A complete guide to visiting the Gorges de Galamus. What to see and do? How to get there and where to stay?

Found in the South of France, near Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet in the department of the Pyrénées-Orientales, the Gorges de Galamus is a hidden gem not many know about.

This spectacular protected natural site was carved by the river Agly which meanders through vertiginous limestone cliffs and offers incredible viewpoints. It is a place highly appreciated for canyoning and hiking but also for its hidden away Hermitage of St Anthony of Galamus built on the cliffside and overlooking the valley.

In the heart of the Cathare countryside, the Gorges de Galamus is one of the best day trips combining cultural and natural patrimony near the town of Perpignan. In this article, you will find all the information you need to know before visiting the Gorges de Galamus!

Complete Guide to the Gorges de Galamus

1. How to get to the Gorges de Galamus?
2. Where to stay near the Gorges de Galamus?
3. How to visit the Gorges de Galamus?
4. What to do around the Gorges de Galamus?

How to Get to the gorges de galamus?

Driving to the Gorges de Galamus from Perpignan

The Gorges de Galamus is usually accessed by car due to its remoteness. They are found about 47km from the city centre of Perpignan, in Occitanie, along the “Route des Vins”, one of the most beautiful roads lined with large vineyards and rocky mountains covered with Garrigue.

To get to the site from Perpignan, you will need to drive towards the city’s airport and turn on the D117 which leads to Saint-Paul-De Fenouillet. You will first pass through the beautiful villages of Espira de l’Agly, Estagel and Maury before reaching Saint-Paul. Upon entering the latter, follow the sign to the right towards the “Gorges de Galamus” on the D7. The gorges are about 5km up the road.

If you don’t have your own car, you can choose to rent one in Perpignan. For online booking in advance, we would recommend using Discover Cars. The best part about Discover Cars is that you get full coverage insurance for less than €7 a day! You can also compare all the companies in the market, choose the type of car you want and see all the most recent customer reviews before making a booking. On the website, you can easily narrow your search price to find the best deal within your budget.

Where to park?

There are 4 car parks available around the gorges

• #1 -“Las Ribes” – this is a small area to park during the summer months when the car park closer to the Gorges is packed. It is also the main start of the Gorges de Galamus hike loop.
• #2 “Belvédère” – this is the largest car park with a small café. This parking is mostly used by walkers to reach the Hermitage of Saint Antony of Galamus. During the summer months, this parking gets quite crowded.
• #3 – “Ermitage” – This small car park is located right above the Hermitage of St Antony of Galamus. It is also the last parking before entering the narrow road along the Gorges.
• #4 – “Aude” – That car park is right after the Gorges. Visitors park here mostly if they arrive from the department of Aude (and not from Perpignan).

In fact, the Gorges de Galamus and beautiful viewpoints are just a little bit further up the road. Depending on the time of the year, you can either drive, walk, cycle or take a shuttle. We will cover this in the next paragraph.

Public transport

There is public transport to Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet such as buses and trains leaving Perpignan but once at the small village, you will still have to hike for about 3 hours or so to reach the Gorges.

If you are willing to visit the gorges without a car from Perpignan, we would recommend staying for the night in Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet and hiking up and back the next day.

Where to stay?

Hotel and B&B near Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet

Domaine Mas Terra | A beautiful Bed & Breakfast with Aircon, a fully equipped kitchenette with a dining area in each room and access to a large swimming pool. It is an excellent location, only 5 min from the centre of the village. For more information or to check prices and availability, click here.

Domaine de Coussères | A little bit outside of Saint-Paul-de -Fenouillet, this stunning Master’s property is tastefully decorated and offers gorgeous views of the mountains. If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing place to spend a few days in the countryside, don’t look further! For more information or to check prices and availability, click here.

Logis Hôtel Le Chatelet | Family owned and run, this cute little B&B is probably the most affordable place to stay this close to Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet. For more information or to check prices and availability, click here.

For more locations, check out the interactive map below:

Booking.com

How to VISIT the gorges de Galamus?

The road along the Gorges de Galamus is extremely narrow and can only fit one car in most places. While driving the gorges is accessible all year long, traffic regulations have been put in place during the summer months to avoid congestion.

Since 2003, this alternated traffic system has helped reduce the crossing from a couple of hours to only 15 min. However, if you plan to drive, be aware parking along the road is not allowed.

To take photos and enjoy the views of the Gorges, we would recommend parking ahead of the site and either walking along the Gorges (1.5km) or taking the electric shuttle.

Note: The 1.5km walk is on the road. There are no tracks along the river for hikers. Only accredited Canyoning tour guides can take you there.

If you happen to visit outside the summer period and meet another car on the narrow road, chances are you will have to reverse and find a spot to let them pass.

In our opinion | The best way to visit the Gorge de Galamus is as per below:

• drive to the second car park (The “Belvédère“) on the left of the D7 (coming from Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet) and hike to the hermitage.
• After the visit, don’t head back the way you came. Instead, follow the path after the small café, enter the dark tunnel for about 20 meters and climb the steps. You will find yourself at Parking number 2.
• From here turn left to enter the Gorges!
• When you are ready to head back, turn around, pass the hermitage on your right, and walk another 500 m until you reach car park where you left your car.

