The Artigue canyon is the big brother of the canyons in the Vicdessos valley. It is the most fun and the richest in obstacles.
We start the day with a coffee, because without coffee it's not the same. The reception takes place at the Niaux canyon center. Around the table in the garden, the participants meet. Rod details the day's program. We start with individual equipment, everyone receives their equipment; socks, shoes, wetsuit, harness, helmet. We make a backpack with everything that we call a "turtle". We pack everyone's picnic, we check that we haven't forgotten anything. We put everything in the truck. We're off for a short drive to the Artigue car park.
From the car park, the approach walk is superb. It starts off a bit steep and then opens up onto the Montcalm massif. In front of us stands the Pic d'Estat and the canyon of the same name. In the middle of the mountains, we frolic with our turtles on our backs. This is the beginning of the adventure. We are in the heart of the Ariège Pyrenees, in the middle of nowhere. Civilisation gradually fades away, giving way to the wild nature of the peaks. We arrive behind the Bassiès cirque and its red peak. This is "the restaurant room", the picnic area, facing the mountains. Already there, we have worked up a good sweat and are happy to eat a bite.
After a complete briefing on communication, canyoning and abseiling and jumping techniques, knowing that jumps are never mandatory, we begin the descent. The Artigue is a progressive canyon. The first part, open to the peaks, allows you to admire the surroundings while getting into the swing of the activity. A first small jump, short slides, we dip ourselves in the water, we're there. The obstacles follow one after the other, it's sporty, we jump five meters, we do dry abseiling, abseiling in the waterfall, we pass the big slide.
Already the configuration of the canyon has changed, it becomes more steep, the vegetation is rarer, we feel that we are touching the heart of the canyoning activity. In a bend, the landscape appears, dazzling. We quickly understand that there is only one way to access this very special place; by practicing canyoning. While we have already taken in the view, comes the big jump, possible up to ten meters. Adrenaline rush obliges, we do not jump ten meters every day. This is where the canyoner learns that sometimes you have to know how to give up jumping the obstacle.
We arrive at the large twenty-meter waterfall! Several options open up, depending on the flow of the water; either we pass a large dry rappel with as a backdrop this enormous turquoise water pot embedded between walls of a breathtaking ochre-reddish color, or we go on the large zip line to arrive directly in the middle of this same pot. It continues with an eight-meter jump, a last slide and we arrive at the foot of the Artigue waterfalls, a little cherry on the cake. The tributary that comes from the Estat canyon pours from the top of beautiful waterfalls where we feel small in the face of the power of the water. After a last little jump to make sure we don't regret anything, we walk to the parking lot to change.
After a day like that, nothing beats a nice cold beer! We take the opportunity to meet up around the garden table in the center of Niaux and talk about this beautiful day we just spent. Everyone has their own little story, about this moment they really loved, about this place where it was so beautiful. The Artigue canyon is a great discovery of canyoning and a superb change of scenery in the heart of Ariège. Rod is happy to be able to share with you, for a day, his lifelong passion; canyoning!
See you this summer at the Artigue canyon!
Des écossais dans le canyon d'Estat
Des écossais à la conquête du canyon d'Estat.
Petit retour en arrière. Vous vous souvenez de l'écossais qui participait à ma première journée de canyoning dans le canyon de l'Artigue ? Et bien il se trouve qu'il a fortement apprécié l'Ariège et, lorsqu'il a monté sa propre entreprise de canyon The Canyoning Company, il a mis en place une formule de voyage. Voilà que des écossais débarquent en Ariège ! C'était en 2017. Pour les aider dans leur première expédition avec leurs clients, Rod leur met à disposition le centre et je leur propose de les aider. Ils sont restés une semaine, avec chaque jour un canyon différent. Pour finir en beauté, ils partent avec Rod à l'assaut du canyon d'Estat.
Photo by Gus Schiavon
Ce fut une superbe journée. Il faisait grand beau et on rigolait dans la marche d'approche. On avait un peu de mal à se comprendre parfois, les accents hein... On a débouché hors de la forêt, au milieu des gispettes. La vue était imprenable sur le pic rouge de Bassiès et le canyon de l'Artigue. En dessous de la bergerie, on a pris notre déjeuner à l'entrée de la partie inférieure du canyon d'Estat.
