Activities nearby Quillan
Scenic train Trip /Themed Trains (Easter, Christmas Halloween)
Le Train Rouge
Return journey to and from Axat (Aude).
Axat ➟ Rivesaltes ➟ Axat
Axat ➟S Paul ➟ Axat
Rail bikes
Two routes available for rail bike hire ( an electric rail bike is available for pre booking.)
Whitewater Sports
Through Pierre Lys gorges and Saint Georges gorges, the 12km (7.5mi) of fast-flowing river is an ideal place for a wide range of activities such as rafting, kayaking, canoeing, riverboarding and tubing!
Rafting
Rafting dans les gorges de la Pierre LysDiscover the Gorges in the Aude River!
This is a river like no other in the Pyrenees. Rapids such as the "Triple Chute", the "Flippeur" and the "Dessert" have made this stretch famous. The river is accessible for raftings every day from the beginning of May until the end of August (natural streams and waterfalls).
Canoeing and kayaking
At the end of the gorges, the Aude River is more quiet. From Quillan to Limoux, there are 25km (15.5mi) of calm water, ideal for canoeing or kayaking.
The Slalom Run
A 600m slalom run has been created for river-running enthusiasts at the heart of the town of Quillan, with an exciting wave, to practise their freestyle abilities. This spot is perfect for kayaking, playboating and canoeing!
Canyoning
There are different opportunities in the Cathar Country for canyoning: in Galamus gorges and in the canyon of Termes. Both itineraries are beautiful and offer a large number of exciting jumps. A little further on, the canyon of Yek is perfect to satisfy both seasonned athletes and those looking for a thrilling experience that include abseiling under a waterfall and completing impressive jumps.
Riverboarding on the Aude River
Riverboarding is possible using a hydrospeed foam board and flippers, allowing you to be in direct contact with the water: an exciting experience! This sport is an individual sport, just like canoeing, but the beginners will be able to be in control and experience swimming in the impressive rapids of the gorges. This is an ideal way of learning how to swim in the river, playing with currents and surfing on waves.
Skiing
Camurac ski station www.ski-camurac.com
Chioula 42°45'23.2"N 1°50'30.7"E http://www.chioula.fr/
Ax 3 Domaines AX LES THERMES http://www.ax-ski.com/fr/
Station de Ski de Mijanès-Donezan donezan.com
Station Puyvalador puyvalador.fr
Les Angles Ski Resort lesangles.com
Station de ski de La Quillane laquillane.fr
Bolquère Pyrénées 2000 pyrenees2000.com
Le Cambre d'Aze cambre-d-aze.com
Fishing
The Aude is ranked highest in the area for fishing and the Mediterranean Fario Trout is found naturally occurring throughout the region. There is also a good stock of Common Grayling which were introduced into the Aude in 2000. The lake of Montbel is another huge water of 550 hectares with some fantastic fishing to be had with many Carp well over 20Kg and Catfish to over 75Kg and Monster Pike and Perch.
Horse-riding
Les Ecuries de Brézilhou Horse-riding tours, lessons, livery stables Brézilhou - 11260 Campagne sur Aude Tel: 00 33 (0)6 10 38 95 90 - vbauce@wanadoo.fr
Loc d'ânes Donkey rides Les Bufatières - 11500 Granes Tel: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 49 22 - locdanes@free.fr
Orienteering
Permanent course in Callong forest: (Belvis) Path of the Giant Firs
Other permanent orienteering courses:
Lac d'Arques / Sougraigne : domaine de l'Eau Salée
Caving
The cave of Pierre-Lys, the caves of Saint-Georges, Muraille du Diable or Nentilla,
The "massif des Fanges" and the "Gorges de l’Aude" are among the most interesting underground networks in the Pyrenean foothills, with more than 350 cavities and sinkholes in the Fanges forest alone.
Grotte de l'Aguzou (Cave of Aguzou)
Microlighting
Departing from Nébias, a microlight flight is a great way to discover the Cathar Country.
