Massif des Albères walks

A walk amid vineyards, through scrubland, and along the coast, with beautiful views of the Cap Béar and the Anse de Paulilles cove.

Hike to discover the fountains of Laroque-des-Albères: the Font dels Simiots and amazing animals which, according to legend, kidnapped babies and came to settle near the fountain after being dislodged from Arles-sur-Tech; the Font de la Vernosa, a well-preserved, beautiful fountain from where one has a magnificent view of the plain of Roussillon.

The beautiful village of Collioure, with its church tower standing right on the water's edge, is worth the trip alone! This hike offers a pleasant coastal route to get there. Beautiful views and a rich heritage await you.

A wild rocky coastline, small forgotten coves, terraced vineyards that seem to hang above the waves: this is what you can expect on this hike dotted with maritime pines and prickly pears. Along the way, the historic and beautifully restored site of Paulilles and various beaches inviting you to take a dip add to the pleasure of this walk in the soft light of the Côte Vermeille.

From the hamlet of Puig del Más, the proposed hike follows the yellow markings of the Walter Benjamin Trail. A pretty balcony path leads to the French-Spanish border. The return from the Tour de Querroig is via a ridge path. The view is magnificent. Two other hikes I recommend to reach the Torre de Querroig: Coastal trail - Torre de Querroig from Banyuls-sur-mer - Torre de Querroig from Portbou, return via the Walter Benjamin Trail

This is an easy short hike with beautiful sea views.

Coastal route from Cadaquès to the lighthouse, with views over the Bay of Cadaquès, Port Lligat and Cap de Creus.

This hike takes you up to the Madeloc Tower and back via the water trail. Please note the parking problem at Coll de la Serra: see practical information...

Almost the entire hike is in the shade, under a forest of cork oak trees. The slope is quite steep in the first part. The effort is rewarded by a beautiful 360° view from the tower. Moderator's addition on 17/05/2021: Do not rely solely on the map; please read the warnings in the description and reviews It is risky to venture onto the road to La Vall (parking problems, traffic restrictions, etc.). Since 05/05/2023: it is no longer permitted to use this access road between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. due to the risk of fire.

This hike allows you to discover the Albères national forest and offers magnificent views of the Mediterranean coast to the east, the Roussillon plain to the north, Catalonia to the south and Canigou to the west.

- From the Argelès-sur-Mer SNCF train station, climb up to the Tour de la Massane via marked trails and paths. - The hike can start from Valmy Castle near (3). See practical information. I recommend reading the practical information section regarding the different routes. The hike could be classified as difficult due to some very rough sections of the trail and the need for good navigation skills.

A magnificent little hike that is challenging but not difficult. Superb coastal landscapes, including the port of Port-Vendres, the fort, the semaphore and the Béar lighthouse.

Discover the Massane Forest Nature Reserve, one of the few examples of ancient forest in France, with magnificent views of the Roussillon plain and the Côte Vermeille.

A long loop around Cap Béar, a challenging but not difficult hike. Things to see: the coastal landscapes, the port of Port-Vendres, the fort, a walk through the vineyards and scrubland, Anse de Paulilles, Bernardi beach, the semaphore and the Béar lighthouse.

This route will take you via the Col de Llinas to Puig Sant Cristau and its chapel, offering magnificent 360° panoramic views.

Did Salvador Dali, who lived in Portlligat for many years, often travel to Cap de Creus via the camino viell del far? This path hasn't changed much since it was the only overland route to Spain's most easterly point. The route winds its way between low dry-stone walls, linking the many "calas" along the way. Some of these offer small, secluded beaches, a welcome invitation to take a dip in these rugged surroundings.

A very pretty hike that starts on a path on the France-Spain border and descends to the Spanish Hermitage. Among other things, you will discover fountains and border markers. See practical information (regarding the condition of the path).

The Madeloc Tower, clearly visible from Collioure, is the main destination of this hike. Once you reach the tower, you will be rewarded with a magnificent panorama stretching from Argelès to Spain on the eastern side. The western side opens onto the first peaks of the Pyrenees, including the Pic de Neulos. Along this route, you will encounter numerous military buildings, including the Forts of Saint-Elme and Dugommier, which are clearly visible from the Madeloc Tower.

Hike along the Albères mountain range, the easternmost part of the Pyrenees, to reach the Madeloc Tower. After a few dozen difficult metres, the path to the tower offers a beautiful view of the Mediterranean coast. At the top, the panorama is unforgettable. You can see Collioure, Argèles-sur-mer, Banyuls-sur-mer, Port-Vendres, and even Spain across the Pyrenees mountain range.

