The Gorges de Kakouetta is a narrow (down to 5 metres in places) gorge, over 300 metres deep and about 2 kilometres long. It is one of three gorges in the area and is the most popular with tourists. It is open from mid march until mid November from 8 in the morning (when the place is deserted) until nightfall. The entry price is (May 2006) 4 euros. The walk along the Gorges de Kakouetta will take you between 2 and 3 hours depending on how busy it is and how often you stop to take pictures.




With its high sides and the high humidity the gorge has a microclimate of its own. So much so that there are four species of lichen, including Pyrenula kakouettae, which grow nowhere else in the world. I was very fortunate to have the whole gorges de kakouetta to himself. It is certainly a very different place when full of screaming children.







Practical Information
The Gorges de Kakouetta is located very close to the Spanish border in the French Pyrenees. Sadly there is no public transport which will take you close to the gorge. By far the best way to get there is to put your bicycle on the train from Pau to Oloron and cycle the 45km. There are very few hills and even then, the gradients are modest.
Accommodation in the area: In 2006, I stayed at Ibarra – a small campsite just South of the village of Casernes and a short ride from the gorges de kakouetta. They don’t have a website but their telephone number is 0559 287 359. The price was 5 euros for a night. Also in the village of Casernes there is a tiny grocery store (with no indication that it is a grocery store from the outside) opposite the Mairie (for which you will see signs).
More of the Pyrenees ?
Breche de Roland Flora and Fauna Gavarnie 2 day hike in Pyrenees chemin de la mâture Gorges de Kakouetta Lescun in Summer
Or other things French?
Learn French with Jokes Parce Que Je T’aime (a novel) Cycling to Gavarnie Cycling South West coast of France Cycling Western Pyrenees Cycling to Tourmalet Food in France An optimistic view of France