Info:
– The alternated traffic is in place 7 days a week from July 5th until August 31st – 11 am – 6 pm.
– Speed limit is 30km per hour.
– Parking along the Gorge de Galamus road is not allowed.
– Bus and Camper Van are not allowed in the Gorges due to the narrow road and low overhanging rocks.
– The electric Shuttle runs every day during the summer month and costs €1 per person.
– Climbing or swimming within the Gorges isn’t allowed.

What to do around the Gorges de Galamus

Hermitage of St Anthony of Galamus

Only a few minutes from the Gorges de Galamus road, you can visit the hermitage of St Antony de Galamus. It is believed this retreat partially found inside natural grottos has been visited by ermits since the 7th century. But it is during the 15th century that the current buildings found on the edge of the cliff were built.

Today, it is possible to visit the hermitage but the access is strictly on foot. You can either park at the second car park and walk 15 min along a very beautiful trail or take the stairs from parking number 3. Either way, make sure to wear good shoes, the trail and stairs can be slippery.

Note: the trail isn’t suitable for bikes, small children or buggies.

At the hermitage, you will find a small chapel inside the natural cave, which is totally worth seeing. There is also a small cafe in the main square.

Canyoning the Gorges de Galamus

Canyoning is a great way to visit the Gorges de Galamus, even with kids, since this route is classified as a first level. However, the activity is regulated and can only be done through an accredited tour guide. There are no abseiling but several jumps (which aren’t compulsory), and a couple of toboggans.

Generally, tours last around 2 to 3 hours and cost €40 per person. Most tours are organised from the month of May until October and are led primarily in French but a lot of guides are now also offering guidance in English. Make sure to check upon booking.

Here are a couple of links to check availability:

• Nature Aventure
• Oxygen Aventure
• You can also find more canyoning companies here.

Hiking options

The Gorges are only accessible on foot along the main road. There are no others trails within the Gorges unless you take the option to go Canyoning. However, there are a few routes nearby the Gorges de Galamus that wander through the incredible Catalan backcountry.

Return hike from Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet to the Gorges de Galamus – We mentioned this route in our “how to get to the Gorges de Galamus” section. This is a 4km one-way trail that starts from the town’s city centre and arrives at the main car park.

The trail follows the main road for about 1.5km before switching onto a secondary path called “La Campariere”. At the end of this path, you will climb up through a small trail to the main road and arrive at Parking 2.

A short walk from Car Park 2 to Hermitage of St Antony of Galamus – This is a quite scenic 15-min walk to reach the Hermitage. It goes down through a small forest before reaching the stairs leading to the Hermitage entrance. If you have the time, we definitely recommend this route.

You can then exit the Hermitage from the other side, continue to the Gorges along the road, and then head back to your car, closing the loop via the main road.

The Gorges de Galamus Loop Hike – This is a 9km hike that starts and ends at the Cark Park #1. It takes approximately 4 hours to complete the loop. The elevation is about 470m. This trail (GR367) is marked with Yellow signs and offers incredible views of the Agly Valley.

Via Pla de Brezou– There is another trail a bit longer (12km) which goes through ridges and requires a good level of fitness. This hike is steep in a few parts and you may need to use your hands to stabilise yourself.

Other places nearby

Cathare Castles | If you drive from Perpignan, you will spot on the top of the Corbière mountains several Cathare castles. Queribus or Peyrepertuse are the castles the closest to the Gorges de Galamus which can be added to a day trip out of Perpignan! Don’t miss them, they are some of the most unique places to visit in the South East of France.

Via Ferrata of Saint Paul de Fenouillet | For those who don’t have Vertigo and are looking for fun activities in the area, join a guided tour to Saint-Paul-de-Fenouilet Via-Ferrata. This vertical hike requires climbing equipment. It will take you across monkey bridges to dizzying viewpoints overlooking the Agly Valley, Queribus Cathare Castle and the Gorges de Galamus!

Ansignan aqueduct | This Roman vestige is found only 12km south of Saint-Paul-de-Fenouilet, near the town of Asignan. The stone wall and arches date back to 250 AD when the aqueduct was used to carry water across the region. It is a scenic place in the middle of the vineyard that not many know about (even locals).

Tautavel | This small village in the Catalan countryside is famous for its prehistorical caves called La Caune de l’Arago, where archaeologists found in the sixties the skeletal remains of the “Tautavel Man”, an Homo Erectus who lived in the area, more than 450,000 years ago. You can visit the cave, the museum and the excavations which are still ongoing.

Gorges du Gouleyrous | These Gorges are found a few kilometres outside of Tautavel and are a real paradise in the summer to escape the heat or go bouldering. Swimming in the river and natural pool is unfortunately forbidden due to pollution left by visitors (plastic, etc.) impacting the still water that is also pumped downstream to supply tap water to the towns of Tautavel and Vingrau.

Find it on the MAP

“Star” the Map below and use it on the go!

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