Saint-Marsal walks

Passes, open-cast mines at Els Menerots, old miners' buildings, roasting oven, hoppers, old mining railway, wagons, tunnel, and finally, Roman road, snow well. All these curiosities punctuate this beautiful and unusual route in this Catalan massif, long exploited for its iron ore. This route consists of a few roads and tracks. The markings are in good condition, but the GPX track will be a real bonus in places, despite the accurate IGN map.

This is a beautiful round-trip hike that can be done in summer as it takes place mostly in the woods and on the northern slope for the most part. The trail markings, which were recently redone (PR® Yellow), make it easy to follow the path from Taulis to the Col de Formentera. The Tour de Batère, at the end of the hike, crowns the outing with beautiful 360° views.

This walk connects the village of Taulis directly to the Coll de Formentera, from where you can set off on several other walks. Please note that this is a new route currently being signposted, most of which does not appear on the various base maps.

A beautiful hike in the open air with the aim of climbing Santa Anna dels Quatre Termes. First, a climb to Coll Palomeres, then a very beautiful ridge path to reach Creu del Turon (crossroads on the hill). Then a steep climb to reach the ruins of the chapel located on the cadastral boundary of four municipalities (hence its name). The return via the Chemin Rural from Creu d'en Turon is very interesting. Marked path on private property: please respect the areas you pass through and close gates and fences behind you.

An exceptional heritage walk at one of the major sites of the Canigou iron mines, which is also a key site commemorating the Resistance. Once at the site, heritage signage provides an insight into the area’s rich history.

A very beautiful hike with views of the eastern slope of the Canigou Massif and a visit to the Pinosa mining site (a listed historic monument) which bears witness to the work and living conditions of miners in the 19th and 20th centuries. A beautiful 360° panorama at the summit of Pic de l'Estelle over the Corbières to the north, the sea and the Albères to the east, Spain to the south and the slopes of Canigou to the west. The Batère Tower on the descent from the peak is reminiscent of the system of signal towers erected in the Middle Ages, which formed a communication network: at night using fires and during the day using smoke.

A superb heritage trail starting from Coll Palomeres, plunging into the heart of the industrial golden age of the Pyrénées-Orientales. The route passes through ancient mining ruins, evidence of a rich past, before reaching the imposing Tour de Batère, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

A lovely walk exploring the mining history of the Vallespir. A long railway line once ran here at an altitude of 1,200 metres.A good sense of direction and the GPX track may prove useful in some places: there are many crossroads and junctions. Allow around 7 hours to enjoy these surroundings.Please stay on the marked and safe paths.It’s easy to imagine what working conditions must have been like; winters weren’t always as mild as they are today.Some truly beautiful scenery.

The suggested walk takes you up to the ridge, where you can enjoy a superb panoramic view.Serrabona Abbey, on the route described, is well worth a visit. This site, which is in excellent condition, is currently being refurbished.An additional route starting from Serrabona can be added to this hike. *The walk will be moderately difficult (sense of direction required) and will take an extra hour and a half.Please note. Observed on 14 January 2024: after the (6), the track has been widened, the pastures cleared, and trees felled. The original path is very difficult to follow: the markings and posts have disappeared! The GPX track is very useful from this point onwards.

A short, easy walk offering beautiful views of the eastern face of the Canigou massif from the Tour de Batère. You can also see the seaside resorts of Argelès-sur-Mer and others as you head north along the coast.

Starting from the town hall in Caixas, the ascent of Mont Helena, the highest point in the area, offers a few surprises in terms of heritage and botany. And above all, an extraordinary panorama of the Roussillon.

The aim is to follow the pretty Pla Mitjà ridge, then take the sloping path beneath Puig dels Becis to reach Ras de Prat Cabrera. Do not underestimate the long descent through the Bosc de Patriques, which is a classic route in this part of the Canigou. Much of the outward route is open and offers beautiful views.Classified as difficult due to the section from (7) to (9), which is completely out of the questionin even moderate snow: a steep slope with absolutely no room for error. The descent through the woods from (10) to (14) is no walk in the park.

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.

