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Massif du Madrès walks
El Madrès and Pic del Bernat Salvatge from the Col de Jau
This route, which passes through Madres and Bernard Sauvage, is absolutely beautiful.
The climb to Madres is on a very well-marked path.
The climb up to Bernard Sauvage is easy to see and follow.
The rest of the return route follows a good ridge path to La Glèbe (14). *
Then, to reach (15), you will need the GPX track on the app. *
The Priory of Marcevol
A beautiful heritage-filled family getaway that will allow you to discover the Priory of Marcevol, listed as a Historic Monument.
Loop in the Jujols Nature Reserve
This is a lovely loop that allows you to explore the Jujols nature reserve, with superb views of the Conflent peaks. The hike faces south-east, is very sunny and sheltered from the tramontane wind, and crosses pastoral areas.
Shortcuts are possible on this loop (see description in the practical information section).
Loop from the Col de Creu to the Estagnols refuge
A lovely loop to do on snowshoes (or on foot in summer) starting from Matemale.
The return via the other trail requires a certain level of fitness if the tracks in the snow have not been made. From the Col de La Sansa, follow the yellow-red markings.
It is also important to follow the description carefully, otherwise you will have to return to the bottom of the road and walk back up to the pass to retrieve your cars.
Trail of the cabins and Chapelle Saint-Jacques from Catllar
Beautiful circular with views of Canigou and the valley. Don't miss the Saint-Jacques Chapel.
The Roque Fumade Refuge circular starting from Serdinya
This hike is accessible by public transport.
The hike is classified as difficult due to its elevation gain and the fact that much of the route is unmarked.
It is a circular route that takes you on a journey of discovery through pastoral life, three old hamlets, two of which are still in perfect condition, a refuge and a mountain church.
The 5 Senses Trail from the Col de Jau road
A superb, very easy hike that is accessible to everyone and will allow you to appreciate the Mosset communal forest.
Estanys de Nohèdes
Starting from the village of Nohèdes, the hike climbs to three lakes that are part of the Nohèdes Nature Reserve: Estany del Clot, Gorg Estelat and Gorg Nègre. At the foot of the prestigious Pic de Madrès, this hike takes you through a magnificent environment of streams, lakes, meadows and pine trees where pastoral activity is very much in evidence, as the ever-present and very active "patous" are keen to remind hikers.
Pic del Rosselló from Molitg-les-Bains
A hike with multiple panoramic views, ideal from October to May: very sunny. The GPX track will be useful on a few sections where the yellow markings are scarce. See §: Practical information
From Villefranche-de-Conflent to the village of Les Horts (ruins)
This is a short hike in the mountains above Serdinya, starting from Villefranche-de-Conflent and ending at the fountains of Les Horts, an abandoned village in ruins. The hike follows the old village access path, known as the "Chemin des Horts à Villefranche" in the Napoleonic land registry, although it is in very poor condition. The landscape is typical of the Catalan Pyrenees: mountains, yet with Mediterranean buildings and vegetation.
Séquières plateau from the Col des Auzines
A surprising and pleasant hike on the Séquières Plateau, a former mixed farming area. See the highest point of the plateau, the medieval village of Séquières (its name could be translated as "the high rock") with its restored and inhabited sheepfolds, its castle (12th century), or rather a fortified house, with two strange pillars over 12 metres high nicknamed "les demoiselles" (the young ladies). Visit the ruins of the Romanesque church of Saint-Vincent (12th century). An easy hike.
Pic de Bau, Tour de Guet, Pic Jalère and Coma from Eus
This hike is classified as difficult due to its length, a steep climb and the need for a good sense of direction.
However, the route follows beautiful paths and tracks that are almost always uncovered.
It is a discovery of a landscape that is still occupied by humans, goats and sheep.
A mountain water catchment supplies water to the magnificent Catalan village of Eus.
The Camí Ramader, the Refuge de la Mouline from Évol
From Évol, a beautiful circular hike via the Camí Ramader, to discover the landscape and the mountain space dedicated to pastoralism. The Ribera d'Évol valley is a mid-mountain area where man has tamed the steep slopes by building fetges (terraces) to prevent erosion and to grow some cereals. These large structures were built using locally available materials and blend perfectly into the landscape.
On the way back, there is a short track between (11) and (12) and between (15) and (16).
Tour of the chapels from Ria-Syrach
Hike on good trails that allow you to discover mountain chapels. Beautiful views of the Madres Massif. A visit to Conat is also interesting.
The only difficulty is above Saint-Christophe Chapel: the trail is unmarked and sometimes difficult to see. It is necessary to know how to use a map and compass and/or how to follow a GPS track.
However, it is possible to avoid this section and shorten the hike by connecting the points (3) to (9).
From Cattlar to Campôme via beautiful sites
This hike takes place on paths that are rarely or never used. The route is enhanced by passing through various sites. This long hike ² should be avoided in hot weather despite the low vegetation cover.
Callau refuge from the Col de Jau
Enjoy the snow on an easy walk in Catalan country.
