Refuge des Cortalets walks

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

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.

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.

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.

The fourth stage highlights the ascent of Canigou. Please take note of the following warnings about this route: ''Info 2023: The route linking Pic du Canigó and passing through the chimney is no longer marked. The Conflent Canigó Tourist Office cannot provide information on its accessibility. It is strongly recommended that you take the Barbet ridges (PR®8) or the GR®10 if you are coming from the Mariailles refuge to reach the Cortalets refuge. In addition, please note: as climbing the peak is a high-altitude mountain activity, it is important to be prepared, informed and well equipped." See also this link

This is a 2- or 3-day hike, starting from Los Masos, the Cortalets Refuge, the Crêtes du Barbet, the Portella de Valmanya, the Brèche Durier, the Pic du Canigou, the Pic Joffre, and the Cortalets Refuge (where you can stop before descending to Los Masos).

Three-day circular hike starting from Casteil. It takes you up to Mariailles via an old water channel, up the Canigou via the chimney, and back to Casteil via pretty, uncrowded paths.

A challenging hike requiring good training and a high level of fitness to complete in a single day. An overnight stay at the Refuge des Cortalets is entirely possible. Plenty of attractions all along the way with ever-changing scenery (beautiful forests, mountain meadows, scree slopes, the summit of Canigou and the surrounding area, even in the distance). Best done in good weather to enjoy the beauty of nature.

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.

A 5-day route in the Catalan Pyrenees, offering the chance to explore the stunning Carença Gorges before finishing with an ascent of the Catalan giant: the Canigou.

Second stage of the Three Days on Canigou.From Mariailles to Les Cortalets via the Canigou Chimney.A fairly demanding stage due to the elevation gain and distance.⚠️ Passing through the Cheminée à Vue as the yellow markings have been erased – path closed (not recommended)See practical information below.⚠️ Works at the Cortalets refuge 2026, 2027, 2028. Renovation of the Cortalets refuge; Cortalets refuge closed for works

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.

Third stage of the Three Days at Canigou. A very pleasant return to the starting point of these three days via old, little-used paths. This hike is classified as difficult because it involves a 1,650-metre descent, with a steep slope over a little more than two kilometres. Allow at least five hours of walking.

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 is the continuation of the Pic du Canigou - Los Masos hike from the Refuge des Cortalets. It passes through the Crêtes du Barbet, the Portella de Vallmanya, the Brèche Durier, the Pic del Canigó, the Refuge des Cortalets and ends at Los Masos. Pass through the chimney as the yellow markings have been erased - path closed (not recommended). See practical information below.

The fifth and final stage takes you to the village of Fillols.

The legendary mountain of Roussillon has always held a great appeal for hikers. The Canigou fascinates some and frightens others. From the Refuge des Cortalets, the ascent is fairly easy. But starting from Vernet-les-Bains, at a lower altitude, this route is aimed at experienced hikers who are not put off by the elevation gain. The magnificent panorama from the summit and the subtle landscapes along the entire route reinforce, step by step, the pleasure of walking in these surroundings.

Sixth stage of the 8-day clockwise Tour du Canigou.A fairly long, undulating stage.The path is mostly on a ridge.The day ends with a difficult climb from the Bonne Aigue refuge. ⚠️ Renovation work at the Cortalets Refuge in 2026, 2027 and 2028. The Cortalets Refuge is closed for renovation work.

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 alternative routes each day, depending on the weather or your needs. The route is fully signposted. The suggested alternatives stay on the signposted paths or tracks, so there is no risk of getting lost. In addition, on thefirst day (upon arrival) or thesecond day (before descending): the ascent of Pic del Canigó (a round trip from the refuge). Access details are provided at the start of the description for the first stage. ⚠️ Works at the Cortalets refuge in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Renovation of the Cortalets refuge; the Cortalets refuge is closed for works.

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 circular route from Mas Malet to the Refuge des Cortalets. Ascent to Les Cortalets via little-used paths, marked with directional posts that are present and in very good condition (as of July 2025). This is an alternative route through the forest, sheltered from the intense heat, and above all featuring a steady climb with beautiful views. The only drawback is the access to the start via a recently resurfaced track suitable for vehicles (as of July 2025) up to Coll del Forn. After that, driving carefully, you’ll reach the car park without any trouble. It’s clear that a very low-slung car risks scraping the ground. ⚠️ Works at the Cortalets refuge in 2026, 2027 and 2028. Renovation of the Cortalets refuge; Cortalets refuge closed for works