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(S) Head due south, climbing up the mountain pasture opposite the Mariailles Refuge. A sign points the way: Canigou. Join the track leading to the Mariailles Refuge.
(1) Crossroads of tracks and paths. Turn left, heading due south, on level ground. Pass above the Forest House and the Pastoral Refuge on your left. Continue past a rest area on your left, with tables, wooden benches and a spring. Red and white markings forthe GR®®10andGR®®36can help guide you.
Cross the Llipodère stream via the wooden footbridge at an altitude of 1686m.
The path now climbs through the forest, heading due east. Ford the Ravin des Sept Hommes. Then head due north, following the path, which is very clearly marked on the ground.
You will reach an open area and the Col Vert, at an altitude of 1861m.
(2) Junction. Follow the red and white markings ofthe GR®®10,GR®®36and GRT83 straight ahead. Close the gates. The path now heads due east. Cross a few small streams, which are often dry. You will reach an open area where you will need to descend slightly. Ford the Rivière de Cady. Then head north-west uphill.
(3) Caution! Fork in the path. Turn right towards the Pic du Canigou. Leave theGR®®10route to Les Cortalets on your left. Leave the red and white markings. Continue climbing along a wide path clearly marked on the ground.
(4) Arrive at the Refuge Arago, fully restored (2123m). It is a magnificent and relaxing spot before continuing towards Canigou. Follow the few posts with yellow markings carefully. Do not try to cut across the hairpin bends. There is still a long way to go. Climb towards the numerous hairpin bends visible due north-east. Pass a fountain.
Continue the climb. Follow the yellow rectangular markings, which are now very prominent. Above all, do not follow the yellow arrows. Continue the climb, taking it at your own pace whilst carefully following the yellow rectangular markings. The path then heads due north and reaches a fork.
(5) Warning 2023: the climb up the chimney is no longer signposted due to various issues.
The ascent of the Cheminée is not recommended (or even prohibited) => continue straight ahead via the Crête du Barbet and head for the Cortalets refuge.
Head towards the peak, due north. Ignore the route towards the Porteille de Valmanya.
Note: During the hike, if the weather becomes very threatening, it is possible to reach Les Cortalets via the Porteilla de Valmanya, by following what is known as the "Crête du Barbet". A well-marked path leads you to Les Cortalets. However, in the event of a storm or fog, it is out of the question to walk there.
You will arrive at a place called “Brèche de Durier” (2,696 m). The climb up the chimney is about to begin.
Climb steadily, carefully following the yellow rectangular markings.
You arrive (or rather emerge) at the summit of Pic du Canigou (2,784m). It is a beautiful, very busy spot, where, despite all the hustle and bustle, it is possible to take some lovely photos.
(6) Summit of Canigou, where a huge scrap metal cross stands. It is a sacred site for the Catalans.
Then descend due north, continuing to follow the yellow markings and the various steel posts marked with altitude figures. You must descend along this ridge.
Reminder: if bad weather is forecast, do not linger at the summit.
Pass an open area called "La Porteille" (2601m). Continue the descent. Pass the altitude of 2461m.
Arrive at Pic de Joffre (2362m). Turn right, continuing to follow the yellow markings.
(7) Fork in the path. Turn right. Leave the path leading to the Refuge de Bonne Aigue on your left.
Follow the red and white markings again, which will lead to the Chalet des Cortalets.
Arrive at the Chalet des Cortalets (2150m). It is a magnificent spot, but very busy. The sunrises and sunsets are well worth watching (E).
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