Gîte de la Carença walks

A beautiful hike between Spain and France from Plat d'Hospitalet to the Mariailles Refuge at the foot of Canigou. The route is varied with splendid views when crossing the mountain passes.

Stage1 of this Mantet-Carança circular walk. From valley to valley, with a wide variety of landscapes and panoramic views. Suitable only for experienced walkers. However, this stage can be split: spend the night at the Ulldeter mountain hut.

Day three between Mantet and Mariailles.

First stage of the Capcir route. Village in the valley and at higher altitudes, high plateaus, a major centre for solar energy, finishing in a peaceful setting.

This section of the Chemin Vauban links Sauto and Formiguères, passing through La Llagonne, the Col de la Quillane, Lake Matemale and the village of Matemale. The route, which is generally easy and accessible to all, alternates between balcony paths, woodland trails and sections along the shores of Lake Matemale, offering beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and providing an opportunity to explore the Tour de Creu.Please note that the route passes through the La Quillane ski resort, which means it is impassable whilst the resort is open for the winter season. The final section between Lake Matemale and Formiguères, which mainly follows a forest track, offers little shade and should therefore be avoided in very hot weather.

This section of the Chemin Vauban links Mont-Louis to La Llagonne via an easy and pleasant route. After skirting the ramparts of the fortified town of Mont-Louis, the route crosses the River Têt before reaching the village of La Llagonne. One-way walk: leave a car at La Llagonne (car park near the post office) to return to Mont-Louis.

A climb on the Train Jaune from Fontpédrouse to La Cabanasse, followed by a beautiful, tree-lined descent along the River Têt.A lovely walk, partly through the forest; this is a different route from La Cabanasse to Planès suggested by PO Express, with the chance to find a few porcini mushrooms depending on the season, and to pass under the Gisclard Bridge, a true engineering marvel for its time.

This section of the Chemin Vauban links Olette to Sauto via a route that is much better signposted than the previous one. The route remains, however, long and challenging, with some steep ascents and descents, but in return offers sumptuous and varied scenery. In particular, it takes you through the villages of Canaveilles and Llar, before gaining altitude towards the Serre de Clavera, then beginning the final descent towards Sauto.⚠️ Warning: the route runs alongside and crosses a military firing range between (10) and (11). Before setting out on this route, it is essential to check the days and times of firing exercises to ensure that passage is permitted.

First half-day stage to climb up to the Mariailles Refuge. Parking is mandatory at Coll de Jou. A lovely climb via theGR®10andGR®36with stunning views of the sheer drops and cliffs of the Gorge de Cady. The comfortable refuge is situated in a large open space with beautiful views.

The final stage of the Capcir route. This stage follows the Train Jaune route.