The Col Benta Fride from Le Vivier via Prats-de-Sournia

From Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet, head south on the D 619 towards Ansignan. Shortly after the Pont de la Fou bridge, turn right onto the D 7 and continue to Le Vivier. Pass the town hall and first turn right then left onto the square to cross the Couloubrière on a narrow road bridge. Immediately afterwards, turn right and head up towards the church and its car park. A large car park is also available 250 m further on (oratory).

No signposts

(S/E) From the car park, head down towards the main street and turn right to climb the very steep Rue de la Coste, heading south-east. Reach an area that can be used as a car park and continue to the right for 30 m.

(1) Continue right on the main track. Pass a turn-off on the right and reach an open area at a fork in the tracks.

(2) Turn completely left, heading east, onto a track that turns south and leads to another open area.

(3) Leave the ascending track that branches off to the right towards the antenna.
Continue straight ahead on a narrower, almost flat track. Cross a valley with the track turning due east and beginning to climb very steeply.

(4) Leave the fork on the right. Continue straight ahead, climbing very steeply on this stony track.
When the slope levels off, at around 585 m, look for a trail starting on the right. I have placed a cairn there.

(5) Head south along this narrow, very steep and completely clear forest ridge path (12 December 2021). I have placed a few cairns along the way to confirm the correct route.
At elevation 789, still on the forest ridge, the path turns south-west then west and joins a track at the open area of Col de Guza (around 755 m). Leave the track on your right. The IGN map is accurate.
Pay attention. Follow the flat track to the left, southwest, leaving the first track on the right.

Yellow markings are very sparse

(6) At this junction, look for yellow markings towards elevation 756.
Continue straight ahead, heading south, along a slightly downhill track suitable for vehicles. This will take you to a small road. Leave the tarmac DFCI road that climbs to the right.

(7) Continue straight ahead, heading due east, down towards the village. Very beautiful scenery.

(8) At the entrance to Prats-de-Sournia (les Prés de Sournia), with the drinking water reservoir on your left, turn right. There is an explanatory hiking sign for Le Sentier des Cabanes.
Climb up this small road, following the red and yellow^GRP® (*) markings and the sign for the orientation table. Pass an oratory on your right and continue up the road. When the road levels out, you will see a sign on your left: orientation table.

(9) Turn left without markings to climb towards the three orientation tables and the Croix d'Al Calmeil (as inscribed on the stone base of the cross) at an altitude of 781 m. 360° panorama.

(10) Turn back after this well-deserved and enriching break.

(9) Continue left along the small road until you reach a fork. Directional signs.

Red and white markings for^{the GR®36}

(11) Continue along the road, which becomes grassy and more pleasant. Now follow the^GR®36, which replaces the GRP^®.

(12) Look out for a large, magnificent semi-underground orri on your right. Pass four hairpin bends on the small grassy road and take a track to the Col de Benta Fride in the forest.
The view is not clear. You will need to head south after the cattle grid or north and climb to the upper part at the edge of the forest.

(13) Cross the cattle grid, taking care as the gate that avoids it is blocked (12 December 2021). Continue west, enjoying the beautiful scenery in places. You will reach an open area and a gate.

(14) Go through the gate on the left to admire the landscape and perhaps take a break.
Turn around, go back through the gate, close it behind you, and continue on the^GR®36, opposite, downhill, on a wide track. You will come to a wide, badly damaged cross track; cross it.
Be careful. Look out for the red and white markings of^{the GR®36}.

(15) Turn slightly right/left and begin the steep descent into the forest.
After about 700 m, you will reach the junction with a track suitable for vehicles. Continue straight ahead. From this point onwards, the path is easier to walk on. Simply follow the red and white markings of^{the GR®36}.
Reach the entrance to the village. Stay on the same bank and continue for 300 m to the church and its car park (S/E).

(*) Markings that allowed you to reach Prats-de-Sournia during the Tour des Fenouillèdes. Unfortunately, this^GRP® is proving very difficult to implement. See the section below.

Water in the villages. Magnificent and large orri spotted at around 860 m at (12).

This is a mid-mountain area. You will need: rain gear, water, snacks, GPX route, description, map, GPS or Visorando app, camera, good hiking boots, walking stick.

Hike completed by the author on Sunday 12 December 2021.

The Agly-Fenouilledes community of communes maintains, marks and signs various hikes, which can be found at: http://www.cc-aglyfenouilledes.fr/touris...

Letter from the FFRandonnée dated 8 December 2021:
Following your message received via our website concerning the GR® de Pays Tour du Fenouillèdes, we regret to inform you that there is currently no guidebook-type publication on this route, nor is there a dedicated internet link.
This route has recently undergone a complete overhaul and its approval should be finalised in early 2022. The necessary signage and improvements (mainly signage) will only be carried out during the course of next year and, for the time being, no decision has been made regarding its future promotion.
Kind regards.

Le Vivier, its heritage
Prats-de-Sournia, local life