The Mines de la Pinouse

An exceptional heritage walk at one of the major sites of the Canigou iron mines, which is also a key site commemorating the Resistance. Once at the site, heritage signage provides an insight into the area’s rich history.

Details

96773954
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 6.76 mi
  • ◔
    Average duration: 4h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 1,066 ft
  • ↘
    Descent: - 1,066 ft

  • ▲
    Highest point: 4,629 ft
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 3,563 ft

Description of the walk

Park at the Col de Palomère.

(S/E) From the pass, head south along the track that climbs until you reach a junction.

(1) Ignore the sign indicating you should continue along the track towards the Pinouse mines and take the path that climbs to the left. The climb is steep and joins the old Rapalum/Formentère railway line.

(2) Follow the old railway line to the right. This section is very peaceful and leads to another junction.

(3) Continue along the track opposite and keep strolling along this old railway line, which leads to the old Rapalum mining station.

(4) Take the path that goes downhill, but this is just to make the climb back up easier. Indeed, some sections of this stretch will be steep. The reward will be there once you arrive at the Pinouse mining site.

(5) Follow the path back in the opposite direction to return to the Col de Palomère (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : mi 0 - alt. 3,563 ft - Coll Palomeres (1035 m)
  2. 1 : mi 0.28 - alt. 3,773 ft - Trail ends
  3. 2 : mi 0.52 - alt. 4,081 ft - Old railway line
  4. 3 : mi 1.04 - alt. 4,140 ft - Trail junction
  5. 4 : mi 2.21 - alt. 4,226 ft - Former Rapalum railway station
  6. 5 : mi 3.4 - alt. 4,623 ft - La Pinouse Mines
  7. S/E : mi 6.76 - alt. 3,563 ft - Coll Palomeres (1035 m)

Notes

Feel free to stay at the mine site to take a tour of the "owner" and learn a little more about the history of this iconic place.

Worth a visit

At point (2), you can reach the Tour de Batère by turning left; details of this walk can be found via the following link: Tour de Batère

Reviews and comments

5 / 5
Based on 2 reviews

Reliability of the description
5 / 5
Ease of following the route
5 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
canetois66
canetois66

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 08, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A lovely and very informative route; Hélène Legrais’s book (The Flowers of St John’s Day) gave us a great insight into the history of this place

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jacques 66
jacques 66

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 27, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A lovely walk – a bit of a challenge, but mostly through the woods, which is nice given the current heatwave. The site has been completely cleared and made safe, with plenty of information boards. It’s a site of great heritage and historical value. There are lovely views, with the last patches of snow still visible on the peaks.

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