Trou de Bozouls

Bozouls

The Trou de Bozouls is a natural horseshoe-shaped cirque nearly 400 m across and 100 m deep, carved by the Dourdou into the Secondary-era limestone of the Causse Comtal. On the spur enclosed by the meander stands the 12th-century Romanesque church of Sainte-Fauste, overlooking the void. Local legend, published by the commune itself, attributes the excavation to the devil: caught out by the Virgin while prowling the district, Lucifer is said to have wagered that he could demolish the church of Sainte-Fauste before cockcrow. He clawed at the rock all night long, filling sacks which he went to empty at Puech-du-Jou; but the Virgin went to a nearby farm and plucked a feather from the cock, which crowed before its time. Believing day had broken, the devil abandoned his task and dropped his load, forming the spot known as Les Calcadis; the church was saved and the hole remained. The site carries other, darker tales: the Gourg d'Enfer, a pool at the foot of the cliff reputed to be bottomless, and the Saut du Mendiant, named after a beggar who, a century ago, is said to have walked backwards to the edge before toppling over. The cirque, listed as a protected natural area (Espace naturel sensible), also served as a stage for the tightrope walker Henry's, who crossed it on a cable in 1980, 1982 and 1995.

Mairie de Bozouls - Contes et légendes ↗

Getting there : In the heart of the town of Bozouls (12340), some twenty kilometres north-east of Rodez on the D988; viewpoints laid out at the edge of the village, free access all year round. Waymarked paths lead down to the floor of the cirque and cross the Dourdou on wooden footbridges; allow about 1 hour for the loop. The church of Sainte-Fauste occupies the central spur.

Opening times and access details are given as a guide only: check before you set out.

Ambient sound