A great plan for any weekend is to do a hiking route at Carança Gorge. We didn’t know Carança when we first heard about it, but we totally fell in love with the place. It is so full of life everywhere. I found it a great place to totally disconnect from daily routine.
It was a more than 9km route with about 6 suspension bridges and more or less the same number of nerve racking-catwalks. Make sure you are well equipped with good hiking boots and clothes. There are plenty of huge stones to pass so some good boots can protect better your feet.
The original route would start on the right side of the parking next to the bar. We took a short walk from the car park until the division of the whole path into two, the spectacular corniche part on the right over the small bridge with suspension bridges and catwalks and on the left the wooded side.
Both have spectacular views, you should rather decide depending on the sun. If you start with corniche part you will probably have the sun bothering you during the whole day, so depending if you hike during the summer this is an important point to take into consideration. We have started with the corniche walkway and had an amazing time with the suspension bridges and the catwalks. Not more than 2 people allowed at the same time, but we could see it got crowded at some point where there were groups.
When we’ve got closer to the water it become all very noisy but relaxing at the same time. We took the chance to have lunch with views and closer to the water. Families with kids and dogs were passing us by. The route is suitable for elder kids and dogs, if well prepared and not afraid of heights and instability (suspension bridges and catwalks).
We’ve reached the stone bridge and turned back. On the way back you must pay attention to the point were you could choose the other way back through the wooded way. When coming back on the wooded path, we were able to have a great view to the other side where the walkthrough stone paths were visible. It took us some time to arrive to the car park, as with the time we’ve got exhausted.
When arrived to the car park we’ve decided to have a stop in Villefranche-de-Conflent to have a Crêpe. The place was called “Crêperie ar’ Bilig” and they had a wonderful terrace and tasty crêpes which you could combine with cider or beer.
The village is also a nice place to buy souvenirs and local products.
iumocam 