The Pla de Brézou

Very nice circuit that will take you over grazing areas that are still used.
The last part of the circuit overhangs the gorges of Galamus.

Technical sheet

63225
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.21 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 25 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Return to departure point: Yes
  • ↗
    Vertical gain: + 575 m
  • ↘
    Vertical drop: - 572 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 688 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 316 m

Photos

Description of the walk

From Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet that the road to the Galamus gorges 3.5 km away (by car).
The start of the hike is at a car park to the left, in front of the other car park for the Ermitage. Fairly large car park, provided for coaches. The hike may well start from the car park of the the Ermitage, but in this case a little more of the route must be taken on foot.

(S) From this car park, head down to the road for 750 m due west. Follow the Red and White GR36 markings.

(1) In the hollow of a right turn (340 m), a sign indicates to the right: Cathar trail and Peyrepertuse to the left. The sign for Pla Brézou was added. Turn left and follow the trail that climbs north-east for 100 m. Follow the Red and White markings

(2) Turn left passing a track on your right. Follow the Red and White markings. Pass by the Del Four stream__ often dry (340 m). Keep climbing this steep path (north-east and east).

(3) Arrival at Col de Corbass (419 m) that we do not pass through. Head off to the left (west then north-west). Continue to climb in hairpin bends.

(4) At 495 m the path passes the stream again. At around 520 m the path climbs to the east.

(5) At about 630 m the road opens into a vast clearing. Arrival at the Pla de Brézou (660 m).

(6) Turn right. Continue in the direction of Château de Peyrepertuse. The path goes down due south towards the Col de Lapres (601 m). It crosses two streams which are often dry.

(7) Before the Col de Lapres, a water point and a pool are located right at the fork.
Turn fully left, due south-west. Follow the track in the direction of Cubiéres. This track winds then heads due west, above the trough. Follow for approximately 2.8 km.

(8) Head straight ahead, pass the trail that heads off to the right towards the thalweg.

(9) Warning. At 650 m in a hairpin bend. Do not take the right turn, in the direction of Camps-sur-l'Agly. The trail descends and into the forest. Continue to the left and along the well-marked trail. A less-used track can be found to the left here.

(10) Arrival at a level plain (615 m). From this open area, go left in the direction of St Paul, Pic d’Auroux.
After 1,000 m, pass by a trail that climbs to the left. Then, after 600 m, at a big curve, pass by a path down to the right.

(11) Arriving at the Col das Souls (685 m). Continue on this path in the hollow of the valley. Do not take the path that descends steeply to the right to the road.

(12) Reach a fork. Head to the right, due south. (Leave the left path that leads to the Pla de Brézou). Follow this wonderful stone path leading down. A magnificent view of the Galamus Gorge awaits you. Continue to head downwards. At around 503 m the path heads off to the east. This reconnects with the road and back to the car park

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 380 m - Car park on the left, before the Hermitage car park
  2. 1 : km 0.14 - alt. 371 m - Left towards the GR
  3. 2 : km 0.64 - alt. 410 m - Cairn and signpost. Steep path
  4. 3 : km 1 - alt. 325 m - Left on the GR36 - Maury (rivière) - Affluent de l'Agly
  5. 4 : km 1.97 - alt. 407 m - To the left - Col de Corbasse
  6. 5 : km 2.8 - alt. 497 m - Crossing the stream
  7. 6 : km 3.72 - alt. 638 m - All rights
  8. 7 : km 4.4 - alt. 660 m - Bifurcation
  9. 8 : km 5.11 - alt. 578 m - Water trough. Left towards Cubiéres
  10. 9 : km 5.32 - alt. 570 m - All Rights
  11. 10 : km 6.56 - alt. 652 m - All right not to go down
  12. 11 : km 8.2 - alt. 618 m - Fork in the road. Turn left
  13. 12 : km 9.25 - alt. 658 m - Fork, go right
  14. 13 : km 9.83 - alt. 608 m - GR 367. On the left as you go up
  15. 14 : km 10.75 - alt. 670 m - Straight on GR - Col das Souls
  16. 15 : km 11.28 - alt. 633 m - Junction. Right, due south
  17. S/E : km 13.21 - alt. 380 m - Car park on the left, before the Hermitage car park

Practical information

Warning: pay attention to the remaining markings in different colours, the indications, the signs of different shapes, the places indicated and the spellings of these places.
Allow at least 2 litres of water, good hillwalking shoes, a camera, a walking stick can be useful on the descent. No drinking water refill point. No shelter to my knowledge.
Do not forget this description and a map, windproof clothing and rain gear, plus warm clothes.

In the nearby area

Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet website:
http://www.st-paul66.com
Address for “Accueil Paysan” accommodation:
http://www.labastide.net
Near the car park by car and entering the gorge you can see: Hermitage of Saint Anthony of Galamus.
Getting to the accommodation mentioned above allows, therefore, to cross the Gorges (by car).

 Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4.6 / 5
Based on 36 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.6 / 5
Clarity of route map
4.6 / 5
Route interest
4.4 / 5
gyp
gyp

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : May 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

interesting route, as described, with very nice views at the end of the route

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Famille NEE
Famille NEE

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 18, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

A very pretty walk with magnificent scenery. A real pleasure

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Doumic
Doumic

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Feb 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

A pleasant trail that was easy to follow. Much of the track was very muddy but not impassable.
We really enjoyed the balcony section above the Gorges de Galamus.

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Gazoulette
Gazoulette
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 07, 2023
Reliability of the description : N/A
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

I did this walk in excellent weather conditions. I usually go via the Pech d'Auroux, but this was a new trail for me. It was nice, but "long", quite muddy in places, and rather shady. It wasn't difficult to find your way around; we didn't see anyone along the way.

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lemarcheur65
lemarcheur65 ★
• Last modified:

Hello PhilEma

You write :

Regarding the so-called overhang of the Gorges de Galamus, you'll have to explain to me how that's possible, given that the gorges are at least 2 km away!

From (1) to (S/E) you are above the gorges on your right. But I didn't write that they were visible. I wrote :
The last part of the route allows you to overlook the Gorges de Galamus.

You wrote:

Departure from the Las Ribes parking area, the GPS track is not at all reliable, so it's best to follow the signs.

Having been there quite often, I can confirm that the track is accurate.
Visorando does not use the signposting in its descriptions, as this can change.
Even the GR, GRP and GRT (official) routes can change for various reasons.

As for the coach park (cistern) before the hermitage, I don't know its name.

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PhilEma
PhilEma
• Last modified:

Overall rating : 3.7 / 5

Date of walk : Aug 30, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★☆☆ Average
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Departure from the Las Ribes parking area. The GPS track is not at all reliable, so it's best to follow the signs! As for the so-called overhang of the Gorges de Galamus, you'll have to explain to me how that's possible, given that the gorges are at least 2 km away! Very nice walk with no particular difficulties and some very beautiful viewpoints !!!

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Adrien31
Adrien31

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 08, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

Nice walk, not too difficult.
The Pla de Brézou is the only place to eat and is very pleasant.

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Mick88
Mick88

Overall rating : 4.5 / 5

Date of walk : May 27, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : N/A
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Busy trail : No

Beautiful hike. Great variety of landscapes. Very good description. Beautiful views.

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georgesrando66
georgesrando66

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of walk : May 07, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★☆☆ Average
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : Yes

A beautiful hike, but the GPS track is not very reliable on the outward journey (up to the pla), so it's better to use the map, which meant we were a bit late, as we started the walk based on the famous track, and we had to stop everything and continue "the old-fashioned way". I think it would be a good idea to point out the presence of a cairn at point 13 and to warn you about the difficulty of the descent that follows: a rather steep slope and a veritable carpet of unstable stones - poles required and good quality high boots! Apart from these comments, the walk is superb, with flowers everywhere, and the pla de Brézou itself is magnificent.

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Pascal BERGER
Pascal BERGER

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Mar 19, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

We made a mistake at the Pla de Brezou and took the alternative route via the Pech d'Auroux, which we're glad we did. The climb was steeper than the forest track, but what a reward when we reached the top. We had an excellent day.

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Lioraw
Lioraw

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : May 20, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Busy trail : No

It's a lovely ride with magnificent scenery. The first 3 kilometres are very steep.
We opted for the grand tour. After the spring, the path is pleasant, wide and easy to walk on for 3/4 km.
However, we didn't find point 10 of the description very clear.
On the road you will see a sign indicating a very rapid descent towards Galamus, which indicates that you should go down to the right.
If you wish to follow the normal route, you should continue straight on and not take this path on the right (which we did by mistake).
The path down is very, very steep and very stony, a real strengthening exercise for the ankles... Then you come to the road to the Gorges and it takes a little longer to get back to the car park, as we've done 14km in all.
Don't forget to take plenty of water, as it's hard on a sunny day.

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tortue888
tortue888

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of walk : Nov 04, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good

Lovely walk, we did the alternative route via Pech d'Auroux, it was perfect, beautiful scenery, magnificent views.
At the beginning, to avoid going down by the road, it is now indicated in the 1st bend 100 m from the car park
"Take the 1st track on the left, which climbs a little, then descends and rejoins the GR at point 2.

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lemah
lemah

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : Oct 11, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

Superb hike, great variety of scenery. I did this walk solo, in very foggy weather, but that didn't spoil my enjoyment. I was able to see lots of birds. The crossing points are perfectly well explained. Thanks to Lemarcheur65!

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ELISA30
ELISA30

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of walk : May 08, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

beautiful views
pleasant walk

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randonnee2019
randonnee2019

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of walk : May 19, 2019
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good

very nice hike

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