From Err to Núria via the Col des Finestrelles

Head to Err, 66800 Pyrénées-Orientales. Park in the square at 1, Camí de Núria.

The route is signposted with trail markers.

(S) Take the Camí de Núria. Leave the village and head straight up the track. A little further up, cross a log bridge and carry on.

(1) Turn left and begin the switchback ascent towards the Camí de Núria refuge

(2) At the refuge, continue the ascent.

(3) You’ll reach a junction; there’s a^{PR®® sign} on the left leading back down to Err via the Col del Forn. Take the path on the right and continue the ascent, which is quite steep, particularly in the wooded section. You’ll reach a first, then a second, flat section. Use the trail markers to find your way. After a final short climb, you’ll reach the Col de Ségalère (Coll de Segalera).

(4) The Col des Finestrelles is clearly visible to the south-east. At this point, you have already climbed 900 m of the 1,200 m elevation gain involved in the hike. Take the path on the right towards Nuria (signposted), which crosses the woods. Continue out of the woods into the valley.

(5) You’ll reach the source of the Sègre. Top up your water supplies (on 20 August 2023, despite the drought, the water was still flowing abundantly). Continue towards the pass visible ahead. Pass a cave and reach the Col de Finestrelles at an altitude of 2,604 metres.Magnificent view of the sanctuary of Nuria below.

(6. Descend, following the GR® T73 markings, which are very well signposted.

(7) Cross the River Finestrelles via a small bridge (which you have already crossed twice further upstream). Take the opportunity to take off your shoes and dip your feet in the water.

(E) You’ll arrive at the foot of the cable car that goes up to the Xanascat inn. Please note: you must buy tickets at the Sanctuary of Nuria; they are valid for two days.

(5) Water source: the headwaters of the Sègre.

We spent a day in Nuria before heading back. A magnificent and peaceful spot, a hiker’s paradise.