Pyrénées-Orientales walks

A walk amid vineyards, through scrubland, and along the coast, with beautiful views of the Cap Béar and the Anse de Paulilles cove.

Hike to discover the fountains of Laroque-des-Albères: the Font dels Simiots and amazing animals which, according to legend, kidnapped babies and came to settle near the fountain after being dislodged from Arles-sur-Tech; the Font de la Vernosa, a well-preserved, beautiful fountain from where one has a magnificent view of the plain of Roussillon.

A classic in the Eastern Pyrenees, this route takes you to the highest point in the department (2,921 metres), passing by more than a dozen small mountain lakes.

The beautiful village of Collioure, with its church tower standing right on the water's edge, is worth the trip alone! This hike offers a pleasant coastal route to get there. Beautiful views and a rich heritage await you.

A wild rocky coastline, small forgotten coves, terraced vineyards that seem to hang above the waves: this is what you can expect on this hike dotted with maritime pines and prickly pears. Along the way, the historic and beautifully restored site of Paulilles and various beaches inviting you to take a dip add to the pleasure of this walk in the soft light of the Côte Vermeille.

From the hamlet of Puig del Más, the proposed hike follows the yellow markings of the Walter Benjamin Trail. A pretty balcony path leads to the French-Spanish border. The return from the Tour de Querroig is via a ridge path. The view is magnificent. Two other hikes I recommend to reach the Torre de Querroig: Coastal trail - Torre de Querroig from Banyuls-sur-mer - Torre de Querroig from Portbou, return via the Walter Benjamin Trail

This is an easy short hike with beautiful sea views.

Beautiful views of the Carlit. Three-quarters of the route is shaded near the lakes. Rhododendrons, blueberries, etc.

This hike takes you up to the Madeloc Tower and back via the water trail. Please note the parking problem at Coll de la Serra: see practical information...

Part of the long route (9 days) around Carlit, travelling from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.

Hike in the Eyne Valley, classified as a national nature reserve. There are many species of flowers (the best time to do this hike is in June when they are in full bloom), as well as animals typical of our mountains such as marmots and chamois. Access to the Eyne Valley is restricted, and there is an information sign at the start of the hike. Dogs are not allowed.

A short, pleasant and very scenic route in the Carança Gorges. This hike offers multiple options up to the suspension bridge, meaning that you can loop back (and return to the starting point or change banks) at several points. Moderator's note : some people have got lost on this hike, see reviews

A beautiful hike in the eastern Pyrenees, about thirty kilometres from Villefranche-sur-Conflent. The site is superb, nicknamed the "Canadian Pyrenees", and you can see horses roaming free. The main loop takes 2½ hours, but you can add an extra hour to see a few more ponds and pass by the foot of Pic Carlit. It's well worth it.

This route will take you into the Gorges du Segre (a paradise for Via Ferrata climbers) and to the ridges of the Sant Feliu Chapel with breathtaking views and, as the icing on the cake, hot springs at the end of the route.

Almost the entire hike is in the shade, under a forest of cork oak trees. The slope is quite steep in the first part. The effort is rewarded by a beautiful 360° view from the tower. Moderator's addition on 17/05/2021: Do not rely solely on the map; please read the warnings in the description and reviews It is risky to venture onto the road to La Vall (parking problems, traffic restrictions, etc.). Since 05/05/2023: it is no longer permitted to use this access road between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. due to the risk of fire.

The Camporells Lakes are magnificent. This loop is varied and avoids having to make a return trip. The outward journey is little known and you don't come across many people.

This hike allows you to discover the Albères national forest and offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean coast to the east, the Roussillon plain to the north, Catalonia to the south and Canigou to the west.

- From the Argelès-sur-Mer SNCF train station, climb up to the Tour de la Massane via marked trails and paths. - The hike can start from Valmy Castle near (3). See practical information. I recommend reading the practical information section regarding the different routes. The hike could be classified as difficult due to some very rough sections of the trail and the need for good navigation skills.

A first pretty lake with a view of Carlit and a little less crowded than the surrounding lakes, then a return via Lac d'Aude with a beautiful view of Lac des Bouillouses and Carlit.

Very nice circuit that will take you over grazing areas that are still used. The last part of the circuit overhangs the gorges of Galamus.

This is an easy hike offering magnificent views of the Cerdagne plateau, the Carlit massif, the Pérics, the Cambre d'Aze, the Puigmal and the Sierra Del Caddi in Spain.

Magnificent restored chapel and hike through the woods.

A pleasant, short and easy walk with little elevation gain. Moderator's warning on 18/02/2021: It seems that this hike is impossible in winter; see the comments at the bottom of the page

When the valley was unsafe, the men would retreat to the heights. The hills surrounding the Boulzane and Agly valleys are dotted with prestigious strongholds (Puylaurens, Fenouillet, Quéribus, etc.). And getting there was no easy task, as the Gorges de Saint-Jaume demonstrate.

This is the first stage of the Thués - Fillols loop, which takes you up the Carença Gorge to the refuge of the same name.

