Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste walks

This route will take you to the heart of Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, capital of the Haut Vallespir and largest commune in the Pyrénées Orientales, with a magnificent finale in the underground passages of Fort Lagarde, a Vauban fortification listed as a historic monument.

A very beautiful hike, mostly through woodland, but with plenty of variety. The trails are fully marked and very beautiful.

An original way to climb the Tour de Mir via a well-markedPR®® trail (March 2020). The return journey is via the beautifulGRP®® Tour du Vallespir trail, which is also very well marked (March 2020).The Tour de Mir, which is accessible, offers a 360° panorama. Good signposting and good paths allow for smooth progress.

This is a fairly strenuous hike up to Coll d'Ares.Pass via the La Retireda path, theGRP®® Ronde du Canigó and theGRP®® Tour du Vallespir.This hike is classified as difficult due to its length, elevation gain and the need for good orientation skills.The entire hike is marked and there are no difficult sections. See practical information (¹).Accessible by public transport, see practical information (²).

A fairly challenging hike with magnificent scenery.Three things to see: the Mir Tower, where you can climb up to enjoy a 360° view of the landscape; the bear trap; and Puig Sec, from where you can see a large part of the Eastern Pyrenees.The climb to the tower is not particularly difficult.The return journey requires more attention in terms of orientation and the sparse markings of different colours.Accessible by public transport, see practical information.

This two-day hike, with an overnight stay at the Sant Guillem refuge, allows for shorter variations each day depending on the weather or individual needs. This hike is fully signposted: unfortunately, the paths are not maintained and the signposting needs to be refreshed in many places (as observed in early July 2025).

Thisfirst stage, almost entirely in the forest, is therefore possible in summer, if you set off early. A challenging hike with 1,275 metres of elevation gain on marked trails that are rarely used, requiring a good sense of direction and the GPX track.There are some beautiful spots to stop and enjoy the scenery. The highest point (altitude 1,830 m) at Puig dels Sarraïns is a perfect place to stop for lunch, for example.

A very beautiful circular on excellent, scenic trails, mostly through forest. Superb 360° view from the ridge, overlooking the Canigou massif, the peaks of Spain and the Costabonne.

A lovely circular route in Vallespir, partly on a very good path and partly off-trail, offering varied scenery.

From Perpignan, head towards Le Boulou, Céret, Amèlies-les-Bains, Prats de Mollo via the D115. Then head towards La Preste via the D115a. Then turn right towards Parcigoule. Continue to the end of the tarmac road and park as soon as possible after the farm, without obstructing the passage. See practical information (¹).A sense of direction is necessary. The signposting is good in thefirst part.Plan for a simple return trip after heavy rain. See the practical information section (²).

From La Llau, the ascent via the Coll de la Roua, the Haut Vallespir State Forest, La Fontaine and the Abri del Brigader is steady. After that, the climb is steep until you reach the Pla de Rodes and the Coll de l’Estanyol, where there are still large areas of active pastureland. Finally, the last climb from the Coll de l’Estanyol is magnificent. This is followed by the descent to the Sant-Guillem refuge and chapel, nestled in a beautiful pasture. ⚠️ Warning: observed on 3 September 2026 => The track from the Coll de la Rua (3) to the Abri del Brigader (6) has not been cleared. Following a series of storms, a large number of fir trees are completely blocking the track as soon as it enters the forest. => This circular route cannot be completed until further notice.

First day of: Two days exploring the Sant Guillem Refuge, including the ascent to the Sant Guillem Refuge.Do not underestimate this day. The estimated time is accurate.From the La Llau hikers’ car park, head up to the Coll de la Rua.Continue along a narrow grassy track to the shelter and the Font del Brigadier.Then climb up a very steep path to La Soca.Then head for the Coll de l’Estanyol.Further on, begin a lovely descent to the Sant Guillem Refuge.Vast landscapes on this first day of your exploratory hike. ⚠️ Warning: observed on 3 September 2026 => The track from Coll de la Rua (3) to the Abri del Brigader (4) has not been cleared. Following a series of storms, a large number of fir trees are completely blocking the track as soon as you enter the forest. => This section cannot be completed until further notice. This section from (3) can be adapted by using one of my walks: The Sant-Guillem Refuge via Coll de Rua – Cortal d’Allosat from La Llau

Loop around the Sant-Guillem Chapel offering beautiful views of the Vallespir.Caution: the Torrent de la Coumelade cannot be crossed during snowmelt or after heavy storms.

