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Massif du Canigou walks
The Vernet-les-Bains waterfalls
A beautiful, refreshing family hike with three stunning waterfalls, including the Cascade des Anglais as a reward.
The Croix loop from the village of Joch
A beautiful half-day circular hike from this village.The climb is via the Way of the Cross to the large Croix de Joch.The return journey is via the very pretty balcony path that connects Joch (Jóc) to Baillestavy (Vallestàvia).A variant towards the canal is now accessible from wp (11).See practical information before setting out on this hike.
Saint-Martin du Canigou Abbey loop
A pleasant circular walk starting from Casteil. The climb is steep on a rough path to the abbey and a viewpoint.
The path is then flat until you reach the Saint-Benoît Chapel, which offers a magnificent view of Vernet-les-Bains.
The return journey is on a paved road that descends past the Saint-Martin le Vieux Chapel.
Roc de la Collada via the Chapel of Saint-Étienne de Pomers
A little-visited but very pleasant area, in winter or early spring when the Canigou is covered in snow.
The trail is mostly signposted and very well marked.
Saint-Martin du Canigou Abbey
A very classic walk to Saint-Martin du Canigou Abbey, an easy route, but very popular.
The route is shaded and very pleasant. It is suitable for vehicles and pushchairs.
The abbey is nestled in a beautiful setting and is well worth a visit.
Pic du Canigou - Los Masos at the Refuge des Cortalets
First stage of this two-day route around Pic du Canigou.
Col de l'Estagnol via the Cabane de la Devèze from the hamlet of Leca
A lovely walk through the woods, best enjoyed in autumn due to the varied, colourful vegetation and beautiful views of the foothills of Canigou.
Pic de la Pena
A half-day hike offering superb views of Canigou and the surroundings of Vernet-les-Bains. You will also see the Church of Saint-Martin du Canigou nestled in its setting. The longer version of this route can be extended to Torre de Goa, returning via the path marked on the map on the western side, or by going to Colle de Jou and descending via the correc del coll de Jou and Casteil.
The Tower of Goa (Torre de Goà) from Vernet-les-Bains
A very pretty hike that takes you to this beautiful restored tower and its stunning views.
No particular difficulties.
The GPX track may be useful, particularly from (S/E) to (6).
Pic du Canigou
If there is one peak to climb in Catalonia, it is Canigou (the Catalan Olympus). Rising to 2,784.66 metres, it offers exceptional views from the summit, where there is an orientation table.
Boule d'Amont - Coll de Seleig - Coll de Les Arques - Serrabona
The proposed hike takes you up to the ridge, where you can enjoy a superb panorama.Serrabona Abbey, on the route described, is well worth a visit. This site is in perfect condition and is currently being refurbished.An additional variation to this hike can be added, starting from Serrabone. *The hike will be moderately difficult (good sense of direction required) and will take an additional 1.5 hours.Please note: Observation on 14 January 2024: after (6), the track has been widened, the pastures cleared and wood cut. The original path is very difficult to follow: the markings and posts have disappeared! The GPX track is very useful from this point onwards.
Canigou from Los Masos de Valmanya and the Crête du Barbet
A very beautiful hike, the difficulty lies in its length.
Passage through the chimney is visible as the yellow markings have been erased - path closed (not recommended).
See practical information below.
Mount Helena
Starting from the town hall in Caixas, the ascent of Mont Helena, the highest point in the area, offers a few surprises in terms of heritage and botany. And above all, an extraordinary panorama of the Roussillon.
Casteil - Mariailles Refuge
First stage of the Three Days on Canigou.
This climb to the Mariailles Refuge allows you to discover a magnificent water supply channel.
The circular of the Canigou
Ascent to the Canigou massif from the west.
Depart from the Mariailles refuge, following theGR®10to the Cortalets refuge.
The next day, climb the peak then descend via the chimney and return via Pla de Cady to the Arago Refuge, before joining theGR®10and returning to Mariailles.
