Fauna and flora

The Haute Vallée de l'Aude presents a wide range of natural heritage shaped by the combination of several factors: the climate, landscape, geology and, above all, human activities. These factors make the Haute Vallée de l'Aude a rich and varied region where nature can be enjoyed and where humans make every effort to respect and protect the environment.

Educational booklets have been created to help teach environmental issues in this area and increase awareness among local people and visitors. These booklets are available at the "Aude en Pyrénées” Tourist Office.
Download the booklet about Quillan and its surrounding area (French version)

 

A former royal forest, the national forest of Fanges was developed under Colbert who intended the lofty fir trees to be used for the vessels of the Sun King. It is situated at the end of a karst plateau bound on one side by the Gorges de Pierre Lys and on the other by the Quillan to Fenouillèdes road via the Col de Saint Louis. It's a pot holer’s paradise with more than 100 caves, sinkholes and avens.

The Forests of Callong and Picaussel
This forest has a remarkable variety of floral species, and fir trees and beeches grow side-by-side with Holm oaks and Kermes oaks, scotch firs and birches. Mushroom lovers out looking for delicious ceps, morels and "rousillous” may see roe deer, red deer and wild boar.
 

When the mating season begins, each year towards the end of September, the Pyrenees-Audoises are filled with call of the stags. This low, deep call, continuing over a period of several weeks, asserts the hierarchical position of the male, and releases the extreme tension of the rutting season. You may be able to see them at the edge of the wood.

Guides are available to accompany you on special evening walks as you discover these extraordinary animals. After a short introduction to the animals and their environment, walks take place before nightfall to observe them. For more information about these walks, contact the Tourist Office.