Montauriol (Pyrénées-Orientales) walks

The hike is mainly on beautiful trails, mostly wooded and dotted with various information panels. There are many beautiful landscapes. Unfortunately, two chapels are closed along the route (20 April 2023), but there is an old well and an information panel explaining how the forest landscape is maintained through traditional pastoral farming.This hike is called the Iron Trail, used by the Romans to transport iron from the Batère mines. It passes through the pretty hamlet of Els Hostalets.This hike can be done by mountain bike.

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.

This loop offers breathtaking views of the castle and village of Castelnou from Roc de Majorque. It was from this highest point that several destructive attacks were launched on the castle.

A beautiful heritage getaway in the heart of the Aspres. However, pay attention to strategic points as this is an unmarked hike. The starting point is at the car park (unfortunately subject to a charge) of the Sainte-Marie du Mercadal Church (listed as a Historic Monument).

From Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts, these two marked trails lead up to Vivès and then Llauro*. A beautiful hike on wide, comfortable paths and tracks, which can be split into two. The markings are visible in the direction described. The return from Llauro is along a ridge path and then, from ::12:, along a DFCI track. Not recommended for those who do not like wide tracks and paths. Fortunately, the landscape makes up for this monotony.

A short, easy family walk that takes you from the beautiful Pont du Diable bridge in Céret to the Château d'Aubiry and its grounds. The imposing Canigou massif dominates the Têt valley in the distance. The château was built by Jean Bardou (founder of the JOB brand) for one of his children.

An easy hike through the woods on good paths, mostly signposted, which will take you to the remains of the old talc mine.

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.

This is a beautiful round-trip hike that can be done in summer as it takes place mostly in the woods and on the northern slope for the most part. The trail markings, which were recently redone (PR® Yellow), make it easy to follow the path from Taulis to the Col de Formentera. The Tour de Batère, at the end of the hike, crowns the outing with beautiful 360° views.

A pleasant walk for the whole family around the ponds. Water activities available in summer, tree-top adventure course, meeting place for anglers.

A superb getaway in the heart of Catalan heritage, punctuated by chapels, panoramic views and history.

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

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.

This hike takes place in the woods, but offers beautiful views of the Vallespir (Roc Saint-Sauveur) and Canigou. Avoid when it is too hot.

This route will allow you to explore the surroundings of Amélie-les-Bains, namely Montbolo, where there is an orientation table, and Palalda, a village with a medieval feel.

You will cross dirt tracks and a few tarmaced sections, through vineyards, heath and olive groves... which will take you to Castell de Força Réal, at an altitude of 507 m... No particular difficulty apart from the climb up the north face to the observation post. Once at the top, enjoy a picnic and discover the breathtaking view of the Canigou massif and the Têt valley... You can even see the sea on a clear day. Return via some very pleasant paths...

A very beautiful hike with views of the eastern slope of the Canigou Massif and a visit to the Pinosa mining site (a listed historic monument) which bears witness to the work and living conditions of miners in the 19th and 20th centuries. A beautiful 360° panorama at the summit of Pic de l'Estelle over the Corbières to the north, the sea and the Albères to the east, Spain to the south and the slopes of Canigou to the west. The Batère Tower on the descent from the peak is reminiscent of the system of signal towers erected in the Middle Ages, which formed a communication network: at night using fires and during the day using smoke.

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.

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.

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.

A short, easy walk offering beautiful views of the eastern face of the Canigou massif from the Tour de Batère. You can also see the seaside resorts of Argelès-sur-Mer and others as you head north along the coast.

Magnificent restored chapel and hike through the woods.

Hike to discover this low mountain range that was once exploited by humans. Numerous terraces bear witness to this past. Vines were cultivated here. Mechanisation marked the end of the exploitation of these wild and difficult-to-access areas. Yellow markings are virtually non-existent, and recent directional posts have been installed (observed at the end of January 2024). They are not really relevant. A GPX track is necessary on this route with its many paths.

This is a very difficult hike due to the steep incline on certain sections.Passage through Collada Sant Marti, Roc de la Sentinella, and Coll de la Dona Morta.A good sense of direction and the GPX track are essential. But your efforts will be rewarded by the magnificent scenery.NOTE: the final ascent of Roc Salvador is reserved for experienced hikers who are not prone to vertigo.Shortcut possible from Coll Cerdà ⁴. The climb to Roc can be avoided ².

A very beautiful circular with a variety of trails. An exceptional view from the rock over Roussillon, the Canigou massif and Spain. The hike is particularly technical with many difficult passages. You must pay close attention to the trail. Access to the peak itself is reserved for experienced hikers: there is a 5-metre descent that is extremely difficult to navigate without a rope. With these warnings in mind, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in Vallespir.Visorando app recommended.

This hike in the north-western sector of Rodès mainly follows little-used paths. This circular route sometimes requires walking on poorly marked paths overgrown with vegetation (trousers recommended), and sometimes on well-marked paths or tracks (but as little as possible, as we prefer the paths). The "common thread" of the day is the almost constant view of Canigou. Some parts are not easy to walk, so they are reserved for walkers who are not afraid to "wear out their shoes". Visorando app recommended.

This is a short, easy loop that offers beautiful views.

With Rodès Castle and the Guillera Gorges to start the hike, the diversity of the next section offers spectacular heath and rock landscapes in the midst of a unique mineral environment. It feels like wandering through a world of giants who have placed rounded blocks of rock, forming piles of monumental boulders scattered among the broom and rockroses that dot the area.

This is a hike that can be done even in winter and in the sunshine. We are in a region with a privileged climate. This easy circular hike of just over 8 km takes you through fragrant and colourful scrubland vegetation with the majestic Canigou massif as a backdrop.

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.

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.

An easier way to climb this pleasant summit in Vallespir is from Arles-sur-Tech. (!) Access to the start of the hike is impossible by car: the road has been closed since 9 November 2024. Situation unchanged on 9 November 2025.

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

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.

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).

Before the current border was established, Roussillon was officially part of Spain between 1258 and 1659. Very few boundary markers from this original border remain. The trail allows you to discover three of them, as well as a cave and an ice well; it also offers superb views of the Pyrenees and the Corbières.

This circular route, marked in yellow, starts from the village of Belesta and climbs up to Pic d'Aubeil, then descends towards the sheepfold, the dolmen and finally the village.

A short walk around Montalba-le-Château to enjoy the diversity of the landscapes.

A lovely circular of two hours starting from Montalba-le-Château and passing through Puig Pedrous.

This walk takes about an hour and a half to two hours including time to explore the castle. The way up is fairly steep but should be fine for people who are moderately fit.

A pleasant, bucolic walk in the Haut Vallespir in Montferrer to explore the ruins of Montferrer Castle (el Castell Mollet).

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.