Et nous voilà partis ! Les deux écossais étaient montés sur ressorts, l'équipe était maintenant au point, chacun était actif. Ceux qui n'équipaient pas les relais aidaient à remettre les cordes dans les sacs, transportaient les cordes en avant, on s'entraidait, on se marrait. Le canyon d'Estat est un bon challenge, même pour une équipe en place et motivée par une semaine de canyon. C'est le plus grand, le plus beau et le plus engagé de la vallée de Vicdessos.
Photo by Gus Schiavon
De rappel en rappel, on progressait à travers le canyon. La concentration était de mise, la journée était technique. On a finit sous le soleil, après le corridor vient la grande cascade de quarante cinq mètres. Les écossais auront apprécié le challenge. Il est vrai qu'il est difficile de ne pas apprécier la douceur de vivre, la beauté des paysages et les canyons de l'Ariège. En partant, ils ont insisté pour que je vienne leur rendre visite en Écosse, ce qui sera fait quelques temps plus tard.
Alors les écossais ne sont pas là, mais on prévoit quand même une sortie au canyon d'Estat jeudi 08 août. Est-ce que vous voulez relever le challenge ? Il reste peut être une place...
The Escales canyon, fun and wild
Ça glisse dans le canyon d'Escales
Le canyon d'Escales est reculé dans la vallée de Siguer. Loin de tout, on est au cœur de la forêt ariégeoise. C'est peut être le plus sauvage du coin. Une courte marche d'approche d'une vingtaine de minutes nous plonge dans l'ambiance de ce canyon peu ordinaire. Sous les grands arbres, la troupe avance jusqu'au départ.
Le canyon d'Escales n'est pas difficile mais il demande à ce qu'on soit bien accroché. Il y a très peu de rappel, un ou deux maximum. On descend cette gorge taillée en pleine forêt la plupart du temps dans l'eau. Ce qui fait l'originalité de ce canyon, ce sont les toboggans. Obstacles très marrants, il y en a un paquet ! Le plus grand fait vingt-deux mètres. Pour les amateurs de glisse, c'est parfait. Mieux qu'un parc aquatique, on découvre avec plaisir ce parcours où l'on passe les obstacles allongés sur le dos.
Il faut pas croire, c'est physique. On passe son temps dans l'eau et les bulles. En équipe c'est très sympa, on se retrouve vite en enfance. Le cadre est magique et les sensations ne manquent pas. C'est original pour un canyon car le fait de parcourir tout un canyon en toboggan est assez rare. On préfère souvent faire du rappel ou des sauts. Ici, on joue sur un autre terrain, ludique et fun. Les canyoneurs initiés peuvent y découvrir une variante de l'activité. Pour faire du canyoning loin de la foule y a pas mieux. La marche de retour, qui dure environ dix minutes, justifie à elle seule la sortie. On se croirait au Laos, la mousse s'accroche aux arbres et si on a de la chance on peut trouver des cèpes !
Crédit photo, vidéo et texte : Arthur Serres
Le canyon d'Escales vous tente ? N'hésitez pas, ce sera une belle découverte :
Une journée canyoning à l'Artigue chez Spéléo Canyon Ariège
Made in Spéléo Canyon Ariège ; un jour au canyon de l'Artigue
On s'est retrouvés avec Thomas et ses enfants au centre de Spéléo Canyon Ariège. On buvait un café en discutant, John et Clyde étaient en retard. Thomas venait d'Allemagne, il était en vacances. John et Clyde sont arrivés, on s'est tous salués, John était d'origine anglaise et son fils Clyde l'accompagnait pour cette sortie. C'était sa première expérience en canyon. John était assez charpenté, avec une bonne cage thoracique, son fils était plutôt baraque lui aussi, Thomas était un peu plus petit mais bien costaud, ses enfants étaient ados, ils avaient l'air en forme. On avait une bonne équipe pour cette journée !
