Pla Segalà

From Perpignan, take the D66 dual carriageway to Ille-sur-Têt, then the dual carriageway to Villefranche-de-Conflent. After the western exit of this beautiful fortified village and before the Sant Andreu bridge, turn left onto the D6 towards Sahorre then Py. The narrow, winding road leads to the Col de Mantet (or Coll de Mentet in Catalan). Park on the right-hand side next to a cattle enclosure.

No signposting

(S/E) Cross the road and take the track that climbs gently south-southeast. The thick layer of snow has almost completely covered the barrier and the sign prohibiting access. Follow this clearly visible track to a cattle grid that barely protrudes from the snow.

(1) Take the path on the right, which is clearly marked despite the thick layer of snow, and climbs a little more steeply. Further up, it joins the GR® 177.

Yellow markings

(2) Turn left onto the path, which is completely covered in snow and therefore invisible, but it is easy to find your way by following the yellow markings placed at regular intervals on the trees: we did not see the white-and-red markings that usually indicate the GR® route, even though according to the map we are on it. The route winds through a pine forest, climbing more steeply as we go, until we reach Pla Segalà (signpost 2205 m).

(3) This flat stretch allows for a more leisurely walk and offers views of the landscape: to the east, the Canigou massif, and to the west, the Pyrenees range towards the Cerdan Plateau. Continue towards Portella de Rotjà.

(4) Turn back (elevation 2326 m). The return follows the same route to the junction between the GR® and the path leading to the track taken on the way out.

(2) Leave the path taken on the way out and descend directly towards the pass, following the yellow markings, to reach the Coll de Mentet (S/E).