Albanyà walks

A magnificent hike in the Catalan hinterland, an hour from Rosas. The path is poorly marked, but it's a fairly easy and very enjoyable hike. The gorges and river are superb. Enjoy!

A circular route around the village of Montagut, where the first foothills of the Alta Garrotxa already offer some examples of Romanesque architecture. From the centre of Montagut, climb up to the church of Sant Eudald de Jou and then on to the oratory of Planselloses. You then descend towards the Pont del Llierca (where you can swim), passing under the Puig de l'Espigoler and Puig Sacreu, before returning to Montagut along the river.

A fairly challenging hike with a magnificent route along the border ridge.The walk starts from the southernmost village in France.The climb along the GRT83 (¹) towards the Col de Malrems on the border is very pleasant.Passes by the Capelle Santa Cristina.A good sense of direction is absolutely essential (rated as difficult). The route on the Visorando app or on a GPS is very useful. See the ‘Practical Information’ section.

A lovely walk up through the forest to the Ermitage de Notre Dame du Coral followed by lunch at the Auberge and the same walk back down to Lamanère.

This commemorative walk follows the route taken by Spanish refugees in 1939 after the fall of Barcelona. You will pass through Pla de la Coma, where there is a commemorative plaque recalling the tragic events of that period. This walk is suitable for everyone and can be done in either direction.

This hike is an opportunity to enjoy a picnic on a wooden bench while looking out over the Muga valley, from its source to its estuary in the Bay of Roses. Best done on a clear day to enjoy the view.

Here is another classic hike starting from Lamanère: the three towers of Cabrenç. These signal towers, built in the 10th century, were used to warn of Saracen invasions from the sea. Magnificent views guaranteed.

This hike, which follows theGR®83, takes you from the southernmost village in France to a small, typically Spanish village that has been fully restored, via the Col de Malrems.

First, following the description, there is the Tower (signal tower), the Keep (garrison), then the Castle.Magnificent landscapes along the path connecting these buildings.- Do not underestimate this long hike. The GPX track will be a great help on this route with its many crossroads and junctions. The descent from the castle is very tricky.- There are many places and viewpoints from which to admire the landscape.- Short version options * in Practical Information.Classified as difficult because of the route between the tower, the keep, the castle and the descent from it.- The five fords ** may be problematic after heavy rain (observed on 15 June 2023).

An easier way to climb this pleasant summit in Vallespir is from Arles-sur-Tech. (!) Access to the start of the hike is impossible by car: the road has been closed since 9 November 2024. Situation unchanged on 9 November 2025.

A beautiful getaway in the Haut Vallespir, starting from the village of Le Tech, which will take you to the magnificent panorama of the Conjurador de Serralongue. To reach the starting point, enter the village of Le Tech, then turn immediately left to cross the Tech river via a concrete ford and finally park in the car park next to the tennis court.

A very beautiful circular with a variety of trails. An exceptional view from the rock over Roussillon, the Canigou massif and Spain. The hike is particularly technical with many difficult passages. You must pay close attention to the trail. Access to the peak itself is reserved for experienced hikers: there is a 5-metre descent that is extremely difficult to navigate without a rope. With these warnings in mind, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in Vallespir.Visorando app recommended.

This is a very difficult hike due to the steep incline on certain sections.Passage through Collada Sant Marti, Roc de la Sentinella, and Coll de la Dona Morta.A good sense of direction and the GPX track are essential. But your efforts will be rewarded by the magnificent scenery.NOTE: the final ascent of Roc Salvador is reserved for experienced hikers who are not prone to vertigo.Shortcut possible from Coll Cerdà ⁴. The climb to Roc can be avoided ².

A circular hike in Vallespir starting from the mountain village of Montferrer (830m), built on a rocky outcrop known as "lo Cingle", which offers stunning views from the foot of the feudal castle over the Roussillon plain to the sea.Beautiful landscapes can be seen throughout this hike.

A pleasant, bucolic walk in the Haut Vallespir in Montferrer to explore the ruins of Montferrer Castle (el Castell Mollet).

This walk takes about an hour and a half to two hours including time to explore the castle. The way up is fairly steep but should be fine for people who are moderately fit.

A challenging hike, given the distance in relation to the elevation gain. This climb is also known as ‘the vertical kilometre’. Because it’s a 1km climb over 4.8km. However, when done in the direction described, the climb is more gradual. Accessible by public transport; see practical information.

Another way to climb La Souque (La Soca).Pass through Castell de Mollet, then climb the steep path to the summit, marked by a flagpole flying the Catalan flag, with a 360° view. On the way back, pass by the Brigader shelter and fountain (which has been dry for a long time).This circular double hike takes place on beautiful paths, recalibrated tracks and old small tracks.The beautiful landscapes, occasional wildlife and cows (in summer) are a reward in themselves.There are beautiful spots that are perfect for restorative breaks. Allow at least 6 hours for the hike.The hike is classified as moderate, but beware of the steep slope of the (11) at the summit (13).

Magnificent restored chapel and hike through the woods.

Third day of this crossing of the Albères.This is the greenest part of the route as it is mainly through forest.You will pass by the highest point of Roc de France (Roca de Frausa) with a magnificent panorama over a large part of the Eastern Pyrenees and Canigou (Canigó).

