In the eastern part of the Pyrenees, close to the city of Perpignan, you will find a striking natural phenomenon called Les Orgues d’Ille sur Têt. This landscape, shaped by erosion, often brings to mind well known places such as Cappadocia in Turkey or Bryce Canyon in the United States. In reality it is much closer to a holiday base in southern France. During my stay in Perpignan I get into the car and reach this unusual area in just under half an hour. Since 1981 it has been officially protected as a natural monument.
Read this article in DutchLandscape shaped by erosion
The stone pillars in this corner of the eastern Pyrenees rise to around ten to twelve metres and owe their shape entirely to erosion. Wind and rain set the rhythm here. After every heavy shower or storm the sandstone formations subtly change again. The upper layer of the pillars consists of harder material which erodes more slowly than the softer layer beneath. That lower layer is extremely fragile and during periods of rainfall large amounts of sand are washed away. Over time this process creates the columns that resemble natural chimneys often compared to fairy chimneys. Because landscapes like this are so exposed to the elements it is entirely possible that some of the slender pillars visible today will have collapsed within a few years.
How to get to Les Orgues d’Ille sur Têt
Les Orgues d’Ille sur Têt are clearly marked on Google Maps and easy to find. Following the directions leads you to a parking area next to a small visitor centre where you can buy your entrance ticket. With the ticket purchase of five euros at 2024 prices you also receive a small information booklet which is available in several languages including Dutch.
The walk to the site itself is around eight hundred metres. Along the path you pass numbered signs and the booklet explains what you are seeing at each point. Once you reach the formations your ticket is checked and you are free to wander through the area at your own pace. The site is not very large but it feels surprisingly impressive. Most of the stone pillars are viewed from a short distance yet in a few places erosion has washed away so much sand that narrow passages have formed where you can walk right through the landscape.
Is a visit to Les Orgues d’Ille sur Têt worth it?
Before visiting I expected the area to be slightly larger and imagined that you would be able to walk much more freely between the stone pillars. That does not mean the experience was disappointing. The formations themselves are beautiful and together they feel like a carefully crafted artwork shaped entirely by nature. Even on a relatively short visit the landscape leaves a strong impression.
Combine your visit with other places in the area
There is plenty to see and do in this part of Pyrénées-Orientales. A walk through colourful Perpignan is highly recommended, with its historic buildings lively squares independent shops and good restaurants all wrapped in a distinctly Catalan atmosphere. The village of Castelnou, officially listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, also deserves a place on your itinerary. Carcassonne is close enough for a day trip and if you are in the mood for the coast good food and seaside walks you can head to Collioure or Canet-en-Roussillon. If you want to explore further there is plenty more to discover in and around Perpignan.
