La Serre de Vingrau

This is a fairly challenging route to reach the peaks of the iconic Vingrau mountain, a climber's paradise and world-famous site. After an easy approach walk to Trauc del Cavall, the rest of the hike involves a radical change of terrain that requires caution and endurance. However, the magnificent views to the east and west are well worth the effort.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 16.29 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 6h 10 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 536 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 536 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 570 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 140 m

Photos

Description of the walk

In Vingrau, once on the main street (Rue Maréchal Joffre), look for Rue de la Millère on the right (or left, depending on the direction of arrival), which leads to the small town hall square and the church. Park in the spaces along the street or in one of the adjacent streets.

(S/E) Return to Rue Maréchal Joffre, turn left and take the narrow pavement to leave the village. After the bridge over the Còrrec de la Millera, which is often dry, carefully follow the left-hand side of the main road to the first bend where you will find a signpost.

Markings: GRP® Yellow and Red + PR® Yellow

(1) Leave the road and turn left onto a path following the sign for "Trauc del Cavall". This path becomes a trail and winds around a few bends before opening onto the plateau. At a fork not shown on the map, keep left as indicated by the markings and you will soon reach a wide crossroads.

(2) Turn right onto a double track (DFCI C5 track). Stay on this track, heading north-east.

(3) Leave it to turn left onto a narrower path.

Yellow PR® markings

(4) At the crossroads, leave the GRP® which goes left and go straight ahead. The path curves widely to the right, passing a rather rusty cistern just before joining the D12. Turn left to follow it, using the hollow shoulder to avoid the tarmac and protect yourself from traffic.

(5) When you reach a signpost on the right-hand side of the road, cross carefully and take a wide path. This path continues on flat ground, passing several raised hunting posts, then turns into a much narrower trail that enters the small Conques valley.

(6) Turn right and tackle the short climb that leads to Planal de la Jaça del Moltó. Further on, join a double track and continue on the right, almost opposite. Pass the ruined sheepfold of Cortal d'en Domenge on the left, hidden in the vegetation, and join the junction with a track suitable for vehicles.

(7) Take a small path almost opposite, which soon reaches another junction that is not very visible on the ground (poor signposting at this point). Turn right and walk along a beautiful stone wall on your left. The slope becomes steeper and the path becomes narrow and slippery before leading to the access road to the imposing ruins of Mas Llençó.

(8) Turn left, walk along this farmhouse, admiring the beautiful stone lintels as you go, while lamenting the current state of what must have been a magnificent building. The path turns into a very steep trail that climbs steeply to Trauc del Cavall, a narrow rocky passage that provides access to the eastern slope of La Serre.

(9) A stop is a must to enjoy the exceptional view of the Mediterranean, the Étang de Leucate, Opoul and its castle. To the south-east, the Albères gently slope down to the sea at the Côte Vermeille.

Continue along the path, which immediately becomes more technical as it involves a series of small climbs and descents that are not particularly difficult but require the use of your hands. The terrain consists of sharp limestone pavement, steep slabs, and small scree slopes where you must be careful not to slip.

The path is quite winding but the markings are excellent, reinforced by cairns that are easier to spot. In any case, watch out for the numerous yellow crosses that discourage you from following certain tempting but much more exposed tracks.

When you reach a gap facing an impressive rock face, veer to the right to go around it.

(10) Switch to the western slope, keeping to the path, which is now much clearer on the ground but quite exposed. Follow the rocky ridge on the left, cross a small ledge and return to the ridge. Continue to the cairn that marks the crossroads at the mouth of the Correc des Collets valley.

(11) Turn left towards a huge cairn on the ridge (do not take the valley path). Continue to the right and reach the highest point of La Serre (576 metres), where an old rusty pylon lies on the ground, a desolate sight for this place which offers a magnificent view in all directions: Canigou, Mont Tauch, the great peaks of Ariège, the Albères and the sea.

(12) Past this point, the path continues over sharp limestone pavements and scree, and the trail becomes difficult to follow: it is best to follow the cairns rather than the yellow markings, even though they are clearly visible. In any case, make sure you keep heading south, staying away from the cliffs on the right and without straying too far to the left either. Join the D9 at Pas de l'Échelle.

