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Matemale walks
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.
Ruins of the Iglesieta and Lake Balcère
Starting from Les Angles resort, discover the ruins of the Iglesieta and Lake Balcère on a hike that is mostly through the woods and not particularly difficult.
Puig del Pam loop via La Balmette
A lovely loop offering 360° views and glimpses of the Capcir, Madres and Canigou peaks. Added to this are the two magnificent lakes you pass by.
Part of the hike is off-trail, so you need to know how to find your way.
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.
Mont Llaret via Lac d'Aude
A pleasant loop starting from the Angles Animal Park. A passage by the Lac d'Aude then a view of the Lac des Bouillousses. At Corrals del Lloret, a beautiful herd of cows with their calves. A few almost wild horses. Mont Llauret and Roc d'Aude at the end to see the surroundings.
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.
Around Balcère Lake
A beautiful family walk open to all around Lac de Balcère (Estany de Vallsera) with the opportunity to discover the ruins of the Church of Vallsera.
From Étang de Balcère to Étang de la Balmette
A beautiful hike above Les Angles, from Étang de Balcère to Étang de la Balmette. The route, accessible to all despite a few climbs, offers a peaceful atmosphere and unspoilt natural surroundings. At the end of the trail, the tranquillity of Étang de la Balmette rewards your efforts.
The Camporells Lakes
The Camporells Lakes are magnificent. This loop is varied and avoids having to make a return trip. The outward journey is little known and you don't come across many people.
From Puyvalador to the Quérigut Pond
A beautiful border getaway between the Pyrénées Orientales and Ariège that will take you to the wild Étang de Quérigut in Donezan.
La Llagonne State Forest
A beautiful, bucolic walk in the Haut Conflent region of the Pyrénées Orientales that will delight young and old alike.
Lake Bouillouses, Estany de la Pradella, Estany Negre
This is a beautiful snowshoe hike at an altitude of 2,000 metres.
It can also be done in summer. The only problem is the mandatory parking area, which is lower down. The shuttle buses operating during this period may stop at this car park.
Pla de Barrès
This hike to Pla de Barrès, known as Little Canada, is a lovely circular loop along the La Têt river in the municipality of Bolquère.
Les Etangs des Esquits
Snow hike. Snowshoes are recommended for this magnificent tour of the Esquits lakes. In winter, crossing the ski slopes can be tricky (steep slope and high speed of skiers: black run).
Camporells Refuge - En Beys Refuge
Second stage of the Tour Des Pérics.This stage should only be undertaken in good weather and when there is no fog.Otherwise, you must use the Visorando app or a GPS device to track your route.
⚠️ You are entering the Orlu National Hunting and Wildlife Reserve, where certain regulations must be observed. See practical information.
From La Cabanasse to Planès
A beautiful getaway around two villages in Haut Conflent with a good chance of seeing the Yellow Train (Industrial Heritage of the Pyrénées Orientales) and the option of taking it from La Cabanasse or Planès.
Refuge des Fornells and Coll del Pam from Pyrénées 2000
A lovely circular walk in the forest, from Pyrénées 2000 to Coll del Pam (col du lopin de terre). Viewpoint over the mountains from Carlit to Canigou at the end.
Camporells Refuge - Lac des Bouillouses via Petit Peric
Part of the long itinerary (9 days) around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.
Lac des Bouillouses - Mas de Franc
Part of the long (9-day) itinerary around Carlit, hiking from refuge to refuge, based on the Tour des Pérics and using various marked trails.
Tour of the lakes and ascent of Carlit (optional)
Part of the long route (9 days) around Carlit, travelling from refuge to refuge, based on the Peyrics tour and using various marked trails.
Puig Carlit
A classic in the Eastern Pyrenees, this route takes you to the highest point in the department (2,921 metres), passing by more than a dozen small mountain lakes.
Barrage des Bouillouses - Camporells Refuge
Modification on 12 September 2022: addition of the Petit Péric ascent validated on Thursday 8 September 2022.This first stage of the Tour des Pérics is enhanced by beautiful landscapes.It offers a taste of the mountain scenery that will be encountered during these four days.Vehicles must be left in the free car park. See the practical information section*.In summer, you must take a paid shuttle bus to Lac des Bouillouses. See the practical information section **.
Please note: from (8), you must have the GPX track or a very good sense of direction to attempt the ascent of Petit Peric.
The Etang d'Esparver and Lac d'Aude around Lac des Bouillouses
A first pretty lake with a view of Carlit and a little less crowded than the surrounding lakes, then a return via Lac d'Aude with a beautiful view of Lac des Bouillouses and Carlit.
From Les Bouillouses to Lac d'Aude
A wild route to the source of the Aude (or Auda) river, starting from the iconic Lac des Bouillouses. On the agenda: breathtaking views of the Carlit and even the Canigó, streams to cross, pine forests, wide open spaces and, of course, lakes.Please note that access to Les Bouillouses is restricted (check with the departmental council or the Pyrénées Catalanes tourist office).
