P.O Express
- Location: La Cabanasse (66210)
- Gender: man
- Website: http://lesescapadesdemika.com/
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Published route(s)
The Miayra Forest from Bessède-de-Sault
A pleasant, unspoilt walk in the heart of the Pays de Sault, exploring two secluded and charming villages: Bessède-de-Sault and Le Clat. A peaceful route through unspoilt landscapes and unspoilt nature.
Please note that the second part of the route includes a few fairly challenging sections. Furthermore, there are some sections where the map does not match the actual terrain.
Chemin Vauban: From Sauto to Formiguères
This section of the Chemin Vauban links Sauto and Formiguères, passing through La Llagonne, the Col de la Quillane, Lake Matemale and the village of Matemale. The route, which is generally easy and accessible to all, alternates between balcony paths, woodland trails and sections along the shores of Lake Matemale, offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and providing an opportunity to explore the Tour de Creu.Please note that the route passes through the La Quillane ski resort, which means it is impassable whilst the resort is open for the winter season. The final section between Lake Matemale and Formiguères, which mainly follows a forest track, offers little shade and should therefore be avoided in very hot weather.
Vauban Trail from Rouze to Aunat
This section of the Chemin Vauban links Rouze to Aunat, gradually leaving the Donezan behind to reach the Aude Pyrenees. The route, which is generally easy and accessible, alternates between sections through woodland and pleasant paths, notably crossing the border between Ariège and Aude. The section between Campagna-de-Sault and the Col de la Clause is particularly interesting for its heritage and numerous information boards, which provide a better understanding of the areas passed through, especially around the Dournes tunnel.From the Col de la Clause, the route continues mainly downhill through woodland before gradually reaching the village of Aunat.
Chemin Vauban: from Olette to Sauto
This section of the Chemin Vauban links Olette to Sauto via a route that is much better signposted than the previous one. The route remains, however, long and challenging, with some steep ascents and descents, but in return offers sumptuous and varied scenery. In particular, it takes you through the villages of Canaveilles and Llar, before gaining altitude towards the Serre de Clavera, then beginning the final descent towards Sauto.⚠️ Warning: the route runs alongside and crosses a military firing range between (10) and (11). Before setting out on this route, it is essential to check the days and times of firing exercises to ensure that passage is permitted.
The Chemin Vauban: From Villefranche de Conflent to Aunat
This multi-day hike allows you to explore the Chemin Vauban between Villefranche-de-Conflent and Aunat, along a route of over 100 km crossing the Pyrénées-Orientales, Ariège and Aude.
The route offers a wide variety of landscapes and heritage sites. In particular, it takes you past Fort Libéria, the Séjourné Bridge, the Tour de Creu, Usson Castle, as well as numerous villages and examples of local heritage.
However, the route presents varying levels of difficulty depending on the section. Some sections are easy and accessible to everyone, whilst others are long, challenging and involve significant elevation changes.
This is an ideal route for walkers wishing to explore a trail combining heritage, history and scenery, whilst being well prepared for the differences in difficulty and signposting depending on the section.
Logistics: linear route. Arrange for a vehicle in Aunat to take you to the starting point.
Chemin Vauban from Villefranche de Conflent to Olette
This section of the Chemin Vauban links Villefranche-de-Conflent to Olette via a challenging and demanding route, characterised by a succession of ascents and descents that give the route a real ‘yo-yo’ effect and can make the walk particularly tiring. Despite this difficulty, the scenery is well worth the effort, with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and the chance to explore the village of Jujols, situated halfway along the route.
Chemin Vauban From Formiguères to Rouze
This section of the Chemin Vauban links Formiguères to Rouze, crossing the Capcir and then the Donezan. The route, which is generally easy and pleasant, alternates between forest tracks, sections through the undergrowth, paths along ridges and more open stretches offering beautiful panoramic views. The route runs alongside the Galbe river, crosses the Col des Ares – which marks the border between the Pyrénées-Orientales and Ariège – and then continues through the Donezan region via Carcanières and Le Puch. It also takes you past the magnificent Château d’Usson before reaching the village of Rouze.
Chemin Vauban from Mont-Louis to La Llagonne
This section of the Chemin Vauban links Mont-Louis to La Llagonne via an easy and pleasant route. After skirting the ramparts of the fortified town of Mont-Louis, the route crosses the River Têt before reaching the village of La Llagonne. One-way walk: leave a car at La Llagonne (car park near the post office) to return to Mont-Louis.
Ovansa Tower
A pleasant walk to discover the Ovansa Tower, an iconic site where the location of the Mont-Louis citadel – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site – was decided.
The walk starts at the Mont-Louis Tourist Information Office.
