Cabrespine – Cave, Bats and Walking Trails

Cabrespine combines a visit to the Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine with underground activities, a several-hour circular trail and traces of history. Allow 50 minutes for the guided tour; depending on the activity, individual cave experiences last two and a half or three hours. The “Les pas de l'Aube” trail is listed as taking four hours.

The Gouffre: Dimensions and Bats

The Gouffre Géant de Cabrespine is 250 metres deep and has a volume of 1,600,000 cubic metres. Thousands of bats live in the lower section; 10 of the 30 bat species recorded in France have their habitat there.

Guided Tours and Gastronomic Tour

The Gouffre offers 50-minute guided tours as well as audio-guided visits. In July and August, guided tours are in French, while audio guides are available in several languages. If the tour language matters to you, check again before travelling to see which formats are available: visit formats may change.

“Vinospéléologie” is a gastronomic tour led by a passionate cave guide. This distinguishes it from the guided tour and audio-guided visit, with its focus on gastronomy. As this is a participatory experience, you should confirm it before booking.

Activities with Different Durations

“Accro Grotte de Cabrespine” is a two-and-a-half-hour underground high-ropes and climbing course at the bottom of the Gouffre’s main chamber. It includes zip lines, suspended bridges and Nepalese bridges. On “La Rivière Souterraine,” you spend three hours travelling along an underground river and exploring the cave. “Accro Grotte” focuses on high-ropes and climbing elements, while “La Rivière Souterraine” involves exploring the cave along an underground river. Booking, age and scheduling conditions may change; check the applicable requirements in advance.

Circular Trail and Historical Traces

“Les pas de l'Aube” is a 9.7-kilometre circular trail with a stated duration of four hours. The starting point is at Place de l'Église in Cabrespine. Along the way, the trail passes old shepherds’ huts, recalling a once-important pastoral activity. At four hours, “Les pas de l'Aube” takes one hour longer than “La Rivière Souterraine,” which takes three hours. Trail conditions may vary seasonally, and access information may change with local conditions. Check the trail situation before setting out.

Another historical landmark is the Château de Cabrespine, built in 1035. Today, only a few visible remains have survived. The château and the shepherds’ huts represent different historical traces.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Cailhavel, Sainte-Camelle, Pezens, Azille, Félines-Termenès, Axat, Plaigne, Raissac-D'aude

For the main travel overview: Aude.