Discovery of Organs: exploration, fauna, flora, geology

About this tour

Walk through the Orgues geological formations in the Eastern Pyrenees, learning to identify Mediterranean plants and wildlife whilst listening to local bird calls. Your guide shares truffle-hunting traditions unique to Catalonia and, in winter when conditions align, you'll join foragers with trained dogs searching for black truffles buried beneath the soil. Three hours exploring one of France's most distinctive landscapes, from stone formations to subterranean delicacies.

Highlights

• Distinctive columnar rock formations of the Orgues sites
• Sixty recorded bird calls demonstrated by experienced naturalist
• Winter truffle-hunting expeditions with working dogs
• Mediterranean flora and fauna identification walk
• Pyrenean geology explained at ground level

What to expect

Expect a steady-paced walking tour across uneven terrain, stopping frequently to observe geological features and listen to bird recordings played by your guide. In winter months when soil conditions permit, you may participate in actual truffle extraction using specially trained dogs—a hands-on glimpse into how these prized fungi are located and harvested. Your guide will point out native plants, explain the region's geological history, and share practical knowledge about truffle cultivation. The walk covers both Orgues sites with contrasting views of the landscape from different vantage points.

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