Col de Formentera (1133 m) walks

Second stage of the clockwise Tour du Canigou in 8 days.A fairly long hike that starts with a descent.This route follows old paths connecting pastures and valleys.

First day of discovery: Two days of discovery at the Sant Guillem Refuge, with the climb to the Sant Guillem Refuge.Do not underestimate this day. The time indicated is accurate.From the La Llau hikers' car park, climb up to the Coll de la Rua.Continue along a small grassy track to the shelter and the Font del Brigadier.Then climb up a very steep path to La Soca.Next, head to Coll de l'Estanyol.Further on, begin a beautiful descent to the Sant Guillem refuge.Vast landscapes await you on this first day of your discovery hike.

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.

Variation of a mountain stage that is part of theGR®®36.This way of connecting the two refuges allows you to avoid the crowds. The path from the Cabane de Moura to Coll del Cavall Mort is quite challenging.Read practical information in case of bad weather.

Second stage of the Mas Malet loop to the Refuge des Cortalets. Return (descent) to Mas Malet via little-used paths, marked with directional posts (as of July 2025). Allow around 5 hours for the walk. The GPX track may prove very useful in places.Please note: classified as difficult, with a descent of over 1,500 m, but sheltered from the heat and offering beautiful views and refuges. The only drawback is undoubtedly the climb back up to follow the beautiful Chemin des Muletiers from La Mouline (15). There is an alternative route that avoids this by descending via the track. Another more radical alternative is to descend only via the track from (9) to (E).

First stage of the Mas Malet loop to the Refuge des Cortalets. Ascent to Les Cortalets via little-used paths, marked with directional posts and in very good condition (as of July 2025). This is an alternative route through the forest, sheltered from the heat and, above all, with a steady climb and beautiful views. The only drawback is the access at the start via a very rough track that has been resurfaced (as of July 2025) up to Coll del Forn. After that, driving slowly, you can reach the car park without any problems. Obviously, a car with low ground clearance is likely to scrape.

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.

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.

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).