Les Balcons d’Argelès-sur-Mer

The starting point is the car park below Château Valmy, surrounded by vineyards.
There is a sign showing the map of mountain bike and walking routes.
The route you should take is Route No. 3 (Red).

(S/E) Head towards the Route de Valmy.

(1) Follow the tarmac road down to the ‘Stop’ sign at the junction and turn left, following the signs for Mountain Bike Route No. 3 (Red). Head towards Les Mimosas campsite.

(2) Before the ford, turn left and take the DFCI-AL42 forest fire prevention track.

(3) At the three-way junction at Mas Peyrot, head uphill and you’ll soon reach a superb viewpoint overlooking Valmy Castle. Continue for 200 metres along the track

(4). A footpath marked with a hiking sign points towards the Dolmen de la Cova de l’Alarb. Continue straight ahead along the track.

(5) At the fork, carry on straight ahead along this wide track, which winds for a few kilometres through the lush foothills of the cork oak forest in the Massif des Albères. Do not take any of the other tracks or paths.

(6) At the junction where the track meets the tarmac road, turn right (south) to reach Mas Cristina (private property).

(7) At the end of the road, turn right and take track DFCI-AL41. Ignore the footpaths and other tracks branching off to the right or left. You can just make out the farmhouses nestled in their natural setting. The climb becomes steeper for over 3 km, until it reaches its highest point.

(8) At the reservoir (altitude 363 m), turn right towards track DFCI-AL29. This section is pleasant, with a succession of gentle ravines forcing you to descend and then climb again. Always ignore the tracks on both the right and left, as they lead to private property.

(9) A memorial dedicated to airmen has been erected; you’ll see it on your left.

(10) Turn right to continue descending along the winding track.

(11) Keep the track on your left (green water tank) and continue along the DFCI-AL39 track. Join the tarmac road and pass the Les Mimosas campsite (S/E).

Access: RD 914 – Exit 12 – Route de Valmy – Car park
Mountain bike trail no. 3 (red): Les Balcons d’Argelès-sur-Mer.

(10) Option to make a return trip to the Chapelle Saint-Laurent-du-Mont.

Please ensure you control your speed on descents and take care when passing near residential areas.

Water fountains are available in Valmy Municipal Park:
Annual park opening times:
From 5 February to 30 April, 10.00–18.00 daily.
From 1 May to 30 September, from 10.00 to 19.00 every day.
From 1 October to 6 November, 10.00–18.00 daily.

Temporary closure for the festival: from 6 June to 22 June

Enquiries: https://www.argeles-sur-mer.com/
Tourist Office: 04 68 81 15 85

Valmy Municipal Park.
To round off your visit to Argelès-sur-Mer, follow the interpretive route which tells the story of the area, the environment of the Albera Massif (vegetation) and local life and culture.

Nature and Sports Centre:
At the visitor centre located at the park entrance, you’ll find all the information you need on the wide range of outdoor activities available in Argelès-sur-Mer. Whether you’re keen on the sea (kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, diving), the countryside (walking, jogging, hybrid cycling…), or the mountains (hiking, trail running, mountain biking…), you’re sure to find something to suit you!
Centre opening hours: 2 pm to 5 pm (from the February half-term holidays until the end of the All Saints’ Day half-term holidays).
Tel: 04 68 95 34 28