Near the village of Engorner, Ariège offers a very unusual, even extraordinary site called the Chaussée des Géants (Giants' Highway) or stone garden.
This site is the work of Robert Mathey, a retired aerospace engineer who spent 30 years redesigning the banks of the Lez with some very curious creations, the fruit of his imagination and memories of his travels.
The Giants' Highway is composed of mythical figures and symbols evoking different civilizations, from Egypt to pre-Columbian civilizations and Christianity. These statues, arches, and posts are scattered over approximately 150-180 meters on the banks of the Lez River in Alas, a village that is part of the municipality of Balaguères.
All his works are made from recycled materials found in the riverbed or abandoned during floods, such as pebbles, wood, stones, scrap metal, ceramics, etc.
And the “journey” allows visitors to appreciate Mexican temples, symbols of ancient Egypt and the Cathars, and more.
He gave this place a sacred dimension, notably through numerous hieroglyphics, mysterious signs, and geometric patterns inscribed on the bases, arches, and figures.
Roberts Mathey died in 2008 at the age of 90, but his Giant's Causeway lives on.
Giant's Causeway
172-200 Lane d'en Haut,
09800 Balaguères
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