Mostly a hike through the woods, on a path that climbs up the mountainside through holm oaks and cork oaks, pleasant in fine weather. Several viewpoints over the Tech valley and Canigou and river crossings. A fairly impressive cornice passage (not recommended for those who suffer from vertigo). Crossing the Bas Vallespir State Forest. Several farmhouses (ruins) and dry stone walls bear witness to the fact that man has cultivated and lived in these places.

A very beautiful but challenging hike (steep ascents and descents) featuring the Anciennes Mines de la Pinosa, the small pass of Pei, the Puig Sant Pere, the Coll de Cirera, the Balcon du Canigou path (GR®10) and the Maison Forestière de l'Estanyol. Then a steep descent to reach the car park at Valmanya. This hike can be done in either direction, with the highest point being halfway along the route.

This is the easiest way to climb Pic Gallinàs from the Batère refuge. Please note that this is a fairly challenging hike with over 1,000 metres of elevation gain over 4.5 km. The path is clearly marked. The 360° view from the summit offers a stunning panorama of the Catalan mountain ranges.

A very beautiful hike offering access to the Batère tower via a little-known path. Discover the Jacouty Station, the Dolmen, the Palet de Rotllan, the Coll Bufador, the Torre de Batera, the Coll de la Descarga and the Refuge des Vigourats. This hike is classified as very difficult, as although it is largely signposted, it requires a good sense of direction and observation during part of the ascent.

This circular route goes around the ridges of the Serrabone priory in the Eastern Pyrenees. Starting from the priory, the trail climbs to the right towards the ridges, then follows them before descending back to the priory. Landscape of moorland and heath in the mid-mountains. The hike can be continued with a visit to the Serrabone priory in the commune of Boule d'Amont.

A beautiful hike, with a significant section along the ridge, which requires the use of a GPS or the Visorando app. Take care on the steep descent between (6) and (7). Hike classified as difficult (no signposting, sense of direction). Early January 2024: path blocked from the Coll de les Arques. Then, after the Coll de Saleig, tree felling, pasture clearing and track widening have removed all the markings and directional signs! At Coll de l’Aspic: a large area has been cleared and widened! So no more markings; the only landmark is the old blue van at this pass. The landscape, stretching as far as the eye can see, remains as beautiful as ever. You should allow around 5 hours to complete this circular route, including breaks and trips to the viewpoints. The .gpx track may prove useful at the start of the route from (2) to (6), and from (13) to (14).

This route will allow you to explore the surroundings of Amélie-les-Bains, namely Montbolo, where there is an orientation table, and Palalda, a village with a medieval feel.

Glorianes is a small village in the Conflent region, tucked away in the mountains, and the road ends here. This fairly strenuous hike will take us to a summer pasture, with the Canigou range, Vinca and its lake as a backdrop; Glorianes is known for its old gold mines.

Partly open hike with views of the mountains.This hike is classified as difficult because there are few markings on the climb to the old mining station.The descent is easier thanks to the red and yellow markings to Montbolo, then yellow.Accessible by public transport, see practical information.GPX track required in some places. (!) Please note: on 27 February 2026, I was informed that the trail is impassable from (6) to (7) due to numerous large fallen trees entangled in this part of the forest.First option: go directly from (6) to (10) via the track and possibly make a return trip to (8) in Formentera via (9). Option2: go directly from (6) to (10) via the track and continue the route towards (11), etc., without going to Formentera.

This hike takes place in the woods, but offers beautiful views of the Vallespir (Roc Saint-Sauveur) and Canigou. Avoid when it is too hot.

From La Farga de Baillestavy (Vallestàvia), almost the entire climb to Valmanya (Vallmanya) is on theGR®36. The return journey is partly on aPR® and then on theGRP® Ronde du Canigou (Ronda del Canigó). The return journey has a few ascents and descents. Don't hesitate to visit these two typical Catalan villages with their rich history.

A lovely walk through the woods, very pleasant in autumn with its many colours. At the pass, there is a view of Canigou.

From Los Masos de Valmanya, a pleasant, steady climb leads to the Abri Pinatell.Then the famous Chemin du Canigou leads to Ras de Prat Cabrera.⚠️ This route should be undertaken when there is no snow or black ice (¹)From this beautiful spot, after the track, the steep descent through the Bosc de Patriques takes you back to Los Masos.

