Finestret walks

In the first part of the hike from Finestret to Pic des Maurous, the climb from the point (1) is quite demanding. The steep slope throughout this section requires a good level of fitness. It offers beautiful views of the north and east of the area, from the Madres Massif to the sea, passing through the plain and its villages, the Fenouillèdes and the Corbières in the distance. The GPX track can be very useful.

A beautiful half-day circular hike from this village.The climb is via the Way of the Cross to the large Croix de Joch.The return journey is via the very pretty balcony path that connects Joch (Jóc) to Baillestavy (Vallestàvia).A variant towards the canal is now accessible from wp (11).See practical information before setting out on this hike.

A beautiful excursion in the Terres du Bas Conflent region, allowing you to discover four of its villages: Vinça, Finestret, Joch and Rigarda.

A little-visited but very pleasant area, in winter or early spring when the Canigou is covered in snow. The trail is mostly signposted and very well marked.

A beautiful heritage-filled family getaway that will allow you to discover the Priory of Marcevol, listed as a Historic Monument.

A lovely walk through the woods, very pleasant in autumn with its many colours. At the pass, there is a view of Canigou.

This two-day hike, with an overnight stay at the Refuge des Cortalets, allows for one or more variations each day, depending on the weather or your needs. The hike is fully signposted. The suggested variations remain on signposted paths or tracks with no risk of getting lost. In addition, on thefirst day (upon arrival) or thesecond day (before descending),you can climb the Pic del Canigó (round trip from the refuge). Access is described at the beginning of the description for the first stage.

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.

This is a hike that can be done even in winter and in the sunshine. We are in a region with a privileged climate. This easy circular hike of just over 8 km takes you through fragrant and colourful scrubland vegetation with the majestic Canigou massif as a backdrop.

This is a short, easy loop that offers beautiful views.

With Rodès Castle and the Guillera Gorges to start the hike, the diversity of the next section offers spectacular heath and rock landscapes in the midst of a unique mineral environment. It feels like wandering through a world of giants who have placed rounded blocks of rock, forming piles of monumental boulders scattered among the broom and rockroses that dot the area.

Beautiful circular with views of Canigou and the valley. Don't miss the Saint-Jacques Chapel.

If there is one peak to climb in Catalonia, it is Canigou (the Catalan Olympus). Rising to 2,784.66 metres, it offers exceptional views from the summit, where there is an orientation table.

The proposed hike takes you up to the ridge, where you can enjoy a superb panorama.Serrabona Abbey, on the route described, is well worth a visit. This site is in perfect condition and is currently being refurbished.An additional variation to this hike can be added, starting from Serrabone. *The hike will be moderately difficult (good sense of direction required) and will take an additional 1.5 hours.Please note: Observation on 14 January 2024: after (6), the track has been widened, the pastures cleared and wood cut. The original path is very difficult to follow: the markings and posts have disappeared! The GPX track is very useful from this point onwards.

A very beautiful hike, the difficulty lies in its length. Passage through the chimney is visible as the yellow markings have been erased - path closed (not recommended). See practical information below.

First stage of this two-day route around Pic du Canigou.

This loop takes you to the Refuge des Cortalets (manned) at the foot of Canigou, passing by the Abri du Pinatell on the way there and the Refuge de Prat-Cabrera on the way back. This less frequented route is longer but gentler. The magnificent landscapes along the way are full of charm. The return, which is steeper, offers fewer views of the Canigou massif. We really enjoyed this version. From the Refuge des Cortalets, you can make a round trip to the summit of Canigou.

A short walk around Montalba-le-Château to enjoy the diversity of the landscapes.

A lovely circular of two hours starting from Montalba-le-Château and passing through Puig Pedrous.

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).

A beautiful hike in the open air with the aim of climbing Santa Anna dels Quatre Termes. First, a climb to Coll Palomeres, then a very beautiful ridge path to reach Creu del Turon (crossroads on the hill). Then a steep climb to reach the ruins of the chapel located on the cadastral boundary of four municipalities (hence its name). The return via the Chemin Rural from Creu d'en Turon is very interesting. Marked path on private property: please respect the areas you pass through and close gates and fences behind you.

This day is devoted to the ascent of Pic du Canigou from the Refuge des Cortalets, and the descent via the chimney to the Refuge Arago, then to Mariailles, the starting point of the hike.

A very beautiful hike with views of the eastern slope of the Canigou Massif and a visit to the Pinosa mining site (a listed historic monument) which bears witness to the work and living conditions of miners in the 19th and 20th centuries. A beautiful 360° panorama at the summit of Pic de l'Estelle over the Corbières to the north, the sea and the Albères to the east, Spain to the south and the slopes of Canigou to the west. The Batère Tower on the descent from the peak is reminiscent of the system of signal towers erected in the Middle Ages, which formed a communication network: at night using fires and during the day using smoke.

A superb heritage trail starting from Coll Palomeres, plunging into the heart of the industrial golden age of the Pyrénées-Orientales. The route passes through ancient mining ruins, evidence of a rich past, before reaching the imposing Tour de Batère, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Hike to discover this low mountain range that was once exploited by humans. Numerous terraces bear witness to this past. Vines were cultivated here. Mechanisation marked the end of the exploitation of these wild and difficult-to-access areas. Yellow markings are virtually non-existent, and recent directional posts have been installed (observed at the end of January 2024). They are not really relevant. A GPX track is necessary on this route with its many paths.

A beautiful, refreshing family hike with three stunning waterfalls, including the Cascade des Anglais as a reward.

A very pretty hike that takes you to this beautiful restored tower and its stunning views. No particular difficulties. The GPX track may be useful, particularly from (S/E) to (6).

First stage of the Three Days on Canigou. This climb to the Mariailles Refuge allows you to discover a magnificent water supply channel.

A very classic walk to Saint-Martin du Canigou Abbey, an easy route, but very popular. The route is shaded and very pleasant. It is suitable for vehicles and pushchairs. The abbey is nestled in a beautiful setting and is well worth a visit.

A pleasant circular walk starting from Casteil. The climb is steep on a rough path to the abbey and a viewpoint. The path is then flat until you reach the Saint-Benoît Chapel, which offers a magnificent view of Vernet-les-Bains. The return journey is on a paved road that descends past the Saint-Martin le Vieux Chapel.

An exceptional hike around Saint-Martin du Canigou Abbey, a true jewel of the cultural and religious heritage of the Pyrénées-Orientales. Don't be fooled by the short distance of the route: there is a significant elevation gain and the slopes are sometimes very steep. Caution is advised for those prone to vertigo, as one section requires the use of handrails installed for the safety of hikers.