The Mackintosh Trail from La Llagonne to Fetges
Accessible to all, this trail offers the chance to discover several murals installed along the way, inspired by the landscapes that Charles Rennie Mackintosh immortalised during his time in the Pyrénées-Orientales. The route crosses the Mont-Louis area and offers a walk combining nature, art and heritage.
The Mines de la Pinouse
An exceptional heritage walk at one of the major sites of the Canigou iron mines, which is also a key site commemorating the Resistance. Once at the site, heritage signage provides an insight into the area’s rich history.
The Gorgs de la Cabana
A spectacular hike in Southern Catalonia, along the Cabana stream, where seven magnificent waterfalls follow one another, forming seven natural pools of crystal-clear water… an irresistible invitation to take a dip.
Paid parking (€10)
The Tour de Goa circular from Vernet-les-Bains
A fairly challenging hike leading to the Tour de Goa, a listed historical monument. A breathtaking panoramic view from the ridges between the Pic de la Péna and the Tour à Signaux. And an incredible 360° view from the Tour de Goa with an orientation table.
Around Roc de la Calme
A very pleasant route accessible to all, leading to the Roc de la Calme orientation table, where you can enjoy an exceptional panorama of the surrounding peaks. This hike can also be done on snowshoes, depending on snow conditions.
Please note: access to the route is prohibited while the resort is open.
Around Saint-Martin du Canigou Abbey
An exceptional hike around Saint-Martin du Canigou Abbey, a true jewel of the cultural and religious heritage of the Pyrénées-Orientales. Don't be fooled by the short distance of the route: there is a significant elevation gain and the slopes are sometimes very steep. Caution is advised for those prone to vertigo, as one section requires the use of handrails installed for the safety of hikers.
From Étang de Balcère to Étang de la Balmette
A beautiful hike above Les Angles, from Étang de Balcère to Étang de la Balmette. The route, accessible to all despite a few climbs, offers a peaceful atmosphere and unspoilt natural surroundings. At the end of the trail, the tranquillity of Étang de la Balmette rewards your efforts.
From Railleu to Sansa
A short, accessible hike connecting two of the five villages located in the wild and little-known Garrotxes valley. Several old mills with information panels can be found along the route.
Tour of the villages of Donezan
A fantastic hike in the Donezan, allowing you to discover all of its villages and rich heritage.The main difficulty of this route is its length, covering nearly 20 km.Best enjoyed in autumn, when the flamboyant colours of Donezan offer landscapes of exceptional beauty.
Pic de la Socarrada and Caudiès-de-Conflent Lake
A beautiful, wild route in the Garrotxes valley, starting from Caudiès-de-Conflent. The hike climbs up to the splendid panorama of Pic de la Soccarada. Once back in Caudiès-de-Conflent, I recommend continuing on to the lake, a peaceful spot for a picnic.
The Étangs des Esquits
A pleasant family outing starting from the Bouillouses listed site. The Esquits circular offers the chance to discover three ponds, including the Pradella, located on the GR®10, where there is also a refuge.
From Sansa to the Estanyols Lakes
A family hike accessible to all in the wild Garrotxes valley. From the village of Sansa, on a forest trail on the way there, the route leads to the Estagnols Lakes, where there is also a refuge.
Around Saint-Martin-Lys
A beautiful, shaded hike in the forest of the charming village of Saint-Martin-Lys, at the foot of the River Aude. This route is well worth the detour, with a beautiful viewpoint over the Axat Valley at the start of the trail.
The Devil's Belvedere
A family hike accessible to all, in the Aude Pyrenees, leading to the Belvédère du Diable viewpoint, with the chance to discover the unusual Carach chalet along a constantly shaded route.
La Porteille Blanche d'Andorra
A fairly long and challenging hike leading to the Porteille Blanche d'Andorre tripoint on the French-Spanish-Andorran border.
Throughout the hike, you will follow the legendary Bonshommes trail (GR®107) which runs alongside the wild Campcardos valley.
The Puigmal d'Err
A formidable and challenging climb, but still accessible despite the altitude of the summit. Thesecond highest peak in the Eastern Pyrenees offers an exceptional 360° panorama that is well worth the effort!
Le Cambre d'Aze
A challenging climb leading to one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Cerdagne region of the Eastern Pyrenees.Please note: the hike is not signposted but the path is well marked (you should still have a basic sense of direction).
From Les Bouillouses to Lac d'Aude
A wild route to the source of the Aude (or Auda) river, starting from the iconic Lac des Bouillouses. On the agenda: breathtaking views of the Carlit and even the Canigó, streams to cross, pine forests, wide open spaces and, of course, lakes.Please note that access to Les Bouillouses is restricted (check with the departmental council or the Pyrénées Catalanes tourist office).
