Gorges de Carançà Hike – Pyrenees Pasarelas & Suspension Bridges
A demanding 12 km hike through the Gorges de Carançà with cliff‑side pasarelas, suspension bridges, forest trails and dramatic Pyrenees canyon scenery from Thuès‑entre‑Valls
Views:
1.5k
About Gorges de Carançà River hike
Walking into the Gorges de Carançà feels like stepping into a hidden world carved by water, wind and time. The air cools as the canyon walls rise sharply around you, narrowing into dramatic stone corridors where the river echoes between the cliffs. Metal walkways cling to the rock face, suspended high above the turquoise water, and every turn reveals another vertigo‑inducing ledge, a swaying suspension bridge or a deep forested ravine. It’s a route that grips you from the first step — part adventure, part adrenaline, part raw Pyrenean wilderness.
This challenging forested river‑valley hike is famous for its cliff‑cut paths, suspension bridges and metal walkways (pasarelas) — ten in total — that cross the river and create a spectacular sky‑high route through the canyon. The full circuit is a 12‑kilometre loop starting from the tiny village of Thuès‑entre‑Valls in the French Catalan Pyrénées‑Orientales Natural Park, where you’ll find paid parking, a campsite, picnic areas, and a small kiosk selling drinks and ice cream. The village is also served by the iconic Yellow Train.
The narrow ledge carved into the sheer 1000‑metre rock face dates back to 1943, originally excavated to allow workers to tunnel deeper into the Carançà valley. A small rail wagon once ran along this path, transporting stone and materials to the hydroelectric power station hidden further inside the mountain.
The Carançà river valley is formed by the meeting of three torrents — Carançà, Coume Mixiame and Bassibès — before flowing into the Têt river at Thuès‑entre‑Valls. The area is also home to unique Pyrenean wildlife, including chamois, golden eagles and the elusive Pyrenean desman, a small semi‑aquatic mammal found only in this region.
Planning a Weekend Trip to the Gorges de Carançà Hiking Route
This circuit is demanding and not recommended for anyone with vertigo.
Local sources say dogs are welcome on a leash, but the metal walkways use mesh flooring that dogs cannot walk on. I’ve done this hike twice with a dog, and she was clever enough to run around each bridge looking for a place to swim across. When she couldn’t find one, she’d trot back to the start of the walkway and sit patiently, waiting for a hiker to carry her over. It worked for a small dog — but if yours is the size of a small pony, this route simply isn’t viable.
Allow five to seven hours to complete the full circuit. For a relaxed weekend, consider staying overnight in Thuès‑entre‑Valls or Vernet‑les‑Bains and pairing this hike with the Saint‑Martin‑du‑Canigou Abbey route on the following day.
Image Gallery For Gorges de Carançà River hike
Click on any of the 68 images to open full screen gallery player. Note that viewing images is subject to our Fair Use Policy.
Visiting Gorges de Carançà River hike
The hike begins at the Parking Municipal Gorges de Carançà, where a gravel track leads under the Yellow Train railway bridge and into the valley. The path starts gently, following the river through a shaded forest before climbing steadily along the mountainside. As the trail rises, rocky viewpoints such as Roc de la Foradada, Roc de la Madriu and Salt del Lindo offer sweeping glimpses across the canyon — including the dramatic cliff‑cut ledge you’ll later return on.
After around three kilometres of rolling forest trail, the path drops back down to the river. A left turn brings you to a small stream crossing and the first metal walkway bridge. Looking upstream from here, the river tumbles over huge boulders, forming a chain of small waterfalls framed by steep canyon walls.
From this point, the adventure intensifies. A two‑metre steel ladder leads up to a narrow walkway bolted into the cliff, followed by a suspension bridge that sways gently above the river. On the far side, another short ladder climbs to a second section of pasarelas — this one without handrails or fall protection. Move slowly and deliberately; the exposure is real, but the views are unforgettable.
At the end of the walkway, a final ladder returns you to the forest floor. The trail softens here, winding through a lush green corridor beside the river. The water looks inviting, but the swirling currents and submerged boulders make swimming unsafe. I settled for sitting on the bank and dipping my feet — a perfect cooldown.
After roughly 500 metres, another ladder leads to a second unprotected metal walkway, this one featuring a suspension bridge suspended between the canyon walls. Once again, take your time descending the ladder at the far end.
The path then re‑enters the forest, crossing the river via a ground‑level metal footbridge. This is the point where some hikers choose to turn back, but continuing for another kilometre brings you to the stone bridge Pont de Pierre, a beautiful natural turnaround spot.
