The Pech de Bugarach circular route from Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes

Park in the village square of Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes, heading towards the municipal campsite.

(S/E) Head north and join the Avenue du Languedoc (D117). Cross it and turn slightly right to take the D20 (GR®367A), which is known here as the Promenade des Basses, heading towards Prugnanes.

(1) Pass the church on your left and continue along the D20.

(2) Turn right and cross the bridge over the Boulzane. Continue for about 350 m.

(3) Leave the D20 and take a farm track on the left, marked with red and white GR® signs. Continue straight on through the vineyards.

(4) Enter the forest and follow the forest track for about 400 m to reach a crossroads with a signpost.

(5) Turn right, following the dual GR® red and white and PR® yellow markings. You will reach a junction.

(6) Take the Chemin du Facteur on the left, following the yellow markings. Walk up the Ravin de Missaut to the edge of the forest (alt. 775 m). Join the GR®.

(7) Continue straight ahead, north-north-west, to reach the Campeau sheepfolds 500 m further on, just after passing a small pond.

(8) Continue to follow the GR® by turning right towards the Col de Péchines and reach it: signpost at 867 m.

(9) Take the path up to the left heading north and walk for about 200 m.

(10) From here, leave the GR® and take an unmarked path to the left. Follow the south-eastern ridge of the Pech de Bugarach, a gentle, easy ridge with the precipice on your right, to the foot of the rocky escarpments.

(11) Continue along the rocky escarpments, which have sections equipped with handrails: check the cables are secure. Tackle a short rocky outcrop with grade II free climbing to reach an east-west horizontal ledge equipped with a cable. Continue over easy rock and along faint trail marks to reach the foot of a long, fairly steep earthen gully (30 m) equipped with a cable. The vertical exit is equipped with a rope of dubious quality: check its strength. Continue along trail marks (ledges) and rock faces equipped with cables to reach a small vertical wall (cable) requiring exposed grade III free climbing to clear the difficulties. Then follow the horizontal trail below the summit to reach a crossroads.

(12) Climb up to the right over the rocks to reach the summit of Pech de Bugarach: 360° panorama.

(13) Begin the descent by returning to the junction.

(12) Turn right onto the descent known as the “Voie de la fenêtre”.

(14) Cross the pass with care, continue the very tricky descent and reach a cross-country path (alt. 722 m).

(15) Turn left towards the east and follow the GR® to the Bergerie de la Couillade.

(16) Turn right heading due south onto the GR®36 and 367A, cross a vast pastoral area to reach the abandoned hamlet of Malabrac.

(17) Leave Malabrac via a path on the left heading east, which rejoins the GR®. Descend steeply to the right along a steep and rugged path, heading due south. Further down, join a track at the 362m mark and follow it down to the D9.

(18) Follow it carefully to the left until you reach the entrance to Caudiès-de-Fenouillèdes. Cross the bridge over the Bouzane and continue straight on along Avenue du Col de Saint-Louis until you reach a small shaded square, with the Town Hall on your right.

(19) Carry on straight ahead to take Rue des Augustins, which leads onto Avenue du Languedoc (D117). Cross it, head left then turn right to return to the village square and the car park (S/E).

A mountain hike requiring good physical fitness and suitable equipment: walking poles, hiking boots, appropriate clothing, maps and a compass, and a safety rope for those with a fear of heights.

South-East Ridge: routes through rocky cliffs, mostly equipped with cables, but exposed to a direct fall into the void.

Descent via the “voie de la fenêtre”, which is very steep and tricky; walking poles are essential.

No water.

Only attempt the route in very good weather with clear visibility: no wind, no rain, no cold!

It can suddenly get very cold at the summit of Bugarach and the return route is long!

The enchanting landscapes of Bugarach, the agro-pastoral landscape and the former human presence (abandoned sheepfolds and hamlets).

Exceptional flora (April–June).

Sublime views of the Pyrenees, the Pyrénées-Orientales (Força Real, the Tower of Tautavel), the Aude and even the Hérault, with the Caroux clearly visible.