(13) Cross the road carefully and take the path opposite, which follows on from a small concrete area. This path becomes stony for a few dozen metres, then returns to earth and gravel before leading to a small tarmac road at an electricity substation. Continue straight on until you reach the junction with the D9 at the entrance to Vingrau.

(14) Cross carefully and follow Rue Courteline opposite. Pass the Chapel of Nostra Senyora des Bon Consell on your right, then the cemetery on your left, and at the junction just after, keep right towards the church.

At the bend, leave the street and turn left onto a narrow paved slanting street (green barrier at the start). Pass the steps leading to the church, then make a short first turn right then left to reach a small square with a solitary plane tree. Continue straight ahead to the village's main street.

Cross over and turn right onto the extremely narrow pavement until you reach Rue de la Millère. Turn left to return to the church and the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 143 m - Rue de la Millère in Vingrau
  2. 1 : km 0.58 - alt. 156 m - Directional signpost, on the left
  3. 2 : km 1.87 - alt. 270 m - DFCI junction, on the right
  4. 3 : km 3.51 - alt. 283 m - Fork to the left
  5. 4 : km 4.28 - alt. 295 m - Leave the GRP®, continue straight ahead
  6. 5 : km 5.26 - alt. 293 m - Directional signpost, road crossing
  7. 6 : km 7.04 - alt. 276 m - Crossing the track
  8. 7 : km 9.05 - alt. 316 m - Mas Llençò
  9. 8 : km 9.22 - alt. 329 m - Trauc del Cavall
  10. 9 : km 9.74 - alt. 403 m - Outlet of the Corrèc des Small Pass valley
  11. 10 : km 10.43 - alt. 528 m - Switch to the western slope of La Serre
  12. 11 : km 11.35 - alt. 549 m - Crossroads, on the left
  13. 12 : km 12.29 - alt. 570 m - Summit of La Serre, viewpoint
  14. 13 : km 14.32 - alt. 253 m - D9, Pas de l'Échelle
  15. 14 : km 15.56 - alt. 161 m - D9, entrance to Vingrau
  16. S/E : km 16.29 - alt. 143 m - Rue de la Millère in Vingrau

Notes

Signposting
The signposting is very good throughout this hike, except just after (6), where it comes after the fork and not before. Between (8) and (13), due to the nature of the terrain, it is sometimes difficult to follow, but the numerous cairns compensate for this problem if you remain attentive.

Difficulty
The hike is rated as moderate. However, you will need to remain vigilant between (8) and (13). The route then runs over rocky and stony terrain that can be slippery. Several passages where you will need to use your hands when going uphill and downhill require caution, particularly on sloping slabs.
N.B. This hike should not be attempted in strong winds, rain or poor visibility.

High-top hiking boots are strongly recommended for the reasons mentioned above.
Walking poles will be useful during the approach to the (8, but it is advisable to put them away in your rucksack after this pass to finish the hike.

Vingrau: on the way back, it is easy to get lost in the old village. If you lose the markings, don't panic, just head south to find the main street via one of the many narrow streets.

Alternative
Just after the bridge over the Còrrec de la Millera, at the 30 km/h speed limit sign, turn right onto the small tarmac road. At the fork that appears shortly afterwards, take either the right or left branch, as both meet at elevation 296. After about 250 metres, turn right to reach the ruins of Mas Llença (8). Then follow the route described above.
The distance will be reduced to 11.85km, but you will not have the necessary perspective to truly appreciate the cliffs of La Serre.

Worth a visit

The section between (8) and (13) offers magnificent panoramic views to the east and west. I particularly recommend visiting at times of year when the Pyrenees are covered in snow.

Vingrau and its surroundings

Tautavel

 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

4.7 / 5
Based on 20 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.5 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
Joanne68
Joanne68

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Magnificent hike. I hesitated to do it in reverse, starting with the steep sections and finishing with the flat part. But once I reached the ridge, I really appreciated having done it in the direction indicated. Along the ridge, there are some tricky sections, as indicated in the description, and doing the hike in the right direction allows you to use your hands on the way up and not on the way down (which is safer). It's very windy up there when you pass through the "passes", but you're fairly sheltered most of the time. The tricky sections are very well explained in the description.
The view is magnificent, the walk is a real change of scenery, and I didn't meet anyone else. A hike not to be missed!

