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The unusually large range of crystals and rock formations of the Gouffre Geante de Cabrespine is carefully protected.
Translated the name means giant Chasm of Cabrespine. It was first discovered in the 1970s and is one of the largest caves in the world that is open to the public.
The cave is 150 meters long and almost 300 meters high. The cave has been open to the public since 1988 and a small fee will take you on a guided tour. The cave that tourists visit is as deep as the Eiffel tower is tall.
The tourists enter the chamber near the top, to fully appreciate the depth and all the beautiful formations this chamber of the cave has to offer... |
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Specialities
Like most of the great caves, Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine was carved out by waters through the limestone massif.
The river of La Clamoux disappears just before the exit of the village of Cabrespine, and nearly during 10 months per year, downstream, it only becomes a pebble river since the water flows into the Gouffre, to the great displeasure of the inhabitants of the villages located downstream who had deplored this capture of water since the Middle Ages.Popular legends had it that waters used to flow out above Lastours, at the resurgence of Le Prestil. A proof of this is the fact that ducks crossing the underground river had disappeared near Gaougnas would have appeared again in the water currents close to the Cathar Castles of Lastours.
Aude - D 250
The history of Grotte de Limousis goes back to the mists of time. It was a shelter under the rock used by both prehistoric men and Cave Bears. It has always been a refuge for men.
Cabrespine
3,2 km from Trausse
5,6 km from Citou
5,5 km from Villeneuve Minervois
6,9 km from Cabrespine
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Opening Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine:
- Departure of visits, July -
August:
10.15am / 11am / 11.45am / 12.30pm / 1.15pm / 2pm
- Afternoon: regular departures from 2pm to 6pm (last departure)
- Departure of visits, April, May, June and September :
10.30am / 11.30am – 2.30pm / 3.30pm / 4.30pm / 5.30pm
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Departure of visits, March and October:
2.30pm / 3.30pm / 4.30pm / 5.30pm
- Open Sundays and bank holidays
- Departure of visits November: 2.30pm / 3.30pm / 4.30pm
- Closed day(s): January - February and December
Equipments and Services: |
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* Parking
* Shop
* Individual guided tours |
* Groups accepted
* Bar
* Group guided tours |
Roquefère
Cascade de Cubserviès
Pradelles-Cabardès
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The Cabardès region is situated to the west of Languedoc and to the south of the central massif, a geologist's dream, balanced between east and west, the sun and the coolness, the heathland and the mountain. It is here that the winds cross. They bring the intense mediterranean heat necessary for southern "cépages" (grape types) such as syrah and grenache, and the cool atlantic humidity for the ocean "cépages": merlot, cabernet-sauvignon, cabernet-franc, cot and fer-servadou, to prosper. The vineyards and wines of Cabardès have been recognized as AOC since february 1999. The quality of the grapes, the wine-making, the blending of the "cépages" and the keeping of the wines has allowed us to obtain the best balance between fruit and structure, fullness and complexity, intensity and elegance. Cabardès assembles 30 châteaux and domaines over 500 productive hectares spread amongst 18 villages. 20000 hectolitres are produced each year,of which 60% are exported....
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The Minervois is one of the most ancient vineyards of the Mediterranean region. Indeed, its land was chosen by the Romans as providing ideal conditions for the first vines they planted in Languedoc Roussillon. Its name comes from the ancient city of Minerve, a stronghold built by the Romans and dedicated to the goddess Minerva. Since that time, many amphora shards and vestiges of cellars have been discovered, testimony to the importance of this vineyard. The region, austere in winter and redolent with sunshine in summer, has survived over the centuries its invasions by barbarians, Arabs and Christians. The essence of Minervois la Livinière, as in so many Midi appellations, is the blend; a marriage of different grape varieties that adds subtle nuance of flavour to the whole. Natural alcohol level must reach a minimum of 12% without enrichment (so no chaptalisation) and maximum yield is a modest 45 hl/ha. Ageing may be in barrel or vat, and unlike basic Minervois, the wine must be bottled at source, so cannot be sent off to a négociant elsewhere in France...