The Bonabocs Valley - Arles sur Tech
Mostly a hike through the woods, on a path that climbs up the mountainside through holm oaks and cork oaks, pleasant in fine weather. Several viewpoints over the Tech valley and Canigou and river crossings. A fairly impressive cornice passage (not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo). Crossing the Bas Vallespir State Forest. Several farmhouses (ruins) and dry stone walls bear witness to the fact that man has cultivated and lived in these places.
The ruins of Montferrer Castle
A pleasant, bucolic walk in the Haut Vallespir in Montferrer to explore the ruins of Montferrer Castle (el Castell Mollet).
The Sant-Guillem Refuge via Coll de Rua - Cortal d'Allosat from La Llau
Hike in the Haut Vallespir along a small road, forest tracks and a PR® trail.Beautiful pastures, a sheepfold, the Refuge and Chapel of Sant-Guillem and an arboretum are on the programme.See the section "During the hike or nearby".This hike is the short version of my hike to the St-Guillem refuge via the Coll de Rua and Estanyol from La Llau.
Col de Teixo and Coume iron mines from Baillestavy
A lovely walk through the woods, very pleasant in autumn with its many colours. At the pass, there is a view of Canigou.
Circular loop starting from Fillols
A beautiful hike in the forest with many different species of trees. A ridge trail from one pass to another. Fairly varied terrain offering beautiful views of Canigou, Tres Estelles and Madrès. A visit to the beautifully restored orri (stone hut) at Coll de Tuja and Clot de Baladres.
Around Vinça
A beautiful excursion in the Terres du Bas Conflent region, allowing you to discover four of its villages: Vinça, Finestret, Joch and Rigarda.
The Coll del Miracle Circular
This route will take you to the heart of Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, capital of the Haut Vallespir and largest commune in the Pyrénées Orientales, with a magnificent finale in the underground passages of Fort Lagarde, a Vauban fortification listed as a historic monument.
Pic Marbet via Espira-de-Conflent
A pleasant walk that gets a little challenging towards the end. This section will allow you to discover three villages in Bas Conflent: Espira-de-Conflent, Estoher and Finistret.
Cascade des Anglais via Coll de Lloseta
A very beautiful hike, partly on marked trails. The route includes a circular path on the map that is not marked, where the descent to the Cascade des Anglais is very steep for 100 metres and should not be attempted if it is raining or still wet. In case of bad weather, plan to descend via the usual trail.
Mariailles - Cortalets
The fourth stage highlights the ascent of Canigou.
Please take note of the following warnings about this route:
''Info 2023: The route linking Pic du Canigó and passing through the chimney is no longer marked. The Conflent Canigó Tourist Office cannot provide information on its accessibility. It is strongly recommended that you take the Barbet ridges (PR®8) or the GR®10 if you are coming from the Mariailles refuge to reach the Cortalets refuge.
In addition, please note: as climbing the peak is a high-altitude mountain activity, it is important to be prepared, informed and well equipped."
See also this link
From Baillestavy to Valmanya via beautiful paths
From La Farga de Baillestavy (Vallestàvia), almost the entire climb to Valmanya (Vallmanya) is on theGR®36. The return journey is partly on aPR® and then on theGRP® Ronde du Canigou (Ronda del Canigó).
The return journey has a few ascents and descents. Don't hesitate to visit these two typical Catalan villages with their rich history.
Tour of the Corsavy forest
This is a pleasant circular route that allows you to discover the beautiful village of Corsavy and walk through a magnificent boxwood forest, where the sun hardly penetrates. The moss growing on the trunks and branches of the trees gives the forest a strange and mysterious character.
The elevation gain is relatively low, but be careful, as at times the path is quite difficult to see and you need to pay close attention, especially if you don't have a GPS signal to follow the trail.
Vernet-les-Bains: Pic Cogollo, circular return
A lovely, uncrowded hike above Vernet-les-Bains. Pass above the waterfalls and flirt with the access routes to Canigou.
