Ille sur Têt has its ‘orgues’

Ille sur Têt is a busy city which we’ve seen on our way the natural ‘orgues’ site but I’ve decided not to mention or describe our stop there because it was frankly not worth it, especially compared to the many other villages and hiking opportunities in this region. Located a few kilometers away from the city and although quite touristic especially during summer season, the ‘orgues’ is a beautiful site to visit in between two stops.

Called ‘orgues’ because of their ‘organ-pipe like’ shape due to erosion, these natural rock formations stand majestically high (up to approximately 12 meters) and are really impressive to observe. Made of clay and sand, these ‘orgues’ as they say, truly show the beauty of nature: they are unique and ephemeral.

Regarding more practical information, touring this site would take about 1 to 2 hours depending on the time you’d like to spend there and the number of photographs you wish to take. The best advice to make the most of this visit would probably be to choose the best time during the day. On a summer day or when the temperatures are high, it is widely preferable to avoid planning the visit when the sun is at this hottest: these rock ‘amphitheater-like’ structures seem to be blocking drafts and you can hardly find shade.

The non-accompanied visit starts with picking up your tickets (about 5 euros per adult if I recall correctly) and then taking a 15 to 20-minute walk on a rather flat landscape to the rock site. As you arrive to the site you will be able to admire all these fragile chimney rocks pointing at the sky.

[ We’ve heard there are a couple of different hiking trails through the ‘orgues’, more off the beaten paths, but these are supposedly more dangerous as well with possible rock falls because not officially maintained for visitors. ]

What’s more? You can find an orientation table installed up the Montalba road North of Ille sur Têt, with a stunning view over different chimneys sites down the valley (including the one we’ve just visited) and the Canigou mountains in the background. Definitely worth a swift stop and quick photographs if you’re heading that way!