Half-day hikes with a significant elevation gain. Visit the heritage site in the heart of a forest consisting mainly of holm oaks and cork oaks. The refuge, in a beautiful open location, is the destination of this hike. GPX track strongly recommended. The path is marked (more or less clearly) except between (10) and (11) and between (12) and in the direction described.

Hike in the hills above Argelès, passing by the Hermitage of Notre-Dame de Vie and its Saint Jerome Chapel, then the Saint Laurent-du-Mont Chapel. Magnificent panoramic views of the Roussillon plain, Argelès-sur-Mer, the sea and the port. A varied hike with many wide tracks, beautiful single tracks in forests and a few technical sections on rocks and pebbles.

With family or friends, discover the history of the Albères massif and the town of Argelès-sur-Mer in all its glory.

This is a fairly difficult hike where a good sense of direction is necessary in places. Discovery hike with a possible passage through a tunnel. This hike can be done in reverse, which avoids the steep descent at the end of the route after the (12). January 2025. Modification of the route (8) and description. Yellow markings modified to avoid certain areas in this overcrowded forest.

A pleasant hike between the sea and the mountains with very diverse terrain, in the middle of the southern vineyards of the Côte Vermeille, maritime pines and along the coastal path. Take a moment to relax on Paulilles beach and enjoy the views of the Albères massif and the Mediterranean.

This is a demanding hike that begins on the coastal path, allowing you to discover several coves and secluded beaches as well as beautiful views of the Côte Vermeille. The arrival in Cerbère marks the beginning of the second part, where you will climb to reach the magnificent Puig Joan viewpoint after a very challenging ascent. The return journey is along the ridge, offering remarkable views of both the vine-covered hinterland and the coast.

This hike takes you from Banyuls-sur-Mer station to Collioure station. There are frequent trains, so you can take one back. You can break up the hike at Port-Vendres station. The route follows the coast from Banyuls to Cap Béar (Cap de Biarra), passing through Anse de Paulilles (Badia de Polilles). Then you cross Port-Vendres to climb up towards Fort Saint Elme and descend with a splendid view of Collioure.

Short hike with a slight incline on the first part of the route.

This hike above the Côte Vermeille allows you to discover different mountain slopes where vines are still cultivated. Small roads, marked and unmarked paths make up this hike. The ridge paths offer beautiful landscapes typical of the seaside. This route can be done all year round. In hot weather, it is best to set off early in the morning. Passage through several legendary passes of the Côte Vermeille.

A hike starting from Peyrefite Beach, which runs mostly along the rocky coast, from cove to cove, to reach the town of Cerbère, then the eponymous cape and its solar-powered lighthouse, passing by the old customs post of Coll dels Belitres and the ridge marking the border between Spain and France. Return to the starting point via the same route from the centre of Cerbère.

A beautiful, steady climb to Coll de l'Espinassa (Espinàs). It is entirely possible to follow the track to the large picnic area in order to maintain a constant gradient.There are no fewer than six working fountains on the way to the pass (10). Then there is a very steep descent to the picnic area passed on the way there (6). And a pleasant return to the village.During the hike, sheltered from the tramontane wind, there are views of the Roussillon plain, Les Aspres and Canigou. The GPX track is necessary on this route given the paths taken, which are not necessarily maintained.It is possible to do this hike in the opposite direction, starting from the Trois Vents fountain (6), so that the return trip along the track is less steep. The aim of the hike is to reach the Coll de l'Espinàs (10), and the return journey can simply be made by the same route.

An unforgettable seaside getaway, starting from one of the most beautiful villages in the Pyrénées-Orientales, Collioure, where you will take part of the coastal path on the way there and return through the hinterland via Fort Saint-Elme.

This family walk invites you to take a stroll through more than 5,000 years of history between the Cova de l'Alarb dolmen and the Château de Valmy estate.

This is a long hike with some elevation gain, but the scenery along the way is well worth the effort.The coastal path is absolutely beautiful. The hike is well marked, but the GPX track may be useful. I have classified it as difficult. See practical information (¹). Another of my hikes offers a shorter version: Torre de Querroig from Banyuls-sur-Mer.