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Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine |
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Leisure - Caves, Gorges, Springs and Waterfalls |
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Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine
11160 CABRESPINE |
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Phone1 +33 4.68.26.14.22
Phone2 +33 4.68.26.14.20
Fax +33 4.68.26.10.75
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cabrespine11@orange.fr
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www.gouffre-de-cabrespine.com |
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Child rate: 6.20 €
Adult rate: 9.90 € |
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Les Lamas de la Montagne Noire |
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Near Castans you find 'Les Lama's de la Montagne Noire', a lama farm where you can rent a lama to carry your luggage when you should decide to walk through the mountains on foot for a few days. The lama farm is usually open throughout the year. Discovering the lama, its gentle behaviour and adaptation to a medium altitude mountain habitat. Pre-booked guided visits available....
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Restaurant
L'Oustal à Citou |
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We aim to create a cosy, welcoming atmosphere to enable you to enjoy traditional cooking based on local quality products simply prepared, but not excluding a little sophistication and elegance. We welcome friends rather than customers ... enthusiasts of real cuisine, friends who enjoy generous dishes and who appreciate authentic flavours ... and who enjoy the atmosphere of our village in the mountains - our rural environment. See you soon! ... in Citou....
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Restaurant
Le Puits du Trésor |
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Restaurant Le Puits du Trésor is created by a young and promising Chef, Jean Marc Boyer. He took this rather risky bet in 2002: open a gourmet restaurant in a somewhat isolated place. And he turned it into a success! When you taste the cuisine here now, see the place that is modern and traditional all in one go you clearly see it. The cuisine is refined, delicated, generous, a cuisine that has gourmets from around here and elsewhere coming in great numbers. This is a promising address that has more than one trick in store for you! A well of flavours and scents that we encourage you to discover close to Lastours. With a modern and elegant décor, le Puits du Trésor offers a great moment of gourmet communion. The compositions are often renewed to surprise you and charm you several times....
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Located in the Cabarde Region, on the lower slopes of the Montagne Noire, in an area steeped in the history of the Cathares, this restaurant features a wood-burning oven and massive amounts of well prepared food. The apertif tray, which may be ordered as the first course, has to be seen to be believed. Roquefère is one of the 100 most beautiful villages of France...
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You like calmness, the tranquillity, walks to feet, in bicycle or on horseback, rest very close to the swimming pool or the fishing to the trout. This place of peace and rest is made for nature lovers and gastronomy. And his owner with his good mood and his good thing taste will know how to make discover you the region and the local products. The hotel is composed of twelve rooms all with bathroom and situated in an annex building.. Since the morning, when the sun shines you can enjoy a very beautiful swimming pool, with an impregnable view on the valley. The after noon maybe composed of the castles cathares visit, or of the numerous monuments of the region, of a rest around the swimming pool, or of walks to bicycle. In the evening, after having tasted the famous "Cartagène", soft wine of the region, a complete dinner will be served you, an inspired meal of the regional kitchen, watered of a good local wine of the Minervois or Cabardès....
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Auberge du
Diable au Thym |
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Restaurant Le Puits du Trésor and Auberge du Diable au Thym are created by a young and promising Chef, Jean Marc Boyer. He took this rather risky bet in 2002: open a gourmet restaurant in a somewhat isolated place. And he turned it into a success! When you taste the cuisine here now, see the place that is modern and traditional all in one go you clearly see it. The cuisine is refined, delicated, generous, a cuisine that has gourmets from around here and elsewhere coming in great numbers. This is a promising address that has more than one trick in store for you! A well of flavours and scents that we encourage you to discover close to Lastours. Modern and pleasant with a very large terrace overlooking the river and overhanging the 4 Cathar castles. The compositions are often renewed to surprise you and charm you several times....
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