Les Mates Roges and the Mariailles Refuge from Coll de Jou
From Coll de Jou, a discovery hike with viewpoints offering beautiful panoramas.
Passing through Collada de Botifarra, Mates Roges, Mariailles Refuge, Coll del Cavall Mort, Coll de Creu.
This is a much more pleasant way to reach the Mariailles Refuge, where you can stay overnight if you wish.
This route is marked and presents no difficulty except for the steep slopes between (2), (3) and (4).
The Pic du Canigou from Los Masos
This is a 2- or 3-day hike, starting from Los Masos, the Cortalets Refuge, the Crêtes du Barbet, the Portella de Valmanya, the Brèche Durier, the Pic du Canigou, the Pic Joffre, and the Cortalets Refuge (where you can stop before descending to Los Masos).
Three days at Canigou
Three-day circular hike starting from Casteil.
It takes you up to Mariailles via an old water channel, up the Canigou via the chimney, and back to Casteil via pretty, uncrowded paths.
The Ribera de Fillols, Le Coll de Milleres, Fillols from Corneilla
A day hike from Corneilla-de-Conflent. The total elevation gain is approximately 785 m.Do not underestimate this hike. The slope is very steep from the start.From Coll de Juell (6) to the fork (7), the balcony path allows you to enjoy the landscape of the Canigó massif. The path to Ribera de Fillols and up to the track is very beautiful.The green path from Coll de Milleres to Fillols and then the descent to Corneilla are very pleasant.The GPX track may be necessary in some places.
The Roque Coucoulère loop via the Sant-Guillem refuge
Loop around the Sant-Guillem Chapel offering beautiful views of the Vallespir.Caution: the Torrent de la Coumelade cannot be crossed during snowmelt or after heavy storms.
Montferrer - Puig de Vilafort - La Soca - El Castell
A circular hike in Vallespir starting from the mountain village of Montferrer (830m), built on a rocky outcrop known as "lo Cingle", which offers stunning views from the foot of the feudal castle over the Roussillon plain to the sea.Beautiful landscapes can be seen throughout this hike.
From Cortalets to Mariailles via the Barbet ridges and the Moura hut
Variation of a mountain stage that is part of theGR®®36.This way of connecting the two refuges allows you to avoid the crowds. The path from the Cabane de Moura to Coll del Cavall Mort is quite challenging.Read practical information in case of bad weather.
Coll Palomeres - Creu d'en Turon - Santa Anna from La Bastide
A beautiful hike in the open air with the aim of climbing Santa Anna dels Quatre Termes. First, a climb to Coll Palomeres, then a very beautiful ridge path to reach Creu del Turon (crossroads on the hill). Then a steep climb to reach the ruins of the chapel located on the cadastral boundary of four municipalities (hence its name). The return via the Chemin Rural from Creu d'en Turon is very interesting. Marked path on private property: please respect the areas you pass through and close gates and fences behind you.
La Soca from Pla del Bac
Another way to climb La Souque (La Soca).Pass through Castell de Mollet, then climb the steep path to the summit, marked by a flagpole flying the Catalan flag, with a 360° view. On the way back, pass by the Brigader shelter and fountain (which has been dry for a long time).This circular double hike takes place on beautiful paths, recalibrated tracks and old small tracks.The beautiful landscapes, occasional wildlife and cows (in summer) are a reward in themselves.There are beautiful spots that are perfect for restorative breaks. Allow at least 6 hours for the hike.The hike is classified as moderate, but beware of the steep slope of the (11) at the summit (13).
From the Refuge des Conques to the Refuge de Mariailles
First stage of the: Loop from the Refuge des Conques to the Refuge de Mariailles
Mountain hike with beautiful scenery, particularly from Coll de Bise to Collada de la Roqueta.
Classified as difficult: exposed, steep slopes in places. See practical information.
Allow 6 hours of sustained walking.
Mariailles refuge - Cortalets refuge
Second stage of Three Days on Canigou.
From Mariailles to Cortalets via the Canigou chimney.
This stage is quite physically demanding due to the elevation gain and distance.
