Refuge des Cortalets - Casteil

(S) Depart behind the refuge chalet (on the Mediterranean side) via the^GR®10-^GR®36, which passes below the refuge's generator. Head north, following the red and white markings, without trying to cut across the switchbacks of this pretty path. Do not take the alternative route (Balcon du Canigou).
Join a track. Turn right then left, following this track which descends due north. Arrive at Ras des Cortalets (2,055 m).

(1) Crossroads of tracks and paths. Leave the red and white markings. Turn left, heading due west, following a track in poorer condition. The track heads south-west, continuing to descend.

(2) Fork in the road. Turn right onto a wide grassy path that is very well marked on the ground. This path is blocked at the entrance by two steel posts. An enamel sign indicates the direction of the Jasse, which can be seen below. This pretty path avoids the need to descend via the track.
Reach the Refuge de la Jasse des Cortalets (1,930 m). Continue descending along the track heading due north. Ignore the paths branching off to the right towards Balatg. Continue along the track, which then heads north-west. You will come to a hairpin bend to the right. Col des Voltes (1,838 m)

(3) Crossroads of tracks and paths. Head straight ahead along a path that descends north-west. An enamel sign indicates the direction of Vernet-les-Bains.
Please note that from this point onwards, you will descend 770 m over 2250 m, representing a gradient of 33%.
Descend at your own pace, according to your abilities. The path is very well marked and free of obstacles.
The path descends steeply but steadily, without steps or hazards.
Descend into this valley where the Fillols stream flows below.
Imagine the work involved in creating such a path in such a steep and enclosed valley.
You will arrive in an open area with a rocky peak (La Mort de l'Homme, 1,249 m) on your right. Continue descending. You will reach a track (1,070 m).
Turn left onto this track, which descends to a hairpin bend to the right after 200 m.

(4) Fork in the road. Cisterns. Leave the track; a sign points you in the direction of Vernet-les-Bains. Go around the brown-painted cisterns and take a path that remains flat for a short while. It then descends towards the Ruisseau de Fillols stream. Follow the stream along the right bank and cross it.
Be careful, there is no footbridge. Choose an accessible area.
The steep descent is now over.
The path climbs very steeply opposite on the other bank and passes on the left bank. You will arrive at an altitude of 990 m.

(5) Fork in the road. Take care at this point. Go right. Leave the climb to Pic de Cogoullo on your left. After 15 m, the path turns left towards the south.
Just after this turn, there is another fork. Go straight ahead. Leave the direction of Fillols on your right. Follow Vernet-les-Bains, Col de Juell.

(6) 700 m further on, there is a fork in the road. Continue straight ahead. Leave the path to Fillols on your right. You will arrive at Col de Juell (899 m), indicated as 895 m on the green sign.

(7) Crossroads of tracks and paths. Continue straight ahead towards Vernet-les-Bains. Leave the climb to Pic de Cogoullo on your left. Leave the climb to Col de la Truja on your right. Join a track. Pass an old building, Saint Jean (796 m), in very good condition, on your left. The track becomes passable by vehicle.

(8) Crossroads of tracks and paths. Head downhill along the tarmac road. Pass a grassy track on your left that leads to a farmhouse and a path indicating the climb to Canigou with a 2150 m elevation gain. Join a larger road (D 27).

(9) Crossroads. Turn left onto the D 27, keeping to the left on the wide grassy verge. Cross a bridge over the canalised stream. Arrive at the entrance to Vernet-les-Bains. Go around the cemetery.

(10) Fork in the road. Just after the cemetery car park, turn left and follow the signs for Cascade de Saint Vincent. Go up the road, following the signs for Cascade de Saint Vincent. You will arrive at the car park at the end of this section of tarmac road. Yellow and white markings will help you. Continue climbing along a wide track, following the signs for the Saint-Vincent waterfall. Ignore any adjacent tracks and paths during the climb. Pass the altitude of 801 m. End of markings.

(11) Fork in the road. Take the wide path on the right that climbs uphill, following the signs for Col de Llavent. Leave the signs for the Saint Vincent waterfall on your left.
Caution: After 200 m, there is a fork. Take the right fork. There is no sign for Col de Llavent on the signs.
Continue climbing along a narrow path, which is very well marked on the ground. You will arrive at an open area where there are stone retaining walls from terraces and the ruins of a very old barn. Pass the old Rabent Canal. You will arrive at Col de Llavent (858 m).

(12). Continue straight ahead towards Casteil (added in felt-tip pen on the sign). Leave the climb to Saint-Martin du Canigou on your left and the climb to Pic de l'Alzina on your right.
Descend a very steep path towards Ravin de la Guilla. Cross this ravine.
Follow the .gpx route carefully. The IGN route is incorrect.
Caution! This section is safe but very steep. A handrail may help you. Follow the right bank of the Dels Asmoursadous stream. The slope becomes gentler.
Walk along a wooden fence on your right. You will come out onto a road at the entrance to the campsite. Continue down this road for 100 metres. Turn right towards the car park to return to your vehicles (E).

This route is part of a three-day hike.
However, it is possible to do this hike by being transported to the Refuge des Cortalets in 4x4s, which are provided as taxis. This means that it is possible to reach Vernet-les-Bains on the same evening.

This is a medium to high mountain area. So, as you would expect, you will need: rain gear, water, snacks, route map, description, map, GPS, camera, good walking shoes, and possibly a walking stick. Additional equipment is described in the summary of the three days.

Vernet les Bains
Tourist Office
Refuge des Cortalets