[Visites insolites] The abyss of Bramabiau in the Gard

Occitanie is full of little-known sites which nevertheless bear witness to the rich local heritage. The Journal Toulousain takes you to discover characteristic places in the region. Today, go to the Gard for an unusual visit to the Bramabiau abyss.

Is the heart of the Aigoual massif And of the Cévennes, where the Bramabiau abyss is located. It’s about a cavity, where the underground river Bonheur emerges. The latter rushes under the Causse de Camprieu For spring back 800 meters further through a slot, dug in the rock, 70 meters high. Around this exceptional natural site, lush vegetation offers you a magical setting. Ideal for soaking up the place before starting your unusual visit to the Bramabiau abyss.

This site, which is a real cradle of French caving, can be visited with an easily accessible one kilometer circuit. The visit begins in the undergrowth, where the freshness is pleasant in the middle of summer. You will then descend little by little to discover more than 70 species of plants, following a path dug into the rock a few meters above the water. The place is enclosed, so even in summer, the temperature is quite cool and does not exceed 10°C.

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Dinosaur footprints to contemplate

You will then arrive in what geologists call “a remote karst“, that is to say a large vaulted room in which the Happiness spring is reborn. A spectacle which is embellished by the places. Indeed, stalactites, stalagmites and other forms of limestone are revealed on the rock walls, which are 70 to 120 meters high. Your guide will be able to tell you more about this site and in particular about Édouard-Alfred Martelwhich is at the origin of the discovery of the Bramabiau abyss in September 1884.

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To end this one-hour underground visit, you will join the exit tunnelwhich was dug and developed between 2005 and 2006. Here, you will make a last stop to contemplate dinosaur footprints, dating back more than 200 million yearswere discovered during the digging of the tunnel.

Practical information: Bramabiau abyss, Route from Meyrueis to Saint-Sauveur-Camprieu
Opening hours: Open in July and August from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. In April, May, June, September from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In October and November from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Prices: adults (from 16 years old) €13, adolescents (12 – 16 years old) €10, children (6-12 years old) €9
More information on the establishment’s website