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BURLAS
BURLAS

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 29, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hike completed in beautiful weather. The approach to Trou du Cavall is relatively easy, but after that, the route becomes more challenging and requires caution. Obviously not recommended in bad weather (wind and rain). However, the views are magnificent.

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Frocky
Frocky

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 19, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Superb hike. The climb is very gradual, without much difficulty. And once at the top, the landscape is breathtaking. Truly magnificent. Indeed, to progress at the top, it is better to avoid using walking sticks as you often need to use both hands.
I hesitated to do this hike after reading the comments because I'm a bit prone to vertigo, but I must admit that I was more concerned about not getting lost than worrying about the altitude. Not that it's poorly marked, but if you miss a mark, you can quickly panic because there are rocks everywhere and some passages are tricky.
My mistake was to focus too much on the markings when it's better to look for the cairns: you can see them from further away and once you've figured out which direction to go, you can progress wherever you want. In any case, the GPS signal is good and those using the app will have no problems.
Take your time, watch where you put your feet, and you'll be fine.
Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful hikes in the area! Thanks to the authors

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Baroz
Baroz

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : May 27, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

As described, only one section is poorly marked, but the Visorando GPS makes it easy to find the trail.

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(ath
(ath

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 07, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike with breathtaking scenery.
The approach is easy, long, but interesting because you can see the big cliffs you're going to climb. Then it's quite technical but without any major difficulties.
Avoid at all costs in strong winds, humidity, fog or if you are afraid of heights.

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bergpaden
bergpaden

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 27, 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 route with magnificent panoramic views.

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fxdb67
fxdb67

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 21, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★☆☆ Average
Very busy route : No

The hike is very well described. However, some of the higher sections are really difficult and should be avoided if you suffer from vertigo or in strong winds or rain.

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Jean.Taverne
Jean.Taverne

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 29, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike, very well described and varied, with a long approach walk offering views of the cliffs and a mountain atmosphere for the section on the heights... thank you to the author.

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Mick88
Mick88

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 10, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : Not used / Not applicable
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very beautiful hike with magnificent scenery. Indeed, from point 9 onwards, the difficulties begin. There are a few tricky sections.

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Rolag
Rolag

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 12, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant, uncrowded hike, starting gently followed by a more technical section without any difficulties.
Great view at the top of the greenhouse, gentle descent to the village of Vingraud, worth visiting to discover the local wines.
We had a wonderful time under blue skies and mild temperatures.

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legoff.jeancharles
legoff.jeancharles

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Dec 31, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Lovely walk in winter. The ridge is really pleasant.

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mp33
mp33

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 01, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

superb hike, beautiful scenery.
i did it using the GPX track: no problems (done clockwise).
the second part of the hike on the cliff path is superb.

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Youri_31
Youri_31

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 29, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

17.8 on my GPS. We set off at around 6.30am. It was a peaceful walk, punctuated by the sounds of wild boars running through the heath. The sun rose just before we reached the ridges, the technical part where you have to climb a little or reinvent yourself as a mountain goat. It's not difficult, but you need good balance and good shoes, and preferably no strong wind!
I recommend it because it's very well marked (thanks to all those who work on it) and offers magnificent 360° views. Although it's at a low altitude, it's a guaranteed change of scenery, making you want to take lots of photos and stroll around. A real treat!

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jjv11
jjv11
• Edited:

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 09, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Hello
A very beautiful hike, which requires a minimum of stamina. After passing "Trauc des cavall" at point "9" on the map, the hike becomes more challenging... but without any major difficulties.
Despite very good signposting, we accidentally followed the path through the valley at point "11" on the map. It wasn't too bad either. So, we'll do it again in the spring, but this time we'll avoid the wind, which spoils the fun a little.
Thank you

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Izarduse
Izarduse

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 01, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

The elevation gain was slightly underestimated.
A very beautiful hike, with the last third being much more technical and challenging, but very enjoyable. Just take your time.

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