M. Bostivironnois - Tel: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 80 95
Gliding
Introduction flight: half an hour in a two-seater with dual command. Licensed holiday-makers can sign up for a day or a week.
Les planeurs de Puivert en Quercorb
Tel: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 80 14 - email: puivert@wanadoo.fr
Motorcycling
Every year many rides and rallies are organised. Rallye Découverte: every year, in June, experience the Aude area and its heritage via this rally.
Lasserre Stamina Trail Bikes: every year in September, Languedoc Roussillon League Championships.
The Rallye Découverte: The Rallye Découverte takes place every year on the last Sunday of June and it is open to all. With the help of a “Road Book", the competitors must find their way with numerous tests along the way consisting of cultural questions and games. The event takes place in the morning. Then, lunch is taken together followed by the prize-giving at the end of the afternoon. It is organised by the Diablocs 6 Temps.
Quad biking and trail biking
Many tracks are accessible to practice quad biking and trail biking. Rules of good conduct and respect for the nature are essential to preserve the beauty of the countryside.
Quad rental and quad biking in Campagne-sur-Aude
Hiking
Walking in the “Pyrénées Audoises”
Nested at the foot of the Pyrenees, the “Pyrénées Audoises” area is perfect for hiking and trekking while discovering the beauty of local villages. You will be amazed by stunning landscapes: gorges, golden vineyards, shaded fir tree plantations, magnificent forests, verdant hills...
The hiking trails of the “Pyrénées Audoises” area are surrounded by breathtaking landscapes such as the “Pic de l’Ourtiset” or the “Forêt d’En Malo”, by historical monuments such as Puilaurens Castle or Puivert Castle and by magical atmospheres as in the Green Labyrinth or in forests of giant fir trees.
You will have the choice between 70 walks on a total of more than 400mi of walking trails. To these walks must be added transversal trails such as the Cathar Trail (GR 367), the Voie Verte (Green Way), the Route Vauban, the Route des Sapins (Fir Tree Route) and the GR 7.
Mountain biking
The mountain biking area “VTT-FFC Aude en Pyrénées” is the largest in the Pyrenees with 870km (540mi) of marked routes for all levels. There are 5 green routes, 15 blue routes, 18 red routes and 2 black routes.
Mountain Bike Rentals
Cycles Thomas Loisirs ZI Pastabrac - 11190 Couiza
Tel: 00 33 (0)4 68 74 10 97 - Mail: thomas.loisirs@wanadoo.fr
La Forge Route de Perpignan - 11500 Quillan
Tel: 00 33 (0)4 68 20 23 79 - Mail: laforge@ville-quillan.fr
Climbing
The Pierre Lys Gorges
The Aude River has eroded the Pyrenees until creating a large rift, surrouded by sharp crests. In this majestic site, you will find nearly a hundred climbing routes, some of them allowing you to rock climb to the top of the 200-metre high cliffs. The routes are rated from 4a to 8a. The access to the routes can be made from the village of Cavirac or by zip-line from the other side of the river. If you like challenging routes and vertiginous views, this place is perfect for you!
The Cardou
This cliff near Rennes-les-Bains has 53 routes, rated from 3a to 7a, on 6 different areas. A beginner area, technique routes and routes of different lengths: the Cardou is a very complete site.
Saint Salvayre
When going up the village of Alet-les-Bains, next to the hamlet of Saint-Salvayre, you will find a nice cliff with 20 climbing routes, with difficulties rated from 3c to 7a. This site is perfect for an introduction to rock-climbing or climbing with your family because there are numerous easy routes with obvious grips and a large area to start your way up. You can park at the hamlet of Saint-Salvayre and follow the paved road for 200 m to find a little path on your left. It will lead you to the foot of the cliff (15-minute walk).
Cycling
The Aude en Pyrénées Cycling Area enables to discover 20 different routes on the Upper Aude Valley roads, at the heart of the Cathar Country: more than 1200km (745mi) of fantastic roads and landscapes!
