Col d'Ares walks

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.

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.

First stage of the: Loop from the Refuge des Conques to the Refuge de Mariailles Mountain hike with beautiful scenery, particularly from Coll de Bise to Collada de la Roqueta. Classified as difficult: exposed, steep slopes in places. See practical information. Allow 6 hours of sustained walking.

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

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.

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.

This stage is the first part of a two-day circular around the Canigou Massif. This first stage takes you around the peak to the west, from the Mariailles Refuge to the Cortalets Refuge, via the Bonne Aigue Refuge. It's a good warm-up before the next day's climb.

The fourth stage features the ascent of Canigou as its highlight.Please take note of the following warnings regarding this route:''Info 2023: The route linking the Pic du Canigó and passing via the chimney is no longer signposted. The Conflent Canigó Tourist Office is unable to provide information on its accessibility. It is strongly advised to follow the Barbet ridges (PR®®8) or the GR®10 if you are coming from the Mariailles refuge to reach the Cortalets refuge.Furthermore, please note: as the ascent of the peak constitutes high-mountain hiking, it is important to be prepared, well-informed and properly equipped.”See also this link

Sixth stage of the 8-day clockwise Tour du Canigou.A fairly long, undulating stage.The path is mostly on a ridge.The day ends with a difficult climb from the Bonne Aigue refuge. ⚠️ Renovation work at the Cortalets Refuge in 2026, 2027 and 2028. The Cortalets Refuge is closed for renovation work.

Second stage of the: Loop from the Refuge des Conques to the Refuge de Mariailles Mountain hike with a permanent view of Pla Guillem at Porteilla des Avets Classified as difficult: open terrain, paths sometimes with old or no markings, steep slopes in places. See practical information. Allow 6 hours of sustained walking.