A hike in the Haut Vallespir along a small road, forest tracks and a PR® trail.The route takes in beautiful pastures, a sheepfold, the Sant Guillem mountain hut and chapel, and an arboretum.See the section ‘During the hike or nearby’.This hike is the shorter version of my hike ‘The St-Guillem refuge via the Coll de Rua and the Estanyol from La Llau’

Thissecond stage, almost entirely in the forest, is therefore possible in summer, setting off early.Discovery hike along marked paths, little or not used, requiring a sense of direction and the GPX track. Beautiful places to stop and enjoy the scenery.

Second day of: Two days of discovery at the Sant Guillem Refuge, from the Sant Guillem Refuge.Between (8) and (12), a GPX track is strongly recommended or a very good sense of direction, despite the signposting and cairns being in very good condition. Observed at the end of July 2023.Coll de Serre Vernet via a magnificent balcony path in very good condition. The same applies to Puig dels Sarraïns.Return to the refuge via a beautiful path, then pleasant tracks through the woods.After a break at the refuge, return to the car park at La Llau via the usual route.

A variation on my previously published hike. It allows you to start higher up, passing by the Font del Brigader and the Coll de l’Estanyol. From the Sant Guillem Refuge: a return route via the semi-underground sheepfold, which is nearly sixty metres long. Beautiful scenery all along the way and lovely spots for breaks. A warm welcome at the refuge. ⚠️ Warning: observed on 3 September 2026 => The track from Coll de la Rua (S/E) to the Atri del Brigarder (2) has not been cleared. Following several storms, a large number of fir trees are completely blocking the track as soon as it enters the forest. => This circular route cannot be completed until further notice.

This hike, which follows theGR®83, takes you from the southernmost village in France to a small, typically Spanish village that has been fully restored, via the Col de Malrems.

Here is another classic hike starting from Lamanère: the three towers of Cabrenç. These signal towers, built in the 10th century, were used to warn of Saracen invasions from the sea. Magnificent views guaranteed.

This hike is an opportunity to enjoy a picnic on a wooden bench while looking out over the Muga valley, from its source to its estuary in the Bay of Roses. Best done on a clear day to enjoy the view.

This commemorative walk follows the route taken by Spanish refugees in 1939 after the fall of Barcelona. You will pass through Pla de la Coma, where there is a commemorative plaque recalling the tragic events of that period. This walk is suitable for everyone and can be done in either direction.

A lovely walk up through the forest to the Ermitage de Notre Dame du Coral followed by lunch at the Auberge and the same walk back down to Lamanère.

A fairly challenging hike with a magnificent route along the border ridge.The walk starts from the southernmost village in France.The climb along the GRT83 (¹) towards the Col de Malrems on the border is very pleasant.Passes by the Capelle Santa Cristina.A good sense of direction is absolutely essential (rated as difficult). The route on the Visorando app or on a GPS is very useful. See the ‘Practical Information’ section.

This hike requires a good sense of direction. There are numerous forks in the path and the markings are sparse or old. The route from (6) to (7) is not easy due to numerous fallen trees on the path. The GPX track is therefore necessary to confirm your position. Mostly shaded, this hike can be considered in summer, except in very hot weather.You can avoid following the trail between (6) and (7) by taking the track, then following the yellow and white markings on the left for 100 m until you reach (7).If necessary, two escape routes (7) and (10) allow you to quickly return to La Preste. Elevation gain is close to 900 m. Allow 6 hours including breaks.

