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.

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.

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).

First day of discovery: Two days of discovery at the Sant Guillem Refuge, with the climb to the Sant Guillem Refuge.Do not underestimate this day. The time indicated is accurate.From the La Llau hikers' car park, climb up to the Coll de la Rua.Continue along a small grassy track to the shelter and the Font del Brigadier.Then climb up a very steep path to La Soca.Next, head to Coll de l'Estanyol.Further on, begin a beautiful descent to the Sant Guillem refuge.Vast landscapes await you on this first day of your discovery hike.

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.

Hike in the Haut Vallespir along a small road, forest tracks and a PR® trail.Beautiful pastures, a sheepfold, the Refuge and Chapel of Sant-Guillem and an arboretum are on the programme.See the section "During the hike or nearby".This hike is the short version of my hike to the St-Guillem refuge via the Coll de Rua and 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.

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.

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.

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.

Hike in the heart of the Prats-de-Mollo - La Preste Nature Reserve at the foot of Costabonne.Passage on connecting paths between the grazing areas of this mountain.Possibility of shortening the hike depending on the time available. (!) Please note the GRP® detour.25 July 2025. From (14) to (S/E). Detour (risk of falling rocks) 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.

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).

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.