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From Perpignan, take the dual carriageway to Ille-sur-Têt. Then take the two-way road to Prades.
At thethird roundabout in Prades, turn right towards Cattlar, Molitg and Mosset on the D619, then the D14. Take great care when crossing Mosset, then continue towards the Col de Jau on the D14.
There are few yellow road signs.
New directional signs have been installed pointing towards Le Madres/Callau.
(S/E) From the car park, cross the road towards the open wooden shelter and head south. Follow the semi-paved track for 3 km to the old refuge. After the old car park on the left, you can cut two bends in the track via a good existing path.
Pass a cattle grid next to a steel fence.
(1) Leave the abandoned Callau Refuge on your left. At the fork just after the refuge, take the right-hand track uphill.
Look for two huts in perfect condition on your left, below you. You will need to leave the track very quickly.
(2) Turn right along the fence, climbing steeply. Return to the track and turn right.
Pay attention to the directional signs to follow a well-marked path that cuts across the bends in the track (altitude 1603).
(3) Turn right off the track. Then cross the track twice. Look out for and follow the yellow markings and the correct path. The route is accurate but does not entirely match the IGN map.
(4) Pass through an area with numerous small streams. Follow the yellow markings as indicated on the route.
(5) Keep to the far right and cross the Castellane ford. Continue climbing up the left bank.
The view opens up. The valley and peaks appear.
(6) Ford the Castellane to cross to the right bank for 300 m. Ford the Castellane again and climb up to the right, heading due west towards a sort of pass 30 m above. There are some cairns here and you will arrive at a flat area with a superb view.
(7) At Grand Orri de la Balmeta, a magnificent landscape opens up before you with the Salt del Bourro peak (2,344 m) in the background. The yellow markings disappear, but the direction is clear.
Then descend a few metres. Cross a few streams in this beautiful grazing area and continue south-west/west.
(8) Ford at La Castellane. Flat area at the foot of Salt del Bourro (2,210 m), continue opposite.
Be careful to stay above the Castellane on the right bank. Leave Salt del Bourro on your left.
In the distance, on the right, you can see the Pic del Bernat Salvatge.
The slope becomes much steeper. Aim for the bottom of the valley, following the well-marked path.
After the Castellane spring, at around 2,280 m, the path levels out a little and turns south into the Combe du Madres. The shrill cries of marmots accompany you on the climb.
After this steep section, at around 2,400 m, the slope levels out and you can see the summit ahead of you to the south.
End of the markings
(9) At El Madres (Pic de Madrès), enjoy the 360° panoramic view. In the distance, to the south-west, you can see Lac de Matemale.
To the east, following the ridge, the Rod Nègre is clearly visible. Due north is the Bernard Sauvage.
This vast summit is the perfect place for a well-deserved break. The summit hut was in ruins in July 2019.
Head west on theGRP® Tour du Capcir for a few metres, then turn north and descend to about 2,390 metres. Climb a short distance towards a group of large flat stones and continue northeast to the summit, where a large cairn stands.
(10) At Pic del Bernat Salvatge (Pic du Bernard Sauvage), there is a 360° panoramic view.
You will now need to descend north-east, heading for a metal gate and following the ridge line (¹) with the drop on your right. There is no danger. The path is well marked on the ground. Follow the remains of the old fence on your right. Numerous cairns help you to progress.
(11) It is also possible to follow the fence on your right. The area was clear on 25 June 2020.
- Otherwise, find a recent fence on your right (¹). Follow it for about 50 metres and turn right through a passageway created by insulated handles in the fence.
Now move away from the fence on your left.
Head south-east down a grassy area. Be careful: the path is not very clear.
Follow a valley that turns north-east, keeping a good distance from the forest on your right.
(12) In a flat area where salt stones were placed for livestock, locate and follow a well-marked path on the left that climbs slightly for a few metres to the northeast.
Caution: ignore the valley you have been following on your right.
(13) You will come to a recent fence on your left. This will serve as a landmark for a long time, as it is located on the ridge line (¹) that you need to follow.
(14) At La Glèbe, look for a group of rocks with naturally standing stones on your left.
You will come out of the forest into a beautiful grazing area.
Caution: quickly cross the fence so that it is on your right before re-entering the forest.
The north-east route is not easy from this point onwards for 200 m. (²)
Look for a fairly well-marked path that heads east at first.
Nature has reclaimed the area and the forest is growing back. The pastures have been abandoned.
The route continues along a path that is partially hidden by overgrown rhododendrons. The path then becomes more clearly marked and there are some very old yellow markers and old red and green markings. You will arrive at an old , open pasture (at around 1,750 m).
(15) Leave the fence and the ridge line behind you. Turn right at a right angle into the forest.
Be sure to locate a tree on your right with old paint marks. The path to follow, which is very well marked on the ground, becomes obvious as soon as you enter the forest.
Caution: do not end up at the fence, otherwise turn back and look for the path in the forest.
The path descends steeply into the forest. It is impossible to go wrong.
(16) Turn right into a grassy, damp area and continue for about 20 metres. You will soon come to a good path, which must have been an old forest track.
This will take you to the semi-paved track you took on the way there.
"If in doubt at this point, the track opposite also leads to the main track below, in a right-hand bend."
(17) Turn left onto this track towards the Col de Jau (S/E).
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