A walk in the heart of the Prats-de-Mollo Nature Reserve – La Preste at the foot of Costabonne.The route follows connecting paths between the grazing areas on this mountain.Option to shorten the walk depending on the time available. ⚠️ Please note: GRP® diversion. 25 July 2025 => from(14) to (S/E). Temporary diversion via the Ronde du Canigou at ‘La Preste’

A very pretty circular path, well signposted and mostly shaded. Can be done in either direction. In the direction described, a lunch break can be planned at the Refuge des Conques. After the footbridge (2), the climb that follows is steady and continues through a magnificent beech forest. Water supply (7) at the edge of the forest, just before the huts. The Tech pass can be difficult, depending on the season. Then cross another beech forest, which is just as pretty. From Coll Baix (12), you can take the GRP® directly and reach the Roca Rodona fork. Shorter version of La Preste - Jasse de l'Ullat - Las Conques - Collada de la Solana (!) Please note the GRP® detour. 25 July 2025. From(17) to (S/E). Detour (risk of falling rocks) La Preste

Very beautiful (difficult) climb through the forest from Veïnat de la Farga to the large Coll Pregon. This border grazing area is still in use. Then a beautiful ridge line with a few bumps towards Costabona. But you will need to turn off well before this into the forest at Coll de Siern. The passage through the grazing area of Cabanes de l'Ullat is very beautiful. The return is then through the forest.

Another way to climb this Catalan peak situated on the France–Spain border. Please take the following points into careful consideration. A challenging hike due to its significant elevation gain and steep ascents and descents. This hike should not be attempted in fog or mist. (¹) Turn back if the weather changes. This peak is notorious for this weather phenomenon. Set off very early in summer. (²)

Most of the walk is out in the open, with some very beautiful scenery. First, a steep climb to Puig de Collada Verda (marker 2403) and a geodesic marker. This is followed by a route along the ridge and a passage to Collada del Vents. Then watch out for the rocky Cingle dels Pelegrins, where there is no fence or protection. Keep away from them by following the path marked on the ground. A large cairn marks the end of the ridge. A return trip to Pla Guillem (signpost) allows you to enjoy the scenery. Classified as difficult due to the length and number of ascents and descents throughout the hike and a dangerous zone (15) at (17).

A very pleasant circular route on well-marked paths. However, a good sense of direction is still required, as there are different markings to follow.Warning: the Pla Guillem area is very hazardous in foggy conditions and it is often very cold there. The GPX track is essential: the weather changes very quickly.*This hike can be classified as difficult. The 7-hour duration indicated by the software is fairly accurate. Not all the paths are easy to walk on.The scenery is very beautiful. The Cums hut and the Pla Guillem refuge offer places to rest.This hike should be avoided during heatwaves and in heavy snow.Please note the restricted access to the car park at La Togne towards Coll de les Basses: see practical information.

A very lovely walk in Vallespir, on a signposted path, but one that is rarely used, allowing you to spot chamois and marmots. See the ‘Practical Information’ section regarding the crossing of the Tech at the Ouillat huts ¹.

The ascent to the Baraque de la Coma del Tech differs from the classic route. The climb up the famous Pic de Costabone passes by the well-known Cairn du Méridien de Paris. The descent to the Baraque de la Coma del Tech is also a more challenging alternative route. Please note: crossing the Tech stream can prove tricky. You may need to take off your shoes.The descent from the summit can be considered very difficult. Alternative route details in the Practical Information section. Warning: on 17 August 2026, a user reported:> the section through the forest between points ::2:: and ::3::. An impressive number of uprooted or broken trees, some of them very large.The Haut Vallespir suffered several storms in early 2026, causing extensive damage to all the forests.

First stage of the: Loop from the Refuge des Conques to the Refuge de Mariailles Mountain hike with beautiful scenery, particularly from Coll de Bise to Collada de la Roqueta. Classified as difficult: exposed, steep slopes in places. See practical information. Allow 6 hours of sustained walking.

From Las Conques, a lovely walk through pastures that are still well maintained. Ridge walk (2,403 m). The route passes beneath the Esquerdes de Rotjà. Springs, shelters, shepherds’ huts and scenic viewpoints are all on the itinerary.

A fairly long hike, mostly on open terrain. Plenty of 360° views.Passes by watering holes, mountain passes, stone-paved paths, stone huts and a refuge.Trails at the start and finish of this beautiful hike.Please note: Nature Reserve. Specific regulations apply.Avoid this hike during heatwaves and when there is heavy snow.Classified as difficult as a basic sense of direction is required.Warning: the Pla Guillem area is very hazardous in foggy conditions and it is often very cold there. The GPX track is essential: the weather changes very quickly.Outside the summer season, when the barrier is raised at the Forquets car park: you can start at (1). This saves 3 km on the return journey.