Joch walks

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 pleasant walk that gets a little challenging towards the end. This section will allow you to discover three villages in Bas Conflent: Espira-de-Conflent, Estoher and Finistret.

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

Glorianes is a small village in the Conflent region, tucked away in the mountains, and the road ends here. This fairly strenuous hike will take us to a summer pasture, with the Canigou range, Vinca and its lake as a backdrop; Glorianes is known for its old gold mines.

A pleasant route above Rodès, with stunning views of the Canigou massif and the Vinça Dam. Places to see: the ruins of Sant Feliu de les Cases, the old Devesa de Rodès quarry, where a jazz festival is held in summer. Tracks, paths and dirt tracks. Some sections are a bit rough, but the route is not difficult. Moderator’s note: on some sections, the paths have disappeared; see the reviews for this hike for alternative routes

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.

We are between the former kingdoms of Aragon and France, a superb circular hike of just over 17 km that will take you to two abandoned villages and up to Puig Pedros and its border marker. A region that is always sunny, with a splendid view of Mont Canigou through the fragrant maquis vegetation.

Puig Pedrós is a classic hike in Rodès. We wanted to climb it via a path that is no longer used. It runs around the Vallagra Ravine. As it was poorly marked, if at all, we reopened the middle section of the path, before and after crossing the Còrrec de Vallagra, on the right and left banks (lots of brambles and Mediterranean vegetation). We crossed the stream (elevation 319) using tree trunks deposited by the recent floods. This part of the route is a bit adventurous and is intended for adventurers. The rest of the circular route is uneventful.The GPX track is highly recommended.

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

This hike in the north-western sector of Rodès mainly follows little-used paths. This circular route sometimes requires walking on poorly marked paths overgrown with vegetation (trousers recommended), and sometimes on well-marked paths or tracks (but as little as possible, as we prefer the paths). The "common thread" of the day is the almost constant view of Canigou. Some parts are not easy to walk, so they are reserved for walkers who are not afraid to "wear out their shoes". Visorando app recommended.

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.

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

This two-day hike, with an overnight stay at the Refuge des Cortalets, allows for one or more alternative routes each day, depending on the weather or your needs. The route is fully signposted. The suggested alternatives stay on the signposted paths or tracks, so there is no risk of getting lost. In addition, on thefirst day (upon arrival) or thesecond day (before descending): the ascent of Pic del Canigó (a round trip from the refuge). Access details are provided at the start of the description for the first stage. ⚠️ Works at the Cortalets refuge in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Renovation of the Cortalets refuge; the Cortalets refuge is closed for works.

First stage of the circular route from Mas Malet to the Refuge des Cortalets. Ascent to Les Cortalets via little-used paths, marked with directional posts that are present and in very good condition (as of July 2025). This is an alternative route through the forest, sheltered from the intense heat, and above all featuring a steady climb with beautiful views. The only drawback is the access to the start via a recently resurfaced track suitable for vehicles (as of July 2025) up to Coll del Forn. After that, driving carefully, you’ll reach the car park without any trouble. It’s clear that a very low-slung car risks scraping the ground. ⚠️ Works at the Cortalets refuge in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Renovation of the Cortalets refuge; Cortalets refuge closed for works