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Five reasons to discover the karst path of Crégols
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Marjory had the opportunity to discover this famous karstic path of Crégols. Delighted with all the discoveries she was able to make during her walk, she tells us the five reasons why, according to her, it is necessary to come and walk on this hiking trail.
Discover a unique geological heritage!
To discover the resurgence of Crégols
We start this article with a big word: resurgence? Don't worry, many people didn't know what it was before coming to this circuit, and nodded their heads pretending to know what it was, of course! A resurgence is therefore a place where groundwater appears on the surface of the earth. A source then? Yes and no. The resurgence of Crégols is also a gateway to the bowels of the earth for cave diving enthusiasts. Thus, since the 70s, nearly 1500 km of linear space have been explored, up to 50 meters deep*.
*Fun facts: the Lot is the third cave diving spot in the world after the Cenotes of Yucatan and Florida. So famous!
To observe a typical Lot phosphate mine
We continue this article with another rather specific word: phosphatière. As its name suggests, a phosphate mine is a place where phosphate was extracted at the end of the XNUMXth century. Particularly numerous in the region, you can discover a magnificent one during this hike! Located on the heights of Crégols in the middle of the forest, it surprises then seduces the hiker passing by, and gives him a good excuse to take a short break after a rather steep climb in order to admire it in more detail.
To learn more about the history of these operations (and the rich geological and fossil heritage associated with them), we strongly recommend that you go to the Phosphatière du Cloup d'Aural to live a most exciting visit!
For the superb view of the Lot valley
If you are fond of high viewpoints perched on beautiful countryside landscapes, it is with delight that you will discover a beautiful 180° view over the Lot valley below. Up there, in the ambient calm, you can strain your ears to hear the sound of the bells of the village below, and the echo of the chirping of birds whistling to your heart's content. Majestic, impressive, calm and authentic, this marvelous setting will not disappoint you!
To make the "high mountain" easy 😉
What is fabulous in the Lot valley is the accessible relief that surrounds us. If you particularly like mountain landscapes but are not a fan of steep hikes, then you will appreciate this feeling of "high mountain" hiking at your fingertips! Indeed, after about twenty minutes of climbing*, Here you are propelled into an alpine landscape: dry lawns, unobstructed views of the surrounding valleys, and this deafening silence so specific that you only find at altitude...
* tip for those who prefer gentle hikes: you can also take a longer but much less steep variant.
To find yourself speechless in front of the immense igue
The league of Crégols, a local term for “gouffre”, remains the highlight of this hike. Located towards the end of the loop, its discovery will allow you to finish this walk in style! Its magnificent striated cliffs, witnesses of the passage of time, the abundant vegetation at the bottom of this gargantuan basin and the excessiveness of the place will not leave you indifferent! So prepare your camera because you will not be disappointed.
Karst, phosphate mine, igue, resurgence... Here are several vocabulary words in the geological lexical field that you can use during your evenings to wow the gallery! You still have to succeed in bringing the subject to the table, but for that we are counting on you to do it!
To continue to enrich your vocabulary and thus put on the robe of the scholar, discover here the 10 words to know about wine to shine in society !
The igue de karst path Crégols
CREGOLS
Cloup d'Aural phosphate pits
BACH
The Causses du Quercy, UNESCO Global Geopark
The 10 commandments for a successful hike