A beautiful hike with stunning views of the Ermitage Notre-Dame de Vie, the town of Argelès, the port and the sea. Short technical section with a steep, rocky climb, a mix of tracks and tarmac paths. Stunning views guaranteed, but little shade in summer...

This hike, which is short but includes some steep sections, is undoubtedly the easiest and quickest way to climb to the Madeloc Tower, where you can enjoy a superb panorama.

An easy hike from Le Perthus offering views of the Spanish valley towards La Jonquera. Part of the route follows the border and takes you past military buildings from yesteryear (fort and redoubt) as well as the Roman site of Panissars, including the remains of the Via Domitia.

A beautiful getaway open to all, with an elevation gain of about 300 m over 8 km, offering beautiful panoramic views in the heart of the Catalan coast.

A circular hike from Banyuls-sur-Mer that takes you past ancient monuments designed by Vauban. Several legendary passes, the Chemin de l'Eau and the Torre de Madaloc. A beautiful view of the coastline. In addition, the first part of the climb is on the famousGR®10trail. This hike includes La Torre de Madaloc as part of a circular route.

A lovely hike on a yellow-marked trail, mostly through the woods, with some beautiful views of the radiant coastline.

Circular hike with several passes and a ridge trail. From the Chapel of Sant Cristau and Puig d'Orella, two very beautiful 360° landscapes. See practical information. GPX track required.

Short hike with beautiful views of Canigou, the Roussillon plain, Argelès, Notre-Dame de Vie, Saint-Laurent Chapel and the sea. A mixture of tracks and tarmac paths, with a steep, rocky 400 m section.

This peak is less well known than its neighbour, Pic Néoulous (Pic Neulos). Marked trail (PRLAR11) on beautiful paths through the woods in the Albères.

From the village of Sorède, head towards the Vallée Heureuse. Park in the mandatory car parks at Parc au Tortues on the left as you go up. Do not underestimate this hike, especially the approach to Roc de les Medes, which requires a little attention. There are many forks in the road, so I recommend using the GPX track to avoid unnecessary backtracking. Route in the Biological Reserve * The ascent and descent take place in two very different forests.

All in all, this is a fairly challenging circular hike. You need to know how to find your way around to undertake this hike.Part of the hike is unmarked and off-trail.However, the climb to Puig Sallfort can be done as a simple round trip via theGR®®10. GPX track strongly recommended from (5) to (6): from Creu du Sallfort to Chemin de l'eau.

First, there is a short stretch of track, then a superb path that climbs steeply and passes by the Dolmen de la Cova dels Alarbs. Then the route continues along a steep path through the rocks as you approach the Sallfort pastures. The Visorando GPX track is essential, especially if the weather is poor (fog, clouds, snow). Do not underestimate this short but steep hike. The elevation gain is close to 850 m. Route modified on 30 November 2022.

The ascent to Puig Neulós will be via the ridge line from St-Martin de l'Albère (Sant Martí).The route then passes through the Tanyareda refuge, Spain and Coll de l'Ullat.Old marked and unmarked paths and theGR®®10are part of this beautiful hike.This hike can be a complementary variation of my hike: La Tanyareda.

A hike starting from the Port-Vendres pier, which leads along the coastal path to Cap Béar and then on to the listed site of Anse de Paulilles (Nobel factory). The return journey is inland, through the vineyards. A more detailed tour of Port-Vendres takes in the railway station and the fishing, commercial and yachting ports, not forgetting the Fort du Fanal and the Batterie de la Mauresque at Cap Gros, before skirting around the Redoute Béar and the Batterie de Mailly.

Banyuls-sur-Mer has a rugged rocky coastline. The path running along the cliffs offers views of pretty headlands. The climb through the vineyards offers breathtaking views and allows you to appreciate the former "smugglers' republic", now the capital of Banyuls wine.

A challenging hike offering a variety of landscapes.The path along the border ridge offers views of the coastline below and the peaks in the distance.This hike is classified as very difficult because the climb is steep and you will have to cross torrents.The return journey is also steep and you will need to pay close attention to the cairns and old yellow markings.Note: This hike should only be attempted when there is no rain or thunderstorm forecast. (1)A sense of direction is necessary. The GPX track is necessary. Remember to download the track and map before setting off.

For a swim in turquoise water on a deserted beach, there's no need to go to the tropics. Just a two-hour walk from Port de la Selva, and halfway to Cap de Creus, there's a pretty cove just waiting for you. The only problem is that it'll take just as long to get back, and forget about the benefits of swimming. But it's worth it.