Walk around the Gouffre de l’Œil Doux

A quick family walk offering magnificent views of the chasm. This route is easy and provides quick access to the chasm. The path goes round the chasm and another one (with steps) even allows you to climb down into it.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 1.33 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 0h 45 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Easy

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 180 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 164 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 167 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 7 ft
  • ⚐ Country: France
  • ⚐ City: Fleury (Aude) (11560)
  • ⚑
    Start/End: N 43.191534° / E 3.177221°
  • ❏
    IGN map(s): Ref. 2545ET, 2546OT
  • Hour-by-hour weather

Photos

Description of the walk

There is a free car park, accessible directly from the road, at the start of the walk. It is situated at the lay-by on the D1118.

(S/E) Head due east along the wide track; you’ll soon reach a Y-junction.

(1) Leave the track and take the path on the right to reach the viewpoint overlooking the Gouffre de l’Œil-Doux.

(2) Turn right to begin your walk around the chasm. You’ll reach the junction leading to the lake.

(3) Take the path on the left to descend into the chasm.

(4) Return to the previous junction.

(3) Turn left to complete the circuit and return to the initial junction you passed on the way out.

(2) Turn right and follow the route you took on the way there in the opposite direction to return to the car park at the lay-by on the D1118 (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 115 ft - Car park at the lay-by on the D1118
  2. 1 : mi 0.15 - alt. 138 ft - Trail junction
  3. 2 : mi 0.42 - alt. 135 ft - Crossroads of the circular loop
  4. 3 : mi 0.64 - alt. 62 ft - Access to the lake
  5. 4 : mi 0.68 - alt. 7 ft - Pond
  6. S/E : mi 1.33 - alt. 115 ft - Car park at the lay-by on the D1118

Notes

The entire route alternates between shade and sunshine. The ground is quite rocky and can be slippery at times (make sure you wear suitable footwear). With minimal elevation gain, the route is suitable for all fitness levels. Signposts indicate the directions along the various paths. Make sure you bring water.
You should also bring mosquito repellent if you’re heading down into the chasm by the lake (it’s swarming with mosquitoes).

Worth a visit

The view from the top of the chasm.

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