La Torre de Querroig from the Cerbère border post

It is at Cerbère that the Pyrenees plunge into the sea. Magnificent views of the Côte Vermeille and the Pyrenees mountain range, with Mont Canigou as a backdrop. Although this hike is of moderate difficulty, it requires good footwear and, in certain sections, you may need to use your hands.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 7.18 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 50 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,795 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,801 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 2,369 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 650 ft

Description of the walk

Drive through Cerbère and head towards Spain. Park in the car park at the hairpin bend just before the old border post. 

(S/E) Take the track opposite, on the other side of the road (yellow markings).

(1) Keep left at the three-way junction and follow the track as it climbs gently.

(2) Pass the path leading to Coll dels Frares on your left and continue in the same direction until the next junction.

(3) Turn left and head up towards Coll de la Farella. 

(4) Take the hairpin bend to the left at the sign for the tower, and head for Coll de la Farella. Then turn right and follow the ridge along the border. When you reach a Canadian gate, go through it and take the path opposite. The slope becomes steeper as you approach the castle ruins, with some sections requiring you to use your hands; feel free to take breaks to admire the magnificent scenery. Onceat the summit, take the path to the right after the information board about the castle to reach Torre Querroig: take care on a section where you are on the mountainside.

(5) From Torre de Queroig, you can admire the landscape from Cap Béar with its lighthouse all the way to Cap de Creus in Spain. On the other side, the Pyrenees mountain range with Mont Canigou and the Albères massif,
Head back down due north on a very stony path, following the yellow markings. Pass through Coll de les Portes and reach Coll del Llipoter. 

(7) Continue along the ridge path to Coll de Cerbère.

(7) Take the track to the right at the hairpin bend and return to the junction at Coll de la Farella. 

(4) Stay on the track and retrace your steps along the outbound route to return to the car park. 

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 682 ft - Car park - Col ou Coll dels Belitre (165m)
  2. 1 : mi 0.12 - alt. 669 ft - Three-way junction, to the left
  3. 2 : mi 0.6 - alt. 932 ft - Coll dels Frares junction
  4. 3 : mi 1.42 - alt. 981 ft - Crossroads, turn left
  5. 4 : mi 1.75 - alt. 1,152 ft - Crossing the circular loop
  6. 5 : mi 2.72 - alt. 2,356 ft - Castell i Torre de Querroig
  7. 6 : mi 3.2 - alt. 1,821 ft - Llipoter Pass
  8. 7 : mi 3.81 - alt. 1,549 ft - Col de Cerbère ou Coll de Cervera (410 m)
  9. S/E : mi 7.18 - alt. 653 ft - Car park - Coll dels Belitres

Notes

If you are setting off alone, inform a friend or family member of your route and estimated duration.

Walking boots, walking poles, GPS, a map of the route, first-aid kit.

Bring plenty of water and snacks (dried fruit, cereal bars, etc.)

Depending on the season: hat, gloves, warm clothing, cap, sunglasses, sun cream.

No water sources; do not go in strong winds or during very hot weather. Wear good shoes suitable for very stony trails

Worth a visit

Stroll through the streets of the coastal towns and take a detour to Cap Béar and Anse de Paulilles.

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 3 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
User 21251728

A very pleasant hike, with magnificent views all along the way – of the sea, the vineyards and the mountains, on both the French and Spanish sides – offering a 360° panorama.
Between points 4 and 5, it gets steep, and you need to use your hands to hold on to the rocks a bit. The descent is on the other side of the Torre, which is much more peaceful. We did the walk in April and only came across two or three people. The weather was perfect, but there really isn’t any shade (something to bear in mind if you’re doing it in summer).
Our watch recorded 12.86 km and 650 metres of elevation gain at the end.

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User 23717298

Hike completed on 27 April 2026, glorious weather, splendid panoramic views on both the French and Spanish sides. The hike is rated as moderately difficult... In my opinion, I’d say it’s actually quite difficult!!! Especially as you approach the summit.

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User 21251728

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Apr 20, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike, with magnificent views all along the way – of the sea, the vineyards and the mountains, on both the French and Spanish sides – offering a 360° panorama.
Between points 4 and 5, it gets steep, and you need to use your hands to hold on to the rocks a bit. The descent is on the other side of the Torre, which is much more peaceful. We did the walk in April and only came across two or three people. The weather was perfect, but there really isn’t any shade (something to bear in mind if you’re doing it in summer).
Our watch recorded 12.86 km and 650 metres of elevation gain at the end.

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Emilie66
Emilie66

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 09, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very pleasant hike with absolutely magnificent views. The climb to the tower is a bit steep 😅, so take it at your own pace! The ridge crossing is not dangerous, but you need to be wearing suitable footwear.

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Doumic
Doumic

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 30, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

This is a very pleasant route to do in winter as there is no shade. On the way up, there are three border markers to look for and a dolmen right on the path. The view from the top of the tower is splendid, with a 360° panorama. Make sure you choose a day when there is no fog!

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