Pic Carlit and tour of the 12 lakes
Inspired by the hike called "Puig Carlit" on Visorando, this new description takes into account the "one-way" system around the summit that was put in place two years ago. Major work carried out during this period has replaced the haphazard markings and created a well-marked path for the descent from the summit. It is essential to respect the one-way system (for the safety of walkers), which avoids difficult crossings in rocky, exposed passages where it is necessary to use your hands. The overcrowding in the area prompted us to look for an end to the route off the beaten track, so that we would no longer encounter hikers every 20 metres. What a crowd on 4 September! But we understand the enthusiasm for this wonderful mountain range, where there is something to see in every direction.
The Carlit ponds
A wonderful, refreshing getaway, accessible to all, in the heart of unspoilt wilderness at the foot of the "roof" of the Pyrénées-Orientales. An ideal route for immersing yourself in the beauty of the high-altitude landscapes around the listed site of Les Bouillouses. A refreshing hike that I recommend doing at dawn.
⚠️ Restricted access: see practical information.
Les Bouillouses - lower lakes
Beautiful views of the Carlit. Three-quarters of the route is shaded near the lakes.
Rhododendrons, blueberries, etc.
The Étangs des Esquits
A pleasant family outing starting from the Bouillouses listed site. The Esquits circular offers the chance to discover three ponds, including the Pradella, located on the GR®10, where there is also a refuge.
Les Airelles
A pleasant, short and easy walk with little elevation gain.
Moderator's warning on 18/02/2021: It seems that this hike is impossible in winter; see the comments at the bottom of the page
Pic Dels Moros
This is an easy hike offering magnificent views of the Cerdagne plateau, the Carlit massif, the Pérics, the Cambre d'Aze, the Puigmal and the Sierra Del Caddi in Spain.
The trees of Haut Conflent
This is a pleasant, easy hike, mostly through the woods. The trail is dotted with signs identifying the tree species commonly found in Conflent.
The Orri Valley by Planès
This is a magnificent hike in the hills above Fontpédrouse (66) and more specifically in Prats-Balaguer (a hamlet of the latter) where you will find a haven of peace from start to finish. You will discover one of the most beautiful valleys in the Pyrénées-Orientales, namely the beautiful Vallée de l'Orri.
The Carança Gorges in two days
Nestled in the heart of the Eastern Pyrenees, the Carançà Gorges offer an unforgettable adventure for hiking enthusiasts. This two-day route will take you through spectacular landscapes, suspended footbridges over the rushing torrent, vertiginous cornices and dense forests. On the first day, you will climb up the gorge to the Ras de la Carança refuge, before continuing on to the Estany de Carançà for a high-altitude bivouac. The next day, you will descend via a loop route through the heights, offering breathtaking views of the valley. A total immersion in unspoilt wilderness awaits you.
The Carança Gorges loop
A short, pleasant and very scenic route in the Carança Gorges. This hike offers multiple options up to the suspension bridge, meaning that you can loop back (and return to the starting point or change banks) at several points.
Moderator's note : some people have got lost on this hike, see reviews
Carança Gorges
A magnificent hike between gorges and mountains. Aerial passages, footbridges and rope bridges are guaranteed on this route. Do not attempt this route in rainy or snowy weather.
Please note: the elevation gain is overestimated by the software. The total elevation gain is 1,100 metres.
Carançà Gorges - Abri de la Balmère AR (return via the upstream ledge)
In summer, you will be looking for coolness and a few thrills: for you, there is a stream, gorges, undergrowth and a few fun passages on footbridges and monkey bridges (return trip). You can then return via a narrow ledge, which is not recommended for young children, people with poor footwear or those prone to vertigo.
(There is an alternative route via the downstream ledge, which is the most vertiginous).
Thués-Entre-Valls - Carança refuge
This is the first stage of the Thués - Fillols loop, which takes you up the Carença Gorge to the refuge of the same name.
The natural pools of the hot springs at Thuès-les-Bains
Tired of long hikes in Catalonia?Treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon with a hot bath in the open air in the middle of the Entre-Valls forest, with views of the foothills of Les Estallades and El Fornas. All this is free of charge in wild pools on a public site, perfectly clean, not far from the majestic arches of the Yellow Train railway bridge. Memories you'll cherish forever!
Above Égat and Targassonne
This is a short loop for a family walk, but it offers a fantastic view of the Cerdagne from La Solana (with marmots as a bonus).
Allow a good hour for the climb and the same for the descent.
Pic dels Moros from Égat
Located in the heart of Cerdagne, Pic dels Moros offers a magnificent 360° view. As a bonus, in good weather, you will be treated to the ballet of paragliders, whose launch area is located just below.
This hike is inspired by the PR®69 and PR®71 routes of the Pyrénées-Cerdagne Tourist Office, with a few modifications.