La Bastide walks

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.

This is a beautiful round-trip hike that can be done in summer as it takes place mostly in the woods and on the northern slope for the most part. The trail markings, which were recently redone (PR® Yellow), make it easy to follow the path from Taulis to the Col de Formentera. The Tour de Batère, at the end of the hike, crowns the outing with beautiful 360° views.

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 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.

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).

Magnificent restored chapel and hike through the woods.

The hike is mainly on beautiful trails, mostly wooded and dotted with various information panels. There are many beautiful landscapes. Unfortunately, two chapels are closed along the route (20 April 2023), but there is an old well and an information panel explaining how the forest landscape is maintained through traditional pastoral farming.This hike is called the Iron Trail, used by the Romans to transport iron from the Batère mines. It passes through the pretty hamlet of Els Hostalets.This hike can be done by mountain bike.

This walk takes about an hour and a half to two hours including time to explore the castle. The way up is fairly steep but should be fine for people who are moderately fit.

Second day of: Two days of discovery at the Sant Guillem Refuge, from the Sant Guillem Refuge.Between (8) and (12), a GPX track is strongly recommended or a very good sense of direction, despite the signposting and cairns being in very good condition. Observed at the end of July 2023.Coll de Serre Vernet via a magnificent balcony path in very good condition. The same applies to Puig dels Sarraïns.Return to the refuge via a beautiful path, then pleasant tracks through the woods.After a break at the refuge, return to the car park at La Llau via the usual route.

Thissecond stage, almost entirely in the forest, is therefore possible in summer, setting off early.Discovery hike along marked paths, little or not used, requiring a sense of direction and the GPX track. Beautiful places to stop and enjoy the scenery.

First day of discovery: Two days of discovery at the Sant Guillem Refuge, with the climb to the Sant Guillem Refuge.Do not underestimate this day. The time indicated is accurate.From the La Llau hikers' car park, climb up to the Coll de la Rua.Continue along a small grassy track to the shelter and the Font del Brigadier.Then climb up a very steep path to La Soca.Next, head to Coll de l'Estanyol.Further on, begin a beautiful descent to the Sant Guillem refuge.Vast landscapes await you on this first day of your discovery hike.

Second stage of the: Loop from the Refuge des Conques to the Refuge de Mariailles Mountain hike with a permanent view of Pla Guillem at Porteilla des Avets Classified as difficult: open terrain, paths sometimes with old or no markings, steep slopes in places. See practical information. Allow 6 hours of sustained walking.

This two-day hike, with an overnight stay at the Refuge de Mariailles, allows for shorter variations each day depending on the weather or individual needs. This hike is not fully signposted. However, the suggested variations allow you to stay on the marked trails. Two days in the mountains, from one refuge to another. It is possible to start from the Mariailles Refuge, but add 2 hours from the Coll de Jou to climb up to it.

This two-day hike, with an overnight stay at the Sant Guillem refuge, allows for shorter variations each day depending on the weather or individual needs. This hike is fully signposted: unfortunately, the paths are not maintained and the signposting needs to be refreshed in many places (as observed in early July 2025).

Thisfirst stage, almost entirely in the forest, is therefore possible in summer, if you set off early. A challenging hike with 1,275 metres of elevation gain on marked trails that are rarely used, requiring a good sense of direction and the GPX track.There are some beautiful spots to stop and enjoy the scenery. The highest point (altitude 1,830 m) at Puig dels Sarraïns is a perfect place to stop for lunch, for example.

From Perpignan, head towards Le Boulou, Céret, Amèlies-les-Bains, Prats de Mollo via the D115. Then head towards La Preste via the D115a. Then turn right towards Parcigoule. Continue to the end of the tarmac road and park as soon as possible after the farm, without obstructing the passage. See practical information (¹).A sense of direction is necessary. The signposting is good in thefirst part.Plan for a simple return trip after heavy rain. See the practical information section (²).

Most of the walk is out in the open, with some very beautiful scenery. First, a steep climb to Puig de Collada Verda (marker 2403) and a geodesic marker. This is followed by a route along the ridge and a passage to Collada del Vents. Then watch out for the rocky Cingle dels Pelegrins, where there is no fence or protection. Keep away from them by following the path marked on the ground. A large cairn marks the end of the ridge. A return trip to Pla Guillem (signpost) allows you to enjoy the scenery. Classified as difficult due to the length and number of ascents and descents throughout the hike and a dangerous zone (15) at (17).