Van road trip through the Gorges de Galamus and the Corbières: 5 natural and historic stops

This spectacular canyon, carved by the River Agly, will dazzle you with its 300-metre-high cliffs. The narrow road winding through it, hewn from the rock, is a must for thrill-seekers.

Perched at 1,000 metres above sea level, this 11th-century Romanesque abbey offers unrivalled views of the Pyrenees. Its simple architecture and thousand-year history make it a deeply spiritual place.

The last Cathar stronghold to fall to the Crusaders, this ruined castle looms over the Corbières from its rocky outcrop. The hike up is steep, but the 360-degree views are more than worth the effort.

Listed among France’s Most Beautiful Villages, Lagrasse is home to an 8th-century Benedictine abbey. Its cobbled streets, artisan workshops and peaceful atmosphere make it a charming stop.

This natural chasm, one of Europe’s largest, impresses with its 250-metre-high vault. A suspended walkway lets you admire it up close in a setting that’s both dizzying and serene.

This small medieval village, with its stone houses and narrow lanes, exudes authenticity. Don’t miss its castle, once the residence of the Archbishops of Narbonne, and its timeless atmosphere.