This route, which passes through Madres and Bernard Sauvage, is absolutely beautiful. The climb to Madres is on a very well-marked path. The climb up to Bernard Sauvage is easy to see and follow. The rest of the return route follows a good ridge path to La Glèbe (14). * Then, to reach (15), you will need the GPX track on the app. *

A beautiful, refreshing family hike with three stunning waterfalls, including the Cascade des Anglais as a reward.

This walk has two attractions: first, the history of the fort, and second, the beautiful scenery (mountains, foothills of the Corbières, ponds and the Mediterranean Sea).

Loop hike to reach the Montoulieu-Perillos weather radar. From the village of Perillos (abandoned village), easy hike on a stony path (emergency access) (beware, no shade) to the radar, but the descent is more difficult. You can park near the Sainte Barbe chapel (point 11) to avoid having to climb back up to the village at the end of the hike, but the village is also well worth a visit.

A magnificent little hike that is challenging but not difficult. Superb coastal landscapes, including the port of Port-Vendres, the fort, the semaphore and the Béar lighthouse.

In summer, you will be looking for coolness and a few thrills: for you, there is a stream, gorges, undergrowth and a few fun passages on footbridges and monkey bridges (return trip). You can then return via a narrow ledge, which is not recommended for young children, people with poor footwear or those prone to vertigo. (There is an alternative route via the downstream ledge, which is the most vertiginous).

A pleasant loop starting from the Angles Animal Park. A passage by the Lac d'Aude then a view of the Lac des Bouillousses. At Corrals del Lloret, a beautiful herd of cows with their calves. A few almost wild horses. Mont Llauret and Roc d'Aude at the end to see the surroundings.

A getaway to the Catalan Corbières region, where you can discover Tautavel and its interesting heritage.

At the meeting point of the African-Iberian and European tectonic plates, this interpretive trail offers many geological, natural and scenic attractions through vineyards, fir trees and heathland.

On the heights between Ansignan and Lac de Caramany, the village of Truilla clings to its granite mountain. The first inhabitants used the boulders scattered across the area to build their tombs. The trail winds through this landscape of ridges and granite chaos, connecting two of these dolmens lost in the heart of the vineyards. Recent information: fences have been installed between points 6 and 7, preventing access.

Discover the Massane Forest Nature Reserve, one of the few examples of ancient forest in France, with magnificent views of the Roussillon plain and the Côte Vermeille.

This is a beautiful half-day loop hike from the village. The climb is via the Way of the Cross to the large Croix de Joch. The return journey is via the very pretty balcony path that links Joch (Jóc) to Baillestavy (Vallestàvia). A variation towards the canal is now accessible from the wp (11). See practical information before setting out on this hike.

A pleasant circular walk starting from Casteil. The climb is steep on a rough path to the abbey and a viewpoint. The path is then flat until you reach the Saint-Benoît Chapel, which offers a magnificent view of Vernet-les-Bains. The return journey is on a paved road that descends past the Saint-Martin le Vieux Chapel.

This loop offers breathtaking views of the castle and village of Castelnou from Roc de Majorque. It was from this highest point that several destructive attacks were launched on the castle.

This is a short, easy loop that offers beautiful views.

What could be more surprising than visiting a chapel built by human hands, completely isolated on a seemingly impassable rock face, with a huge cave overlooking it, also equipped with an altar forming another chapel, this one natural and even larger than the previous one!On the way up, there is a smaller cave. Both caves are completely safe. With a torch, you can explore them more fully...From up there, you'll get a breathtaking view of the Têt Valley, the surrounding valleys and the Canigou.

This is a short loop for a family walk, but it offers a fantastic view of the Cerdagne from La Solana (with marmots as a bonus). Allow a good hour for the climb and the same for the descent.

A long loop around Cap Béar, a challenging but not difficult hike. Things to see: the coastal landscapes, the port of Port-Vendres, the fort, a walk through the vineyards and scrubland, Anse de Paulilles, Bernardi beach, the semaphore and the Béar lighthouse.

A superb getaway in the heart of Catalan heritage, punctuated by chapels, panoramic views and history.

A beautiful heritage-filled family getaway that will allow you to discover the Priory of Marcevol, listed as a Historic Monument.

In this remote corner, two hours from the nearest village, families dedicated to farming lived just a few decades ago.

A lovely loop offering 360° views and glimpses of the Capcir, Madres and Canigou peaks. Added to this are the two magnificent lakes you pass by. Part of the hike is off-trail, so you need to know how to find your way.

This is a beautiful snowshoe hike at an altitude of 2,000 metres. It can also be done in summer. The only problem is the mandatory parking area, which is lower down. The shuttle buses operating during this period may stop at this car park.

You will cross dirt tracks and a few tarmaced sections, through vineyards, heath and olive groves... which will take you to Castell de Força Réal, at an altitude of 507 m... No particular difficulty apart from the climb up the north face to the observation post. Once at the top, enjoy a picnic and discover the breathtaking view of the Canigou massif and the Têt valley... You can even see the sea on a clear day. Return via some very pleasant paths...

This is a fairly challenging route to reach the peaks of the iconic Vingrau mountain, a climber's paradise and world-famous site. After an easy approach walk to Trauc del Cavall, the rest of the hike involves a radical change of terrain that requires caution and endurance. However, the magnificent views to the east and west are well worth the effort.