Rod expliquait le déroulement de la journée, un café à la main. On est allé s'équiper dans le centre, on a tout mit dans le camion et on s'est dirigés vers l'Artigue. On était un peu dans l'expectative, on ne savait pas comment allait être le niveau d'eau. On avait pris la météo, tout était bon, ça devrait le faire ! Après la bonne marche d'approche, on s'est installés face aux montagnes pour manger nos pique-nique. Le niveau de l'eau était parfait, des conditions idéales, on pouvait se détendre. John donnait à qui en voulait des morceaux de truite fumée, on regardait l'eau couler et les sommets au loin en mâchant nos sandwichs. On a quand même enfilé les combis et on est partis vers l'aventure.
Thomas et ses enfants étaient bien à l'aise dans le canyon. Un petit briefing sur la descente en rappel les a mis dans l'ambiance. John et Clyde s'amusent comme des petits fous dans les vasques d'eau, on avance. Le premier saut assez imposant passe tout seul, on se déplace comme des flèches, de cailloux en cailloux, de cascades en cascades. On attaque le grand toboggan, le saut, tout le monde a le sourire, les ados se régalent et les grands aussi. On est tous de grands enfants à jouer dans des marmites. La grande cascade de vingt mètre, on reprend un peu de sérieux. L’obstacle est d'envergure. L'eau fonce dans la marmite avec un bruit assourdissant, on passe à côté grâce à un grand rappel sec. Le canyon se finit, on reprend un petit sentier pour revenir à la voiture.
En remettant des vêtements secs, tout le monde rigolait. Quelle journée, on en prend plein les yeux ! De retour au centre, on a pris un verre en regardant les photos de cette belle sortie canyon. Tout le monde était heureux d'avoir pu participer à cette aventure. Pourquoi pas vous ?
Caving bivouac at Bufo Fret
Two days underground in the Bufo Fret network
An expedition in preparation
Let's get back to the root of the matter; what is an expedition? According to Larousse, an expedition is, among other things; "A scientific trip to a remote or difficult country, or a more or less important or eventful tourist trip; men and equipment participating in this trip: Expedition to the South Pole."Of course, we didn't go to the South Pole, but as for the eventful part, why not. Bivouacking in the Bufo Fret network is no small feat. Olivier was the first to be motivated by the adventure, he took his son Baptiste and Benoît, a friend, with him. Sandrine also joined the project. At the last minute, Morgan saw the event on social media and without hesitating for a second came to complete the team. We had our motivated team, we just had to take care of the logistics. We had to gather the necessary equipment; suits, harnesses, helmets, lights, sleeping bags... And also food for two days underground. I was in charge of preparing food for the group and ensuring media coverage of the event, camera in hand. Rod went out several times to scout the terrain, he identified the key places and the location of the bivouac. We met in Bugarach on Saturday morning, 10am.
Together, we took care of packing the things. Sleeping bags, spare clothes, food, ropes and first aid kit. It's complicated to pack bags for an expedition like this. You can't forget anything but you need the minimum, because caving bags require special attention and management. You have to take the bags with you, and that's no easy task through the bowels of the Earth. Rod explained to us how to manage the bags, a sort of third arm for the caving expert. We managed to have an acceptable number of bags, with everything we needed inside. We set off for the entrance to the Bufo Fret network.
First day underground
A short approach walk put us right in the bath, the entrance to the cave was there. Head first we throw ourselves into the unknown. At first the excitement and the management of the bags dominate the activity. We arrive in "the lake of the elves", we splash around in the water, the rock gives us a few tastes of what nature underground can offer us but no elves. We eat a bite near the lake. It is time for the first rope climb. And yes, the originality of this network is to go back up into the mountain.