Above Molitg-les-Bains
A quick detour to view the village from above and admire the irrigation system along the canal. Much of the walk is in the shade.
Tour and ascent of Roc Campanyà via the Vauban trails
Roc Campanyà or Campagnia rises to an altitude of 1,134 metres, just above the Mas de Lastourg campsite in the Têt Valley, very close to Villefranche-de-Conflent. Its pointed, aggressive silhouette and the chaos of the Sant-Pere massif on which it is perched suggest that it is inaccessible without climbing equipment... But it's not. With a good pace and a good sense of direction, hikers can reach the summit in just 3 hours.Read the comments carefully before setting off on this route. Don't hesitate to turn back. There is a way out of the route between (10) and (5): return via the Vallon des Horts, a hike described here on visorando. The point (10) on this route corresponds to the point (4) on the other route.
Pic des Coves and Garrigas from Serdinya
This half-day hike, far from the beaten track of Catalonia and the marked trails, takes you to the heights of Serdinya in the secret territory of wild boars and chamois. You will pass through the abandoned village of Les Horts. Magnificent landscapes, superb views and tranquillity guaranteed!
Roc Campanyà from Mas de Lastourg
Roc Campanyà rises to an altitude of 1,134 metres, just above the Mas de Lastourg campsite in the Têt Valley, very close to Villefranche-de-Conflent. Breathtaking views of the Têt Valley, the Rotja Valley, the Fillols Valley and the Catalan giant, the Canigou. With a sheer drop of 834 metres, it seems inaccessible... yet it is!
From Thuir-d'Évol to the Mouline refuge
This is a very pleasant round trip hike in hot weather. Inspired by the Visorando publication of the loop entitled "Le Camì Ramader, le Refuge de la Mouline depuis Évol", it has the advantage of following the course of the Evol stream, allowing you to cool off regularly. Much of the route is through woodland, and the shade provided by the various trees, which change species as you climb, offers welcome respite from the heat.
Callau Refuge Circular Walk
This year, with its exceptional snowfall, it is possible to tackle routes that were difficult to complete in previous years. There seems to be nearly a metre of snow, which is impressive. To climb up to the pass, we took advantage of a very clear road, with no snow or ice. A very beautiful circular route, a little challenging as you sink in a lot, but very interesting. For the less adventurous, a round trip on the flattest part of the route makes for an easy discovery hike (between the Col de Jau at 1,506 metres and the point (2) at 1,529 metres).
Below the Col Jau, towards the old ski lift
Circular hike starting below the Col de Jau at the start of the old ski resort. Except for the track leading from the road to the car park, we were able to complete the entire hike in virgin snow and discover areas marked only by animal tracks in all directions.
Below the Col de Jau, Sentier des 5 Sens
Inspired by a Visorandonneur hike called "Le Sentier des 5 Sens depuis la route du Col de Jau" (The 5 Senses Trail from the Col de Jau road), the idea of doing it on snowshoes was made possible by the exceptional snowfall of the previous days. There was enough good snow to avoid having to climb up and start from the Col de Jau as we did in other winters. Apart from the track leading from the road to the car park, the entire hike took place in virgin snow, allowing us to see animal tracks in all directions. It was a real treat!
Pic de Rossilló and Pla de l'Arca Dolmen
A beautiful hike facing the Canigou massif. It takes you up to Pic del Rosselló, from where you enter a spectacular mineral area. Cross a plateau dotted with rounded rock mounds that look as if they were placed there by giants. A magnificent landscape used for grazing, facing the long Pyrenees massif to the south.
From Railleu to Sansa
A short, accessible hike connecting two of the five villages located in the wild and little-known Garrotxes valley. Several old mills with information panels can be found along the route.
Thuir d'Evol circular via La Mouline and Llobadibes
A beautiful hike with a steady climb to the Refuge de la Mouline along a well-marked trail that passes through increasingly beautiful scenery as you progress, often through woodland. After the refuge, the hike changes completely as you leave the pine forest, with a balcony walk offering impressive views of the Pyrenees mountain range, from Canigou to Cambre d'Aze. Although it does not present any technical difficulties, this hike is classified as difficult, partly because of its length but mainly because of the uncertainty in following the route after the Refuge de la Mouline, as the quality of the trail changes completely. It is essential to follow the Visorando trail to complete this circular hike off the beaten track, as it is well worth the effort. A GPS or the Visorando app is therefore strongly recommended.
From Sansa to the Estanyols Lakes
A family hike accessible to all in the wild Garrotxes valley. From the village of Sansa, on a forest trail on the way there, the route leads to the Estagnols Lakes, where there is also a refuge.
Loop on the steep slopes of Sant-Pere, at the foot of Roc Campanya
This is a good, challenging hike, mostly off the beaten track, along ancient paths in the Sant-Pere massif. At the foot of Roc Campanya/Campagna, you will discover an incredible view of the Têt and Rotja valleys. There is a 180° view with the 2,784-metre-high Canigou in the south.