Refuge de Sant-Guillem walks

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’

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.

Second stage of the clockwise Tour du Canigou in 8 days.A fairly long hike that starts with a descent.This route follows old paths connecting pastures and valleys.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.