Pass through the chimney on sight as the yellow markings have been erased - path closed (not recommended).
See practical information below.
Refuge des Cortalets - Refuge de Mariailles via Canigou
This day is devoted to the ascent of Pic du Canigou from the Refuge des Cortalets, and the descent via the chimney to the Refuge Arago, then to Mariailles, the starting point of the hike.
Les Queroses - Coll de Bise - La Parcigoule
From Perpignan, head towards Le Boulou, Céret, Amèlies-les-Bains, Prats de Mollo via the D115. Then head towards La Preste via the D115a. Then turn right towards Parcigoule. Continue to the end of the tarmac road and park as soon as possible after the farm, without obstructing the passage. See practical information (¹).A sense of direction is necessary. The signposting is good in thefirst part.Plan for a simple return trip after heavy rain. See the practical information section (²).
From the Batère Refuge to the Sant-Guillem Refuge
Second stage of the clockwise Tour du Canigou in 8 days.A fairly long hike that starts with a descent.This route follows old paths connecting pastures and valleys.
Refuge des Cortalets - Casteil
Third stage of the Three Days at Canigou.
A very pleasant return to the starting point of these three days via old, little-used paths.
This hike is classified as difficult because it involves a 1,650-metre descent, with a steep slope over a little more than two kilometres. Allow at least five hours of walking.
Refuge de Mariailles - Refuge des Cortalets
This stage is the first part of a two-day circular around the Canigou Massif. This first stage takes you around the peak to the west, from the Mariailles Refuge to the Cortalets Refuge, via the Bonne Aigue Refuge. It's a good warm-up before the next day's climb.
Pic du Canigou - From the Cortalets Refuge to Los Masos
This is the continuation of the Pic du Canigou - Los Masos hike from the Refuge des Cortalets. It passes through the Crêtes du Barbet, the Portella de Vallmanya, the Brèche Durier, the Pic del Canigó, the Refuge des Cortalets and ends at Los Masos.
Pass through the chimney as the yellow markings have been erased - path closed (not recommended).
See practical information below.
The Batère Tower
A superb heritage trail starting from Coll Palomeres, plunging into the heart of the industrial golden age of the Pyrénées-Orientales. The route passes through ancient mining ruins, evidence of a rich past, before reaching the imposing Tour de Batère, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Refuge Sant Guillem - Chemin d'els Troncassers - Puig Sarraïns - La Llau
Second day of: Two days of discovery at the Sant Guillem Refuge, from the Sant Guillem Refuge.Between (8) and (12), a GPX track is strongly recommended or a very good sense of direction, despite the signposting and cairns being in very good condition. Observed at the end of July 2023.Coll de Serre Vernet via a magnificent balcony path in very good condition. The same applies to Puig dels Sarraïns.Return to the refuge via a beautiful path, then pleasant tracks through the woods.After a break at the refuge, return to the car park at La Llau via the usual route.
The Sant Guillem refuge via the Coll de la Rua - La Soca - l'Estanyol
First day of discovery: Two days of discovery at the Sant Guillem Refuge, with the climb to the Sant Guillem Refuge.Do not underestimate this day. The time indicated is accurate.From the La Llau hikers' car park, climb up to the Coll de la Rua.Continue along a small grassy track to the shelter and the Font del Brigadier.Then climb up a very steep path to La Soca.Next, head to Coll de l'Estanyol.Further on, begin a beautiful descent to the Sant Guillem refuge.Vast landscapes await you on this first day of your discovery hike.
Double circular route between Villerach and Llonat
A walk beneath Canigou with views of the villages on the left bank of the Têt. You will pass a dolmen and the ruins of the church in the old village. No difficulty. Suitable in all seasons.
The Tour de Goa circular from Vernet-les-Bains
A fairly challenging hike leading to the Tour de Goa, a listed historical monument. A breathtaking panoramic view from the ridges between the Pic de la Péna and the Tour à Signaux. And an incredible 360° view from the Tour de Goa with an orientation table.