Climbing a rope is one thing, our team was well briefed by Rod, we save ourselves, there is no performance to follow, we have to master the technique in order to climb up without burning ourselves out completely at the start of the exploration of the network. But lifting the bags is another matter. A team member climbs, he is followed by a bag at the end of a rope mounted on the pulley. This passage finished, we attack the section called "Pearl Harbor". A little more technical, we have to slip into a narrower passage by passing the bags to each other. A great action! The team spirit is at its best, we laugh, we sweat, the bags are passed from one hand to another, we climb into the network and we arrive at the "Grand Balcon". From there, vacation! The bags are taken up to the "Galerie des Sables", where we will be bivouac, and we can set off again to explore the network.
Another short rope climb and we enter the "Spike Gallery". The atmosphere is superb, there are seven of us underground explorers, concretions everywhere are arranged like theatrical performances by Mother Nature, with each step we discover new shapes. It's quite big and to get our bearings Rod brought with him his tablet and a PDF version of the network topography that can be enlarged to 400%. Technology is beautiful!
We discover with amusement the names given to the different parts of the network, not always funny like "the brown plague" or more cheerful; "the boubou network". For the moment it would seem that we are in the "Gallery of the Intraterrestrials". We continue to advance, we go from fairly large rooms to narrower sections, we pay attention where we put our feet. Sometimes large faults dig the ground and we can't see the bottom. It's an adventure!
In the "Galerie des petits gris", we arrive at the big clay slide. Before going there, Rod tells us that he has not gone any further in his previous explorations of the cavity. He is, like us, facing the unknown and therefore facing discovery. Going up a clay slide is not the best idea you've ever had. Rod finds a passage, we slip through, we arrive in front of a rolling mill, a passage that can be wide but has a low ceiling, we are forced to move by crawling. We come out of there above the slide, bet won! We continue, intoxicated by the discovery and the unknown.
Using the tablet, we can tell that we are making this big 360° turn, for now it's going well, everyone is smiling, everyone wants to continue. But after a few moments we find ourselves facing a crevasse where we are moving in opposition, with a little gas under our feet and it seems that we can't go very far without exposing ourselves dangerously. Rod decides to turn around, explaining to us that it is the lot of speleologists to have to give up without having seen the bottom. It is rare to see the bottom. So we go the other way, we go up or down ropes, we arrive at the bivouac. The notion of time has completely disappeared in our team.
At the bivouac, it's a question of setting up a place marked out before by Rod for the pee area, taking off the wetsuits to put on dry clothes, preparing the meal. On a tarpaulin we spread a nice tablecloth, we lay out the food. The sausage, the liver sausage, the Provençal marinated anchovies, a few radishes, cherry tomatoes, olives, a goat's cheese and a cow-sheep toudeille, the leek and potato soup, my grandmother's recipe, heats up on a stove. We eat with good appetite, everyone is smiling but fatigue is present. We have trekked eight hours in the network and when the soup arrives it is appreciated by all. A small glass of Gaillac to get the most valiant back on their feet, we laugh around the table, we recover from a great day exploring. We set up camp, a collective tent is moored in the middle of the beautiful "sand gallery", all our explorers settle in except Baptiste who is determined to face the night underground alone, but still right next to the others.
Second day underground
The night was marked by sporadic unidentified snoring, maybe the cave bear? We didn't wake up early, we had coffee and breakfast, then we tidied up the camp, repacked everything in the bags that had become lighter. The goal is to leave no trace of our passage so as not to disturb the underground world. Before leaving the "Sand Gallery", we will push a little into this gallery, to see what is further.
We pass through a rolling mill and arrive in a beautiful little room where the rock takes on unsuspected shapes. Further on, the rolling mill is too narrow for us to venture inside. We turn around and return to our bivouac. Once the reconditioning exercise is done, we can lower the bags at the crossroads between the return path and the ropes to climb up to the "Galerie des piques" from where we push on to the "Galerie blanche".
What is superb in the Bufo Fret network is that each gallery has a very particular style, the landscape is never the same and we constantly discover the different cave landscapes. The white gallery, almost unknown to Rod, is quite narrow, uneven, beautiful finely chiseled concretions extend into the rock, the atmosphere is more electric. We go up, we pass in opposition some places and then we find ourselves at the well.
