Things to see and do Coastline

Before entering the ancient site, steps lead to the top of the western towers of the Château des Croisés, from where you can admire the magnificent landscape and observe the layout of the ruins: before exploring the ancient site, it is therefore recommended to reach the top of the towers, in order to have an overall view and to distinguish in advance the different monuments and districts. In passing, it will be an opportunity to read the explanatory panels in the citadel, in order to understand the complex chronology of this archaeological site where the different strata range from Neolithic to Crusades. Then, as you leave the castle, turn right, towards the northeast. We notice some columns and remains of the pavement of the Roman road, then the Roman nymphaeum, a monumental fountain decorated with niches. Then we walk along the northeast ditches of the castle to pass through the city gate, carved through the ramparts dating back to the 3rd millennium. Just opposite, it is possible to observe the foundations of the Persian fortress (550-300 BC), on which are statues of Achaemenid lions. Their size proves the importance of the fortifications erected by the "king of kings". The L-shaped temple, consisting of two buildings and a courtyard containing a sanctuary, is then joined. Built in 2600 BC at the foot of a sacred pond, this temple was dedicated to a deity that archaeologists have not yet identified. The Amorrites burned it down during the conquest of the city and then partially rebuilt it.

Note that it is unfortunately forbidden to film or photograph caves which are divided into two galleries. Once your ticket is in your pocket, a cable car takes you to the top gallery. A 21-minute documentary film on the history of the concretions and Grottes caves is distributed at the entrance to the upper gallery. There are only two French screenings per day (at and). Sometimes classical music concerts are given inside the caves. After the visit, a small tram will drop you at the entrance to the lower gallery.

The higher gallery was discovered only in 1958 by Lebanese speleologists and inaugurated in 1969. A concrete access tunnel, 117 m long, allows the visitor to discover, with surprise, a fantastic landscape: monumental vaults, piliers pillars, stalactites, skid of all sizes, fungi, drapery and diverses concretions. This upper part has a total length of 2 130 m, only 750 m of which is accessible to visitors on foot through a specially designed footbridge. The gallery is enlightened. The accessible part of the visitors is made up of three large rooms, some of which are more than 100 m high.

The lower gallery was discovered by chance in 1836 and opened to the public in 1958. This discovery is attributed to the Reverend William Thomson (an American missionary) who loves up to 50 m in a hunting game. During two expeditions in 1873 and 1874, American explorers entered up to 1 060 m. This gallery is traversed by an underground river which is the main source of Nahr el-Kelb providing drinking Water in Beirut. This cave has a total length of 7 800 m and is located 30 m below the top gallery. The river is divided into several small cataracts and rapids. Visitors are transported in small electric whale over a distance of 400 m. In winter, this gallery is closed because the water level is too high.

6 km north of the ski slopes of Laqlouq, take the left to Tannourine. After 3 km, a turn on the left is particularly tight. You can continue on foot (5-10 minutes). There is an impressive chasm of 240 m called also Houet Baakara (or the chasm of the three bridges). Just go down several hundred meters to discover this geological curiosity. During the melting of snow, a waterfall burst over 90 metres. To believe the people in the corner, the Ottoman soldiers were reportedly thrown into the early th century. When the chasm draws down, the show is striking. However, the site is not at all secure. Further, there are two other chasms, including that of Jouret Abed. It is also possible to visit these sites with hiking associations. The region is known to be a picnic area and a family destination in summer.

Beyond the village of Tannourine al-Faqwa, you can reach the magnificent cédraie, classified since 1999, nature reserve. Surrounded by mountains, this forest of several hectares ranges from 1 250 to 1 870 metres. Over 400 000 trees were recorded there. Hikers can easily access the trails along the trails while respecting nature. It is forbidden to make a fire, to picnic and to hunt. The wildlife is rich. Some observers found hyenas, foxes, wild boar and a wolf. They are so rare that these animals are not a danger to pedestrians. Four hiking trails, more or less long, are proposed.

Opened in August 2003 and located 500 m south of Byblos, Eddé Sands is undoubtedly Lebanon's largest private beach. With an area of 100 000 square metres, the complex, open all year round, consists of six swimming pools, ten bars and restaurants, a long beach of 220 meters, a spa… What to welcome about 3 000 people on summer weekends. Eddé Sands offers a splendid panorama of the old town of Byblos. Despite the world, the frame is ideal for a pleasant day. The complex organizes activities for children throughout the year and restaurants offer varied cuisine. In summer, evenings with local and international Djs take place on the beach and around the swimming pools.

After the Cedars of Shuf and Mount Rayhan, Jabal Moussa is the third biosphere reserve classified by UNESCO in Lebanon since 2009. Situated 45 km from Beirut and overlooking the valley of Adonis, Jabal Moussa offers a peaceful and karst landscape with a wide variety of fauna and flora: more than 550 plant species including endemic plants in Lebanon, 14 mammal species (wolves, hyenas, damans of wild rocks, foxes and wild boars) and over 83 species of birds. The forest covers 1 250 hectares and ranges from 350 to 1 574 m above sea level. The site also retains Roman and Byzantine historical remains. The framework is ideal for hikers: the association for the protection of Jabal Moussa organizes several walks per week. Change is guaranteed.

Near the archaeological site of Fakra, join President Emile-Lahoud's roundabout on your right, you can admire the natural bridge of Nahr el-Laban. Impressive creation of nature with an arch of 38 m opening under which the torrent precipitates in waterfall in the spring. For some geologists, it is one of the most spectacular bridges in the world. The site is at 1 700 m above sea level.

Located at an altitude of 1,250 m, Dhour el Choueir is a well-known regional town resort in Lebanon. The presence of several hotels (some of which have been abandoned since the civil war) and beautiful residences testify to this. The region has been experiencing a new dynamic since the mid-2000s and several second homes are under renovation and construction.

The pine forest of Dhour el Choueir is composed of Aleppo pines. The setting is ideal for walks. The resort remains a quiet and very pleasant destination from spring to autumn. The neighbouring village, Mrouj, organizes an annual festival for the feast of Saint-Takla in September.