A Day at the Save Gorges
A must-see spot in the region—we love its coolness in the summer, its magnificent natural setting in every season, and its tranquility.
Whether you’re taking a walk or having a picnic, this historic site is truly exceptional and offers a welcome change of scenery—you won’t be disappointed!
Located between Montmaurin and Lespugue in Haute-Garonne, the Save Gorges are a site of great cultural significance thanks to their natural, geological, and archaeological heritage.
A Natural and Historical Heritage
A Preserved Site
Today, efforts are underway to preserve and promote the Save Gorges, while allowing for responsible visitor access.
Part of the site has been open to pedestrians and cyclists since safety improvements were completed.
When it comes to its heritage, a distinction must be made :
Prehistoric heritage :
The caves and rock shelters in the gorges were inhabited as early as the Paleolithic period. It was in this area, in the Grotte des Rideaux (Cave of the Curtains), that the famous Venus of Lespugue , one of the most important works of prehistoric art, was discovered. The entire group of prehistoric caves and rock shelters has been listed as a historical monument since 1972. (Site not open to the public)
Historical Heritage:
Nearby are the ruins of the Gallo-Roman villa at Montmaurin, evidence of the Roman occupation of the region.
Natural Heritage:
The gorges are classified as a ZNIEFF (Natural Area of Ecological, Faunistic, and Floristic Interest). They are home to remarkable biodiversity, featuring cliffs, caves, oak and beech forests, as well as protected species of birds, bats, and orchids.
Geological Heritage:
The Save River has carved a gorge nearly 2.5 km long through the limestone of the Pyrenean foothills, creating a spectacular landscape.
Ideas for a Day Trip to the Gorges de la Save and the Surrounding Area
No matter the season, this corner of Comminges has everything you need for a wonderful time!
On weekdays, why not start your day at the Boulogne-sur-Gesse market on Wednesday mornings! Bring a cooler if it’s hot—with local farmers at the market, you can stock up on delicious regional specialties for a picnic, then hit the trail for an easy, shaded 2-hour hike to explore the Cardeilhac Forest and its arboretum. A lovely walk in a beautiful setting that will whet your appetite for lunch—whether you eat right there or head to the Gorges de la Save, about a 10-minute drive away.
Once you arrive at the Gorges, find a spot by the water for lunch—if you’ve chosen that option—and/or for a post-meal nap to rest and recover.
We resume the exercise by taking a walk along the designated trail, admiring the unique scenery, the coolness, and the serenity of the place… we take our time!
Then we’ll add one last highlight to the day by following in the footsteps of the Romans, heading to Montmaurin (about a 10-minute drive)—the Gallo-Roman villa and the archaeological museum have a story to tell you.
Alternative: You can take the “Montmaurin: In the Footsteps of the Romans” hike , which is a hilly loop that will take you to famous historic sites: the Gallo-Roman villa in Montmaurin and the village of Lespugue; further on, a road winds along the Gorges de la Save.
Other weekday markets about 30 minutes from the Gorges:
- Saint-Gaudens on Thursday morning
- Montréjeau on Monday morning
If it’s the weekend, you have a choice of Saturday morning markets:
- Aurignac, about a 22-minute drive to the gorges
- L’Isle-en-Dodon, about 25 minutes
- Saint-Gaudens, about 30 minutes away
Another idea: Before heading to the Save Gorges, if you’ve decided to stop at a market to pick up a picnic, you can explore the town where the market is located; the links below will give you the essential information about the town.
Maps and brochures are available at every tourist office in the area, or you can view the brochures on the website.
Additional Information: Below are links to other useful information.
