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Park in the car park of the former Leucate cooperative winery at 1 Avenue Francis Vals.
The tourist information point on the square provides maps and brochures on walks in the area. The Sentier du Pêcheur is "theoretically" marked in blue.
(S/E) With your back to the tourist information centre, cross the car park and take Rue de la Vigne until you reach Rue de l'Aire. Follow this road to the right for 50 metres.
(1) Take the stony, dirt track on the left which climbs towards the calvary with the ruins of Leucate Castle on your left, proudly defended by Franceze de Cezelli in 1590. To visit the castle ruins, turn left, otherwise continue straight ahead along a small path through the heath. Ignore a path on the left towards the castle, then another on the right. At the T-junction, turn right and then left after 50 metres to reach a tarmac road.
(2) Take this road on the right and you will see the Étang de Leucate between stone walls and olive trees, with the majestic Canigou in the background. Go through a tunnel under the motorway. The path is marked in yellow.
Continue down the road towards the lake, which turns into a dirt track.
(3) At the fork, 100 m further on, take the dirt track on the left, which is closed to all vehicles. Cross a pine forest, moving away from the lake. The path climbs up the hill. Ignore a path on the right and continue straight ahead. At the start of the descent, turn right at a 180° angle towards the pond. (There is a circular dry stone wall and a beautiful view of the oyster beds of Leucate, Port Leucate and, in the distance, the Albères mountains).
At the crossroads, turn left twice to climb up towards some low stone walls. Leave a small path on your right and turn right onto the stone path towards the old fishing port of Leucate-La Caramoun, which you can see through the wild olive trees.
(4) At the edge of the pond, turn left to follow the bank. Follow the dry muddy path until you reach three wooden posts and turn right. Follow the road to the right. (On the left is a property with an original gate made from cart wheels). Cross the car park of the old port, which still has a few old fishing boats, until you reach the tip of the cape. Go around the cape. (Information panel on the Salses-Leucate lagoon complex, slabs from the old fishermen's huts, panoramic view of the lake).
(5) Head back up towards the car park until you reach a wooden barrier. Turn right and continue for 400 m along the edge of the lake, ignoring the paths on the left. (On the shore, you will see sea lavender, a salt-tolerant shrub that can be eaten in salads or preserved in vinegar).
Turn right onto the stone path that leads to the Grotte des Fées (Fairy Cave). (This cave was inhabited in prehistoric and ancient times. It is a listed historical monument, completely fenced off and closed to the public due to the risk of rockfalls and accidents).
Go back up towards the road, go down to the right for 100 m, then take the road on the left. Go up the hill. (Beautiful view behind you of the lake, the naturist areas, the oyster beds, Port Leucate, Le Barcarès, the Albères mountain range, Cap Cerbère and, towering above it all, Canigou).
Going down the hill, pass under the metal archway that prevents motorhomes from passing. Continue to the paved road.
(6) Turn left for 150 m, then take the hairpin bend to go through the tunnel under the motorway. (Avoid the steep slope that goes directly down to the tunnel as it is slippery and falls are frequent). Continue straight ahead until you reach Avenue du Bastion de Montmorency. Turn right and continue for 30 m, then turn left onto Avenue de la Caramoun. Continue straight ahead for 350 m. Then turn left onto Avenue Jean Jaurès, which becomes Avenue Francis Vals.
(7) Place de la République, completely renovated, is on the left, where you can enjoy a refreshing drink and admire the bronze statue of Franceze de Cezelli.
Continue a little further to find the car park of the former Leucate cooperative winery (S/E).
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