Discovery of the Gouffre de l’Œil Doux 2025

The Montagne de la Clape, this limestone massif which extends proudly above the Mediterranean Sea, hides within it a well-kept secret: the chasm of the Œil Doux. This geological curiosity, nestled near Saint-Pierre-la-Mer in Aude, Occitanie, attracts adventure seekers and nature lovers.

A Path Towards the Unknown

The hike to Œil Doux is much more than just a walk. It is an immersion in a wild landscape, where each step resonates with the history of the Earth. Here’s what awaits you:

Breathtaking Views: The trail winds through the hills, offering breathtaking panoramas of the sparkling sea and surrounding ponds. Umbrella pines and junipers line the path, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

The Descent Towards the Abyss: After about an hour of walking, you will reach the edge of the abyss. The descent is steep, but the steps cut into the rock make the passage easier. You’ll hear the murmur of groundwater and feel the humidity increase as you approach.

L’Œil Doux Revealed: And then, suddenly, there you are. The Gentle Eye reveals itself before you. Imagine a huge skylight, a gaping opening in the rock, as if the Earth itself were winking. The walls are streaked with color, and the water below sparkles. Take the time to admire this unique spectacle.

Precautions and Wonder

The climb back up is just as demanding, but the feeling of accomplishment is incomparable. You will emerge from the abyss, your legs tired but your mind amazed. Don’t forget to mark this hike in your adventure diary!

Prepare your hiking shoes, your curiosity and your sense of wonder. L’Œil Doux awaits you!

How to access au Gouffre de l’Œil Doux ?

From Narbonne, direction Narbonne beach then St-Pierre-la-Mer, then take the D1118 towards Fleury, park in the car park before Le Réveillou.

Practical information for visiting le Gouffre de l’Œil Doux

Accessibility: The Gouffre de l’Œil Doux site is accessible on foot, in approximately 1 hour of walking.

Parking: You have two options for parking:

• Le parking du Domaine de l’Oustalet.
• The Gouffre car park, located on the road linking Saint-Pierre-la-Mer and Fleury-d’Aude.

Enjoy this unique experience in the heart of nature!

Hiking route:

Fairly easy hike, but as with any hike, equip yourself with walking shoes, sunscreen and water.

From the parking lot to the marked trail:

Start your hike from the parking lot. Follow the marked path which will lead you towards the chasm.

Before Point 49: Before reaching point 49, turn right. You will see a path that turns into a trail.

Above the Chasm: You will arrive above the Soft Eye Chasm. Take a moment to admire the stunning view.

The Descent: Go around the chasm to the right to descend towards its depths.

Go back up and Continue: Go back up (back and forth) to the top of the path. Take a path on the right which runs alongside a field of vines. Continue until you reach a swampy area.

Crossing the Pinède: Then take a path on the left. Turn left again to cross a pine forest. You will reach the Œil Doux, an old farm transformed seasonally into an eco-museum.

Return Loop: Join the path that goes around the chasm. Recover the original trail to return to the parking lot. Remember that the Soft Eye is a collapse cenote, whose surface water is fresh but salty at depth. Enjoy this unique hike!

All the details here

The Beauty and Danger of the Soft Eye Chasm

Beyond the legends, the Gouffre de l’Œil Doux remains a place of striking beauty. Its steep cliff, its crystal clear waters and its preserved environment make it a natural jewel.

However, swimming is prohibited there due to its depth and underwater currents. Every year, accidents remind us that this place, although magnificent, must be explored with caution

Legend and Myth about the Gouffre de l’Œil Doux

There are several legends, here are some of them:

The Legend of the Fishermen:

According to this legend, several boats attempted to enter the chasm to determine where the Soft Eye connects to the sea.

However, none of these boats ever returned. The chasm has kept its secrets, and the origin of its source remains undetermined.

This story contributes to the mystery surrounding the Gentle Eye. How deep is this chasm really? Where does it lead? Are there creatures that live in its depths? The questions are numerous, and contribute to making the Soft Eye a place that is both fascinating and disturbing.

The Mystery de l’Œil Doux :

Imagine yourself standing on the edge of the chasm, gazing out over the emerald water below. You may be wondering what lies beneath that calm surface.

Some say that the l’Œil Doux is actually a door to another world, a passage to unknown dimensions.

Others believe that fantastical sea creatures reside in its depths, waiting for the right moment to emerge.

Whatever the truth, l’Œil Doux continues to intrigue curious minds and fuel local legends.

The Gouffre de l’Œil Doux Geology and Formation

Geological Origin

The Gouffre de l’Œil Doux is much more than a simple cavity in the rock. It takes its name from the curious eye-shaped opening that pierces the rock wall. But how was this geological wonder formed?

Karst Collapse: Geologists agree that the Soft Eye chasm is the result of a karst collapse. In other words, it is an ancient underground cave that collapsed over time. Rainwater, loaded with carbonic acid, slowly dissolved the limestone rocks, thus creating underground cavities. When the roof of the cave could no longer support its own weight, it collapsed, leaving behind this impressive chasm.

Tectonic Faults: Another theory suggests that tectonic faults played a role in the formation of the sinkhole. The Montagne de la Clape region is geologically active, with movements of the earth’s crust. These faults can create fractures in the rock, making it easier for cavities to form.

Composition of the Walls

The walls of the Gouffre de l’Œil Doux are a veritable book of geological history. They reveal different layers of rock, each telling a part of Earth’s history. Here is what you can observe:

Limestone: Limestone is the dominant rock here. Its color varies from white to beige, and it is often streaked with veins of minerals.

Concretions: In some parts of the sinkhole, you will see limestone concretions, slowly formed by water seeping in and depositing minerals. These formations are reminiscent of stalactites and stalagmites.

Fossils: Geologists have discovered marine fossils in the walls of the sinkhole. They bear witness to a time when this region was covered by the sea.

The Gouffre de l’Œil Doux Fauna and Flora

Underground Life

The Soft Eye Chasm is an ecosystem in its own right, home to a variety of creatures adapted to underground life. Here’s a look at what you might encounter during your exploration:

Bats: The walls of the chasm serve as a refuge for several species of bats. These nocturnal mammals come out at night to hunt insects. Observe them in silence and admire their delicate wings.

Beetles and Arachnids: Insects and arachnids have taken up residence in the dark recesses of the chasm. You might spot beetles, spiders and centipedes. Their adaptations to the dark are fascinating.

Underground Flora

Mosses and Lichens: The damp walls of the chasm are conducive to the growth of mosses and lichens. Their green and gray hues contrast with the limestone rock. These plants play an essential role in the ecological balance of the chasm.

Mycorrhizal Fungi: Underground, networks of mycorrhizal fungi extend, forming symbiotic associations with plant roots. They help with plant nutrition and the decomposition of organic matter.

Field Observations

Naturalists and cavers have documented their observations in the Oeil Doux chasm. They discovered rare species and astonishing interactions between fauna and flora. If you have the chance to visit this place, pay attention to the smallest details and share your discoveries by commenting below.