It's hard to go any further, so we turn around. We find our bags and the location is ideal for a picnic lunch. All we have to do is cross "Pearl Harbor" again, the memory of which remains vivid in our minds. Strangely enough, the descent was very quick and without much difficulty. We found the lake again after rappelling down what we had climbed the day before with a rope. We found the exit under a bright sun, the beach under our bags and we went back down to the car to change, put away our gear, drink a beer and smile and chat about this outing.
An expedition like this does not leave you indifferent. The notion of time escapes, telephones no longer exist, the link with the outside world is completely cut, we are in a hostile and foreign world, far from home. We face ourselves, our fears and our desires but we are well surrounded. It is a beautiful experience and an intense piece of life. With the right team, it is a shared pleasure! If you like adventure and discovery, do not hesitate to inquire about our next bivouac expeditions!
Text, photo credit, drawing and video: Arthur Serres
Family expedition to the Siech cave
The Siech cave, family caving
The Siech Cave does not require rappelling or any rope technique whatsoever. No, the Siech Cave is a horizontal progression through a cavity full of wonders for adults and children! We welcomed a family with two little ones who we dressed as miners without picks and we went to see the treasures of the cave!
It is an easy route where you can discover the incredible shapes that the rock takes underground. Stalactites, stalagmites, columns, drinking fountains, you can find everything in the Siech cave! Filled with the unsuspected beauties of the underground world, everyone is amazed.
It’s a journey through the ages of the Earth. Our little ones listened fascinated as Rod talked about the geological formation of the mountains, ancestors of our world. A journey through time, a discovery, a change of scenery, an adventure with the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest. For a unique family outing, don’t wait any longer and come with us on May 29, 2019 to the Siech cave!
The underground canyon of Vicdessos
Un canyon sous Vicdessos ?
The first time it's surprising. First, the approach walk in the forest where we wonder how a canyon could possibly be hidden under these trees. And then we look for the entrance. Is it there? It's a bit like Indiana Jones. In the Ariège jungle, near a river, we equip ourselves to enter the cavity. Haaaa so that's where the entrance to this famous underground canyon was hidden! We're very quickly in the game.
We start with a few small reminders that set the mood pretty quickly. We hear the water flowing in the distance in the depths, Rod giving advice on the position of the legs in the rope descent, the plic ploc of the drops falling from the walls. There's nothing difficult but it's an underground adventure! We advance through corridors, we enter rooms dug into the rock. If we're lucky we come across cave animals. With our helmets on, we're exploring.
The corridors give way to large vaults, then it's the underground river. The most daring pass in front and crawl in the cool water under the ceiling of the cave. The Indiana Jones side comes back pretty quickly!
We leave the cavity at the foot of the Auzat dam, even for those who know the place it is disconcerting, how did we get there? Thanks to Spéléo Canyon Ariège! Are you interested? On May 30 and June 2 what are you doing? Explore the Vicdessos underground canyon with family or friends!
What is caving?
But what is caving?
Hello to all adventurers and nature lovers!
Are you looking for an activity that combines exploration, discovery and thrills? Then caving is for you! And if you want to live a unique and unforgettable experience, the Ariège Pyrenees are the ideal destination for this activity.
What is caving?
Caving is the activity of exploring underground caves. These caves are natural formations that have been created over time, thanks to geological processes such as erosion and the dissolution of rocks. They are often composed of limestone, a rock that dissolves easily in water. Underground caves are therefore often formed by water infiltrating the rocks and gradually dissolving them.
The Pyrenees, an ideal playground for caving
The Pyrenees are a mountain range that extends over more than 430 kilometers, from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. This mountain range is characterized by great geological diversity, which has allowed the formation of numerous underground cavities. The Pyrenees therefore offer a variety of sites suitable for caving, suitable for all levels.
Prehistory in the Pyrenees
Caving in the Pyrenees is also a unique opportunity to discover the history of humanity. The Pyrenees have been inhabited since prehistoric times, and many caves contain rock paintings and engravings, evidence of the first civilizations. The caves of Niaux, Mas d'Azil and Bedeilhac are perfect examples. Caving therefore allows you to discover exceptional historical sites, while enjoying a sporting activity in the great outdoors.