This route will take you to the heart of Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, capital of the Haut Vallespir and largest commune in the Pyrénées Orientales, with a magnificent finale in the underground passages of Fort Lagarde, a Vauban fortification listed as a historic monument.

A variation on my previously published hike. It allows you to start higher up, passing by the Font del Brigader and the Coll de l’Estanyol. From the Sant Guillem Refuge: a return route via the semi-underground sheepfold, which is nearly sixty metres long. Beautiful scenery all along the way and lovely spots for breaks. A warm welcome at the refuge. ⚠️ Warning: observed on 3 September 2026 => The track from Coll de la Rua (S/E) to the Atri del Brigarder (2) has not been cleared. Following several storms, a large number of fir trees are completely blocking the track as soon as it enters the forest. => This circular route cannot be completed until further notice.

This two-day hike, with an overnight stay at the Sant Guillem refuge, allows for shorter variations each day depending on the weather or individual needs. This hike is fully signposted: unfortunately, the paths are not maintained and the signposting needs to be refreshed in many places (as observed in early July 2025).

Thisfirst stage, almost entirely in the forest, is therefore possible in summer, if you set off early. A challenging hike with 1,275 metres of elevation gain on marked trails that are rarely used, requiring a good sense of direction and the GPX track.There are some beautiful spots to stop and enjoy the scenery. The highest point (altitude 1,830 m) at Puig dels Sarraïns is a perfect place to stop for lunch, for example.

An original way to climb the Tour de Mir via a well-markedPR®® trail (March 2020). The return journey is via the beautifulGRP®® Tour du Vallespir trail, which is also very well marked (March 2020).The Tour de Mir, which is accessible, offers a 360° panorama. Good signposting and good paths allow for smooth progress.

A very beautiful hike, mostly through woodland, but with plenty of variety. The trails are fully marked and very beautiful.

This is a fairly strenuous hike up to Coll d'Ares.Pass via the La Retireda path, theGRP®® Ronde du Canigó and theGRP®® Tour du Vallespir.This hike is classified as difficult due to its length, elevation gain and the need for good orientation skills.The entire hike is marked and there are no difficult sections. See practical information (¹).Accessible by public transport, see practical information (²).

A fairly challenging hike with magnificent scenery.Three things to see: the Mir Tower, where you can climb up to enjoy a 360° view of the landscape; the bear trap; and Puig Sec, from where you can see a large part of the Eastern Pyrenees.The climb to the tower is not particularly difficult.The return journey requires more attention in terms of orientation and the sparse markings of different colours.Accessible by public transport, see practical information.

Loop around the Sant-Guillem Chapel offering beautiful views of the Vallespir.Caution: the Torrent de la Coumelade cannot be crossed during snowmelt or after heavy storms.

First day of: Two days exploring the Sant Guillem Refuge, including the ascent to the Sant Guillem Refuge.Do not underestimate this day. The estimated time is accurate.From the La Llau hikers’ car park, head up to the Coll de la Rua.Continue along a narrow grassy track to the shelter and the Font del Brigadier.Then climb up a very steep path to La Soca.Then head for the Coll de l’Estanyol.Further on, begin a lovely descent to the Sant Guillem Refuge.Vast landscapes on this first day of your exploratory hike. ⚠️ Warning: observed on 3 September 2026 => The track from Coll de la Rua (3) to the Abri del Brigader (4) has not been cleared. Following a series of storms, a large number of fir trees are completely blocking the track as soon as you enter the forest. => This section cannot be completed until further notice. This section from (3) can be adapted by using one of my walks: The Sant-Guillem Refuge via Coll de Rua – Cortal d’Allosat from La Llau

A hike in the Haut Vallespir along a small road, forest tracks and a PR® trail.The route takes in beautiful pastures, a sheepfold, the Sant Guillem mountain hut and chapel, and an arboretum.See the section ‘During the hike or nearby’.This hike is the shorter version of my hike ‘The St-Guillem refuge via the Coll de Rua and the Estanyol from La Llau’

From La Llau, the ascent via the Coll de la Roua, the Haut Vallespir State Forest, La Fontaine and the Abri del Brigader is steady. After that, the climb is steep until you reach the Pla de Rodes and the Coll de l’Estanyol, where there are still large areas of active pastureland. Finally, the last climb from the Coll de l’Estanyol is magnificent. This is followed by the descent to the Sant-Guillem refuge and chapel, nestled in a beautiful pasture. ⚠️ Warning: observed on 3 September 2026 => The track from the Coll de la Rua (3) to the Abri del Brigader (6) has not been cleared. Following a series of storms, a large number of fir trees are completely blocking the track as soon as it enters the forest. => This circular route cannot be completed until further notice.

Second day of: Two days of discovery at the Sant Guillem Refuge, from the Sant Guillem Refuge.Between (8) and (12), a GPX track is strongly recommended or a very good sense of direction, despite the signposting and cairns being in very good condition. Observed at the end of July 2023.Coll de Serre Vernet via a magnificent balcony path in very good condition. The same applies to Puig dels Sarraïns.Return to the refuge via a beautiful path, then pleasant tracks through the woods.After a break at the refuge, return to the car park at La Llau via the usual route.

Thissecond stage, almost entirely in the forest, is therefore possible in summer, setting off early.Discovery hike along marked paths, little or not used, requiring a sense of direction and the GPX track. Beautiful places to stop and enjoy the scenery.