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Park in the car park at the end of Boulevard Saint-Martin du Canigou.
(S/E) From the car park, head east on Rue du Canigou and, at Saint-Martin Church, turn left onto Rue Carsalade du Pont. Join the road and follow it to the right until you reach a crossroads with a hiking sign.
(1) Turn right and stay on the road until you reach the "Domaine de Saint-Martin" campsite.
(2) Take the small path that runs to the right of the campsite entrance. Further on, climb steeply (handrails are available) and you will come to an intersection.
(3) Turn left towards the Col de Llevant. After a short straight stretch through the forest, there are some steep climbs before you reach the Col de Llevant.
(4) Before continuing, I suggest a short detour to the north-west to visit Pic de l'Alzina. There is a superb view of Vernet-les-Bains, Tres Estelles and Tour de Goa.
(5) Return to Col de Llevant.
(4) Head south-east towards the abbey. This section is very difficult with endless steep climbs leading to an orri (an old summer pasture).
(6) The climbs follow one after another and then reach the tricky part of the route, namely the handrails. Be extremely careful on this section. Use the handrails to help you on a downhill section followed by two other almost straight sections before a final downhill section. Continue the descent and reach a crossroads.
(7) Continue the descent towards the abbey. Stay alert on this downhill section with steep parts (walking sticks recommended) which leads to Saint-Martin du Canigou Abbey in less than a kilometre.
(8) Walk a few metres to the viewpoint to enjoy the view of the abbey, then head towards the Saint-Benoit Chapel, which offers a superb view of the Cady Valley.
(9) Return to the abbey.
(8) Head down towards Casteil along the small road. Further on, join Rue du Canigou and turn left to return to the car park and finish this beautiful heritage walk (S/E).
Visorando member
Moderate 
Easy 