The geology of the Pyrenees
Caving in the Pyrenees also allows you to discover the unique geological formations of this region. The Pyrenees are characterized by limestone, marble and schist formations, which offer a great variety of landscapes. Caves and underground cavities are therefore privileged places to discover the geological wealth of the Pyrenees.
Caving, an activity accessible to all
Caving is often seen as an activity reserved for the bravest and most athletic. But in reality, it is accessible to everyone, provided you are well supervised and equipped. Professional guides are there to accompany and guide you, to allow you to discover the underground cavities in complete safety. It is also important to be well equipped with a helmet, a headlamp, suitable shoes and a harness.
In addition to the sporting and exploration aspect, caving is also an opportunity to reconnect with nature and discover sublime landscapes, often inaccessible otherwise. Professional guides will also be able to share their passion for the geology and prehistory of the region.
In short, caving in the Pyrenees is an exceptional activity that allows you to discover unique geological formations, fascinating prehistoric sites and live unforgettable experiences. Don't hesitate any longer and set off on an adventure in the Pyrenees for an unforgettable caving experience! And if you are a beginner or hesitant, don't worry, there are courses adapted to all levels. Whether you are looking for thrills or a discovery experience with family or friends, caving in the Pyrenees is an activity not to be missed.
Don't hesitate any longer and come and discover the hidden beauty of the Ariège Pyrenees during your next caving adventure!
The canyon d’Estat is the most beautiful and largest in the Vicdessos valley. Over the course of a day, the expedition takes place at the foot of the 3000 Arièges. The already sporty approach walk takes us below the Pic d’Estat, 3144 meters above sea level all the same. A beautiful hike to start the day as an introduction before starting the descent itself. Opposite the Pic Rouge de Bassiès, overlooking the Artigue canyon, the Estat canyon is cut out of red schist between a high mountain landscape and abseiling.
Now this is a first in this summer of 2018, we are setting up an expedition! The late snowmelt offers us exceptional aquatic conditions for this unique adventure. This sporty descent requires a combination of endurance and technique. In this canyon, everyone has their role to play, everyone participates in the advancement of the group.
So if you are initiated in abseiling, if you want to deepen your knowledge of canyoning, if you have team spirit, if you want to escape, if at night you dream of canyoning in the high mountains, if you want to cool off, join the Estat team on Tuesday August 7, 2018!
Getting started in the Artigue Canyon
How to start canyoning?
I started canyoning by chance, if chance exists. I met Rod in Ariège during a barbecue with friends. He was looking for people who spoke English to go on an outing to the Canyon de l’Artigue. He was giving a Assistant Instructor training course within the ICOpro structure. I was with two friends, we knew how to speak English but we knew nothing about canyoning and we had never heard of ICOpro. We said yes, and off we went.
The future Assistant Instructors welcomed us enthusiastically. They came from all over the world; a Scot, a Brazilian, a Frenchman, an American… They showed us the canyoner’s equipment and the activity. It was about going down a canyon using various techniques; we were going to go tobogganing, abseiling, jumping and walking. During the approach walk I remember feeling a mixture of curiosity, apprehension and well-being. We were moving around the mountain and that was already great. Rod showed us how to use the pirana to abseil down a rope. Well, we knew that, it was not bad. All that remained was to do it.
The international Assistant Instructors reassured us, we weren't too smart in this river nestled between the rocks. I was afraid of heights, or at least I thought I was, I didn't like the heights and the first jump was difficult, after that it was as funny as a kid jumping into the water. And then the rappel... The first rappel I didn't act proud, I wondered if the rope would hold, I didn't know what to do with my feet, a little drop of sweat ran down my forehead and it went very well.
So we spent a good part of the day, going down the Artigue canyon in joy and good humor speaking English. It was a treat to share this moment with my friends but also with these people who came from faraway lands. At the end of the canyon we turned around with our friends to say that we had gone down our first canyon. We all met at the Spéléo Canyon Ariège center to debrief the day. We received our ICOpro cards, we were family, we were initiated. And for me it was the beginning of the canyoning adventure.
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