From Port-Vendres to Le Racou

Take the coastal path to discover the remains of numerous port defence batteries.

⚠️ Check whether the coastal path linking Argelès-sur-Mer to Cerbère is open or closed here before starting this hike.

Details

30282134
Creation:
Last update:
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 10.23 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3h 35 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 218 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 214 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 61 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: -1 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Departure from the "Les Quais" bus stop in Port-Vendres (S). Arrival at the "Port d'Argeles" bus stop (E). Bus line from Perpignan to Banyuls-sur-Mer, (€1 in February 2023).

(S) Walk along Quai Pierre Forgas to the road intersection.

(1) Leave the road that goes up to the obelisk. Turn right, walk along the quay and continue along Quai de l'Artillerie, along Rue Arago. Walk to the fish market and turn left onto Rue Mijaville for a few metres.

(2) Turn right onto Rue de la Miranda and walk until you see the yellowPR®® sign for the Sentier du Littoral coastal path to Collioure. Follow the coast to Anse de la Mauresque. At the top of the path, turn right to the Batterie de la Mauresque.

(3) When you reach the battery at Cap Gros, continue following the yellow markings.

(4) Turn left up the path, which leads to the road next to the IME, and continue along the road.

(5) When you reach the supermarket, take the road on the right for 100 metres.

(6) Leave the road and take the path on the right. Arrive at the Résidence Les Roches Bleues and continue to follow the yellow markings to the car park along the coastal road (D114).

(7) Follow the pavement to the steps leading down to the seafront at Balette Beach.

(8) Walk along the seafront to the intersection where there are toilets and turn right. Walk along the seafront to a wooden footbridge at the foot of the Château Royal de Collioure and cross it to the right.

(9) Walk to the Church of Notre-Dame des Anges and take the small alleyway directly opposite.

(10) Continue uphill to the entrance gate to the car park: Military grounds. Then walk along the pavement to the Stadium Car Park, which gives access to the coastal path on the right.
At the end of this car park, follow the yellow markings of the coastal path to the small Racou car park.

(11) Continue straight ahead to the Argelès marina and the bus stop (E).

Waypoints

  1. S : km 0 - alt. 2 m - Bus stop "Les Quais"
  2. 1 : km 0.35 - alt. 1 m - Quay
  3. 2 : km 0.96 - alt. 8 m - Crossroads
  4. 3 : km 1.76 - alt. 15 m - Battery
  5. 4 : km 2.14 - alt. 41 m - Intersection
  6. 5 : km 2.63 - alt. 25 m - Shop
  7. 6 : km 2.78 - alt. 19 m - Path on the right
  8. 7 : km 3.32 - alt. 20 m - Car park
  9. 8 : km 4.23 - alt. 14 m - Staircase
  10. 9 : km 5.01 - alt. -1 m - Footbridge. Port du Boramar
  11. 10 : km 5.24 - alt. 4 m - Saint-Vincent Beach - Eglise Notre-Dame des Anges et son clocher
  12. 11 : km 8.7 - alt. 4 m - Racou car park
  13. E : km 10.23 - alt. 2 m - Port of Argelès

Notes

Water and toilet facilities in Port-Vendres (S), with your back to the harbour, up the wide stone steps, in Collioure, before walking alongside the castle on your left, and in Port Argelès (E).

Worth a visit

Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 4 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.5 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.8 / 5
Route interest
4.5 / 5
Jean Paul Rance
Jean Paul Rance

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 22, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Coastal path with superb views of the Mediterranean Sea and its cliffs.
A hike that I recommend.
No particular difficulty.

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Granpa
Granpa

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 10, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

The area above Port Vendres remains very wild around the forts of La Mauresque and Cap Gros, offering a real change of scenery.
There are some beautiful views along the coast, particularly when passing through the Les Roches Bleues housing estate.
The road to Collioure is less enjoyable, as is the urban section.
The classic Collioure-Le Racou section is really nice, but very busy in all seasons.

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feroxyder
feroxyder

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 19, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

Even by the sea, it is the snow-capped Canigó that catches the eye and leaves the best memories.

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Camino9166
Camino9166

Thank you for your comment.

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lescentspieds
lescentspieds

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 04, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful walk for couples, with numerous views of the coast. It is impossible to get lost.

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