Refuge des Cortalets walks

First stage of this two-day route around Pic du Canigou.

If there is one peak to climb in Catalonia, it is Canigou (the Catalan Olympus). Rising to 2,784.66 metres, it offers exceptional views from the summit, where there is an orientation table.

A very beautiful hike, the difficulty lies in its length. Passage through the chimney is visible as the yellow markings have been erased - path closed (not recommended). See practical information below.

Ascent to the Canigou massif from the west. Depart from the Mariailles refuge, following theGR®10to the Cortalets refuge. The next day, climb the peak then descend via the chimney and return via Pla de Cady to the Arago Refuge, before joining theGR®10and returning to Mariailles.

Variation of a mountain stage that is part of theGR®®36.This way of connecting the two refuges allows you to avoid the crowds. The path from the Cabane de Moura to Coll del Cavall Mort is quite challenging.Read practical information in case of bad weather.

This day is devoted to the ascent of Pic du Canigou from the Refuge des Cortalets, and the descent via the chimney to the Refuge Arago, then to Mariailles, the starting point of the hike.

This stage is the first part of a two-day circular around the Canigou Massif. This first stage takes you around the peak to the west, from the Mariailles Refuge to the Cortalets Refuge, via the Bonne Aigue Refuge. It's a good warm-up before the next day's climb.

This loop takes you to the Refuge des Cortalets (manned) at the foot of Canigou, passing by the Abri du Pinatell on the way there and the Refuge de Prat-Cabrera on the way back. This less frequented route is longer but gentler. The magnificent landscapes along the way are full of charm. The return, which is steeper, offers fewer views of the Canigou massif. We really enjoyed this version. From the Refuge des Cortalets, you can make a round trip to the summit of Canigou.

This two-day hike, with an overnight stay at the Refuge des Cortalets, allows for one or more variations each day, depending on the weather or your needs. The hike is fully signposted. The suggested variations remain on signposted paths or tracks with no risk of getting lost. In addition, on thefirst day (upon arrival) or thesecond day (before descending),you can climb the Pic del Canigó (round trip from the refuge). Access is described at the beginning of the description for the first stage.

Second stage of the Mas Malet loop to the Refuge des Cortalets. Return (descent) to Mas Malet via little-used paths, marked with directional posts (as of July 2025). Allow around 5 hours for the walk. The GPX track may prove very useful in places.Please note: classified as difficult, with a descent of over 1,500 m, but sheltered from the heat and offering beautiful views and refuges. The only drawback is undoubtedly the climb back up to follow the beautiful Chemin des Muletiers from La Mouline (15). There is an alternative route that avoids this by descending via the track. Another more radical alternative is to descend only via the track from (9) to (E).

First stage of the Mas Malet loop to the Refuge des Cortalets. Ascent to Les Cortalets via little-used paths, marked with directional posts and in very good condition (as of July 2025). This is an alternative route through the forest, sheltered from the heat and, above all, with a steady climb and beautiful views. The only drawback is the access at the start via a very rough track that has been resurfaced (as of July 2025) up to Coll del Forn. After that, driving slowly, you can reach the car park without any problems. Obviously, a car with low ground clearance is likely to scrape.