Montferrer castle

Start : The walk starts from the lovely village of Montferrer.

(S) Walk back out down the road (D44) that you came in on, until you get to a right hand bend with a yellow signpost pointing up a path through the woods. The signpost says “Le Chateau 1 hour”.

(1) Follow the path which climbs quite steeply to start off with and cuts across a track a couple of times.

(2) You will eventually come out onto a meadow which you cross, then re-enter the woods for a short spell before emerging at the bottom of the ruined castle (A).

(3) You can scramble up and look around the ruins before continuing, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and across the plain to the sea. Once you’ve had your fill, you have two choices: either continue on up on the path that leads away on the other side of the ruins, then take the dirt track back to the village which will make the walk about 2 and a half hours in total. Or turn around, go back down the way you came up. (E)

Start : The walk starts from the lovely village of Montferrer, perched on the hillside high above the main road from Arles to Prats de Mollo. To get there just follow the signs from the main road up the valley. Park your car in the village itself and

Facilities : Diamant Noir. This is a small restaurant which is not open all the time, so best to ring in advance. The owners are a young couple who recently took over and who gave us a friendly welcome.

More information at P-O Life website here by Madeleine McMullin

(A) The owners of the castle were on the wrong side of the war against Louis IX and fled to Spain to live out their lives in exile. The castle was destroyed by Vauban in retribution and has been deserted ever since. It now belongs to the nation.