The Carlit ponds
A wonderful, refreshing getaway, accessible to all, in the heart of unspoilt wilderness at the foot of the "roof" of the Pyrénées-Orientales. An ideal route for immersing yourself in the beauty of the high-altitude landscapes around the listed site of Les Bouillouses. A refreshing hike that I recommend doing at dawn.
⚠️ Restricted access: see practical information.
The Batère Tower
A superb heritage trail starting from Coll Palomeres, plunging into the heart of the industrial golden age of the Pyrénées-Orientales. The route passes through ancient mining ruins, evidence of a rich past, before reaching the imposing Tour de Batère, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
The Massane Tower
A lovely heritage walk in the Massif des Albères, leading to the spectacular Tour de la Massane
Circular walk from Lake Matemale
Discover a pleasant walk suitable for all, combining the mysteries of the Forêt de la Matte with the historic charm of the Tour de Creu, for a chance to immerse yourself in the heart of nature and local heritage.
The Salver de Taurinya Mines
An easy walk, suitable for everyone, with a moderate elevation gain of less than 200 m. On this educational trail, immerse yourself in the fascinating history of local mining through numerous information boards and archaeological remains that bear witness to this rich past.
The Puymorens or Pimorent mines
A pleasant, family-friendly route leading to the historic mining site of Puymorens, with stunning panoramic views throughout the walk.
From Port de Balès to Lac de Bordères via Mont Né
A fantastic panoramic hike, winding its way between Haute-Garonne and the Hautes-Pyrénées, with the ascent of Mont Né and Lac de Bordères as the destination.
The Roumengoux Fountains Route
A very easy walk suitable for everyone, where you’ll stroll past restored fountains, also following the old railway line converted into a greenway.
From Collioure to Port Vendres
An unforgettable seaside getaway, starting from one of the most beautiful villages in the Pyrénées-Orientales, Collioure, where you will take part of the coastal path on the way there and return through the hinterland via Fort Saint-Elme.
⚠️ Check whether the coastal path linking Argelès-sur-Mer to Cerbère is open or closed here before setting off on this hike.
From Lac de Bethmale to Étang d'Ayes
A breathtaking hike leading to Étang d'Ayès from Lac de Bethmale via Cirque de Campuls and its wonderful waterfall.
From Saint-Lary to the Col de Portet d'Aspet
A beautiful outing between Ariège and Haute-Garonne, tackling the Col de Portet d'Aspet
From the Grand Échaillon to the Col de la Bataille
A lovely family outing suitable for all, set in a pleasant, enchanting forest leading to the Col de la Bataille, which is closed to vehicles in winter.
The Ambel Plateau
A panoramic hike with spectacular landscapes and countless 360° views, in a preserved area.
Lake Muzelle
A breathtaking hike leading to the magnificent Lac de la Muzelle in the Écrins National Park.A challenging climb alongside streams and waterfalls.
The Mézenc Mountains (North and South)
A very easy climb to reach the highest point of the Ardèche and Haute-Loire, offering sublime panoramic views.
Le Moucherotte
A fairly challenging hike starting from the Tremplin car park (built for the 1968 Grenoble Olympic Games) leading to the Moucherotte orientation table and its wonderful 360° panorama.
On the heights of Lake Aiguebelette
A slightly challenging walk overlooking the beautiful Lake d’Aiguebelette. You’ll follow part of the old trade routes between France and Italy and discover the François I Cave.
The Robert Lakes
An exceptional hike leading to the wonderful Robert Lakes starting from the Chamrousse resort.
Beware of late snowfields
Gigondas and the Dentelles Sarrasines
A sensational hike offering stunning panoramic views in the Dentelles Sarrasines.This walk is a variation on that one; it takes you round the Dentelles Sarrasines via their southern face.Warning: do not undertake this walk the day after rain, or in strong winds.
From Saint-Bonnet-du-Gard to Pont du Gard
A breathtaking heritage walk leading to one of the most beautiful wonders in France, the Pont du Gard.
Around Rochecolombe
A pleasant hike with multiple panoramic views, open to all, allowing you to discover the village of Rochecolombe and its surroundings.
Heritage sites around Saint-Christophe
A breathtaking heritage walk following the Sardinian ‘Route Royale’. Viewpoints and gorges are also on the itinerary. There is also the option to visit the caves (at the Grottes tourist site).
La Roque-sur-Cèze and the Sautadet Waterfalls
A beautiful route that will take you to the remarkable Sautadet waterfalls and La Roque-sur-Cèze, listed as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", where a heritage trail awaits you.
Please strictly observe the safety instructions at the Sautadet Waterfalls nature site! Swimming is prohibited