) Take the road leading uphill to the right. This is theGR®®36(marked in red and white).
This section on tarmac isn’t the most pleasant, but the scenery is interesting.
Walk until you come to a stony path.
(8) Continue to follow theGR®®36. You’ll soon come back onto a tarmac road.
At a left-hand bend, head straight on along a path (still marked in red and white). After 100 metres, you’ll come to a wider path. Continue to the right until you reach the next junction.
(9) You’ll come to an even wider stony path. Turn right (leave theGR®® which heads north towards Pradelles). Follow this flat path to the boundary stone opposite the Roc de l’Aigle.
(10) From here, the view is well worth seeing. Head east towards the rock for a round trip.
(11) “Take the time to enjoy the scenery. You’ll discover a lovely view of Cabrespine as well as all the surrounding mountains (including the Pic de Nore). Then head back towards the boundary marker.”
(10) Begin the descent southwards. Take care, as the path is rather slippery.
After just over 500 metres, the slope levels off. You’ll soon come to a gate.
(12) Don’t forget to close the gate behind you once you’ve passed through. Head left to rejoin the start of the circular route. On this stretch you’ll come across two more gates.
(3) Retrace your steps back to Cabrespine (S/E).
Whilst you’re there, you can visit the chasm (allow an hour for the visit).
Visorando Member
Difficult 
