Saint-Martin du Canigou Abbey loop

de fr

A pleasant circular walk starting from Casteil. The climb is steep on a rugged path up to the abbey and a viewpoint.
The path then levels out to the Chapelle Saint-Benoît, offering magnificent views of Vernet-les-Bains.
The return journey follows a tarmac road downhill, passing by the Chapel of Saint-Martin le Vieux.

Details

n°1620814
Creation:
Last update:
Last review:
  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 2.35 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 909 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 892 ft
  • ▲
    Highest point: 3,474 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2,605 ft
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Photos

pretty fountain
this abbey is magical in the mist
bell tower in the mist
surprise

Description of the walk

Park in the car park on Rue du Canigou in the village of Casteil, next to the cemetery.

(S/E) Leave the car park and follow Rue du Canigou to the first junction.

(1) Continue straight ahead, passing in front of the open Saint-Martin Church. At the next fork, take the road that climbs to the left at the tourist information office.

(2) Head towards St Martin du Canigou Abbey by taking the path that climbs to the left. Look out for the white and yellow PR®® markings. At the next fork, continue climbing to the left. The forest path climbs steeply all the way to the abbey. Be careful, the ground is slippery and uneven.
Do not take the footbridge over the Gorges de Cady.
Cross the river on your left to reach the slope leading up to the abbey.
Make sure you follow thePR®® markings, which are not always very visible. You will then discover the Abbey of Saint-Martin du Canigou. Guided tours of around one hour are available (please note: check the timetables on the website).

(3) Splendid viewpoint overlooking the abbey. Retrace your steps and head right, towards the chapel. On the way, you’ll find a shelter, water and a hot drinks machine.

(4) Arrive at Saint-Benoît Chapel. Picnic table with views of Vernet-les-Bains, Casteil and the Tour de Goa. Head back towards Saint-Martin du Canigou Abbey.

(3) Take the road leading down (Chemin de l’Abbaye). An interesting historical point regarding the history of the Chapel of Saint-Martin le Vieux, which is directly linked to the abbey. Follow the winding path to reach the Church of Saint-Martin.

(1) Turn right after passing the barrier at the bottom of the road, then continue towards the car park on the right (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 2,618 ft - Car park near the cemetery
  2. 1 : mi 0.15 - alt. 2,615 ft - Crossroads of the circular loop, near the - Cady (rivière)
  3. 2 : mi 0.43 - alt. 2,700 ft - Path on the left
  4. 3 : mi 0.91 - alt. 3,363 ft - St Martin of Canigou Abbey
  5. 4 : mi 1.22 - alt. 3,363 ft - Saint-Benoît Chapel
  6. S/E : mi 2.35 - alt. 2,621 ft - Car park near the cemetery

Notes

From Vernet-les-Bains, take the D116, the Casteil road, then the Coll de Jou road. Do not cross the Còrrec dels Esmorzadors; head towards the cemetery via Boulevard de la Cascade, then Rue du Canigou.
Water point, picnic table and hot drinks machine at the abbey.

This route passes through a protected area, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

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Reviews and comments

4.7 / 5
Based on 23 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.7 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.7 / 5
VALMON G
VALMON G

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

We started the hike at the trailhead. It's uphill, but nothing too strenuous. We came back down the road after visiting the abbey. Beautiful views and lovely weather to boot.

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Marie O
Marie O

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

I didn't see anyone else on this foggy day. The path was steep and slippery, but so much prettier than the paved road on the other side. The only downside was crossing the stream, which was quite full. Thank you to my trusty walking sticks for helping me keep my balance as I hopped from rock to rock, staying dry. Imagine my surprise and delight when I reached the top and discovered the abbey rising out of the clouds. Thank you, luck! A very beautiful walk if you do the whole loop.

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Rabourès
Rabourès

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 20, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

It's a shame that some people behave around the abbey as if they were in an amusement park

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michelmimich
michelmimich

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 06, 2023
Reliability of the description : Not used / Not applicable
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

I don't follow the descriptions in general, just the route on my phone. A little tip: to do a loop, it's best to start the hike by going up the trail and then coming down the paved road.

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Doumic
Doumic

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A pleasant climb through the woods along the trail, which allows you to discover the abbey from a different angle. Tours of the abbey are available every hour. Allow an hour to explore. Don't hesitate! Then climb up to the viewpoint to take "THE" photo before heading back down the concrete road.

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fbd38
fbd38

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 11, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

To be completed with a visit to the chapel and abbey.

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Nico de Lyon
Nico de Lyon

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 28, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk that perfectly complements a visit to the magnificent abbey.

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matoutoune
matoutoune

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 12, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Nice little hike with two young children, beautiful view! We did the route in the opposite direction, so the descent was a bit tricky for them...

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lacombe bernadette
lacombe bernadette

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 19, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A very beautiful hike. We had planned to complete it with a round trip to the Cady Gorges, but this was not possible due to the risk of rock falls.We loved visiting St Martin du Canigou Abbey and the trip to St Benoit Chapel, which was perfect for a picnic in an old marble quarry. The descent to Casteil is along a small concrete road. To round off the day, we enjoyed a refreshing trip to the waterfall trail, starting from Vernet les Bains.
Thank you

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Valérie z
Valérie z

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 04, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

A bit of a steep climb but very short in the shade. For those who want to extend their trip, be aware that the Cady Gorges are closed.

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Quirinalis
Quirinalis

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 25, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

An ideal hike for exploring the abbey. The climb is a bit challenging but not too difficult. And the big advantage is that the climb is in the shade, while the paved path is in full sun.

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Lisah26
Lisah26

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 19, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful climb through the woods accompanied by birdsong. Picnic beside the stream. A really lovely loop, a gently sloping shaded path, and a magnificent view at the end! Thank you for this route.

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fredericgermain
fredericgermain

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 24, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Very nice hike, much better than the classic route.

Be careful, though. There is a 2-metre stretch that is quite slippery and dangerous in a ravine before the second river crossing.
Wear shoes with good grip.

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Gislou
Gislou

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 08, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

reward at the top.

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VERO LA CATALANE
VERO LA CATALANE

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 10, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Nice forest trail, more interesting than the classic climb

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