On the return journey, the route passes an additional suspension bridge before branching left onto the iconic cliff‑cut ledge. This 1.2‑kilometre balcony path clings to the rock face high above the valley, offering dramatic views and a thrilling sense of exposure. The trail crosses a small footbridge and continues straight — ignore the right‑hand turn — before curving around the mountain and passing through a short tunnel.
Eventually you’ll reach the Prise d’Eau Supérieur, an upper water intake for the hydroelectric system. A trail on the right descends the mountainside, crossing the Yellow Train railway via a bridge before reaching the final crossing of the Carançà river. Here you’ll find the rustic cabin bar La Guinguetta de Carançà, a welcome stop for refreshments. Just be warned: the “toilet” is a wooden outhouse with a hole in the floor — aim carefully.
Hiking Gorges de Carançà with a dog
The Gorges de Carançà can be a fantastic adventure with a small, agile dog, and I’ve hiked it twice with a furry companion who absolutely loved the challenge. The metal walkways and suspension bridges use a mesh flooring that dogs cannot walk on (feet too small), so she quickly learned to scout the riverbanks for a place to swim across. When she couldn’t find one, she’d trot back to the start of the bridge and sit patiently, waiting for a hiker to carry her over. It was clever, endearing — and a reminder that this route only works if your dog is light enough to lift safely.
If you’re bringing a dog, a secure lifting harness makes the bridge sections far easier and safer. Large dogs are not suited to this hike, as the number of walkways and ladders makes carrying them impractical. There is also a cliff‑side section with an unprotected drop, so keeping your dog close and under control is essential.
The trail passes through dense woodland of oaks, beeches and cork trees, with occasional pines. Encounters with Pine Processionary Caterpillars are unlikely here, but it’s still wise to stay alert in spring and summer when they are most active.
What to take with you for Gorges de Carançà River hike
This is a demanding mountain route with exposure, ladders, metal walkways and long stretches of uneven terrain, so going prepared makes a huge difference. I take a small 30‑litre hiking rucksack and carry around three litres of water, especially on warm days — there are no refill points along the trail. Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip are essential for the rocky sections and the metal walkways, which can be slippery when damp.
Lightweight layers work best, as the route moves between shaded forest, exposed cliff sections and cool canyon air. I also pack basic safety items: a small first‑aid kit, sunscreen and a hat.
Gorges de Carançà River hike Summary of Prices
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Train/Bus Fare
Entry Ticket
Additional Information
Adult
€ 0.00
€ 0.00
65€ based on 4 people sharing a room for 2 nights
Child
€ 0.00
€ 0.00
Group/Family Ticket?
65€ based on 4 people sharing an apartment for two nights
Notes
toll Tunel de Cadí (€13.93 for a car), Gorges de Carançà parking (€5 for a car)
Getting to Gorges de Carançà River hike
Address: Mas de Bordes Camping, Thués-Entre-Valls, France, 66360
Leave Barcelona on the C‑58 motorway, passing Sabadell and Terrassa before joining the C‑16 toward Berga. Continue north through the Pre‑Pyrenees until you reach the Túnel del Cadí (toll: €14.56 for a car). Once you emerge on the northern side, the Àrea de Servei Túnel del Cadí – Porta Cerdanya service station makes a convenient stop to stretch your legs or grab a snack.
Follow signs toward Puigcerdà and cross the border into France, continuing on the N116 to Mont‑Louis. At the Mont‑Louis roundabout, stay on the N116 toward Fontpédrouse. Shortly after passing through the village, look for the left‑hand turn into Thuès‑entre‑Valls. This small mountain settlement is home to the Parking Municipal Gorges de Carançà, the starting point for the hike.
Parking costs €5 for 12 hours or €10 for 24 hours.
Documents for Gorges de Carançà River hike
Wikiloc Trail for Gorges de Carançà River hike
Please sign in with Google to view the Wikiloc Route map.
Sign in with GoogleWeather for Gorges de Carançà River hike
Where to stay near Gorges de Carançà
Nearby Attractions to Gorges de Carançà River hike
CAR
1.8k views
Pic de Carlit: Epic French Pyrenees Lake‑to‑Summit Hike
Challenge yourself on a 14 km lake‑filled, high‑altitude route to the 2921 m summit of Pic de Carlit. A breathtaking French Pyrenees weekend hike with rugged climbs, glacial lakes and unforgettable views
Read more >
CAR
1.6k views
Saint‑Martin du Canigou Abbey Hike – Vernet‑les‑Bains, France
Discover the Romanesque Saint‑Martin du Canigou Abbey on a 13 km hike from Vernet‑les‑Bains, passing waterfalls, forest trails and stunning Canigou mountain scenery
Read more >
CAR
1.1k views