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.

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.

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

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).

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.

This is a challenging hike due to the elevation gain and short distance. This hike is only suitable for people who are used to walking off the beaten track. The scenery is spectacular, as numerous gaps in the fairly low vegetation offer views of the surrounding wooded mountains. In addition, the border ridge is clearly visible throughout the ascent. The Roc de France is in sight. The return journey is via stage 39 of the Haute Route Pyrénéenne.

This is a pleasant circular route that allows you to discover the beautiful village of Corsavy and walk through a magnificent boxwood forest, where the sun hardly penetrates. The moss growing on the trunks and branches of the trees gives the forest a strange and mysterious character. The elevation gain is relatively low, but be careful, as at times the path is quite difficult to see and you need to pay close attention, especially if you don't have a GPS signal to follow the trail.

This hike will introduce you to built heritage, remarkable places and unmarked paths. The numerous terraces still present on the southern slope prove that human activity was significant. This hike requires a minimum sense of direction. The GPX track is necessary from (7) to (10). This 11 km hike with an elevation gain of 905 m is very steep (see elevation diagram).

Magnificent restored chapel and hike through the woods.

A challenging hike, given the distance in relation to the elevation gain. This climb is also known as ‘the vertical kilometre’. Because it’s a 1km climb over 4.8km. However, when done in the direction described, the climb is more gradual. Accessible by public transport; see practical information.

An easy hike through the woods on good paths, mostly signposted, which will take you to the remains of the old talc mine.

The hike is mainly on beautiful trails, mostly wooded and dotted with various information panels. There are many beautiful landscapes. Unfortunately, two chapels are closed along the route (20 April 2023), but there is an old well and an information panel explaining how the forest landscape is maintained through traditional pastoral farming.This hike is called the Iron Trail, used by the Romans to transport iron from the Batère mines. It passes through the pretty hamlet of Els Hostalets.This hike can be done by mountain bike.

A lovely walk through the woods, best enjoyed in autumn due to the varied, colourful vegetation and beautiful views of the foothills of Canigou.

Circular walk. The first section takes you to a former grazing area. A still-standing orri, a large hut with a vaulted dry-stone roof and a newer, comfortable hut in very good condition are on the itinerary. The second section follows a path climbing along a ridge. The final part of the hike, along the track, offers a comfortable descent. Beautiful scenery accessible throughout the day. This walk is largely signposted. Please note that after heavy rain or at the end of winter, from the hut, it will probably be necessary to return to the (5) and continue along theGRP® to cross the Riu Ferrer.

A short walk around the Chapel and the Mas de Sant-Pau. Beautiful panoramic views of Reynes and Céret. First part along the tarmac road (very little traffic) then along the paths.

This is a pleasant route in the foothills of Vallespir, above Reynes, where you can enjoy the scent and colour of the mimosas in mid-February and the cork oak forests (suberaies). There are several viewpoints offering views of the Sant-Ferriol Chapel, the town of Céret, the Tech Valley and the Canigou Massif.

Another way to climb La Souque (La Soca).Pass through Castell de Mollet, then climb the steep path to the summit, marked by a flagpole flying the Catalan flag, with a 360° view. On the way back, pass by the Brigader shelter and fountain (which has been dry for a long time).This circular double hike takes place on beautiful paths, recalibrated tracks and old small tracks.The beautiful landscapes, occasional wildlife and cows (in summer) are a reward in themselves.There are beautiful spots that are perfect for restorative breaks. Allow at least 6 hours for the hike.The hike is classified as moderate, but beware of the steep slope of the (11) at the summit (13).

A beautiful heritage getaway in the heart of the Aspres. However, pay attention to strategic points as this is an unmarked hike. The starting point is at the car park (unfortunately subject to a charge) of the Sainte-Marie du Mercadal Church (listed as a Historic Monument).

This loop offers breathtaking views of the castle and village of Castelnou from Roc de Majorque. It was from this highest point that several destructive attacks were launched on the castle.

This is a very difficult hike due to the steep incline on certain sections.Passage through Collada Sant Marti, Roc de la Sentinella, and Coll de la Dona Morta.A good sense of direction and the GPX track are essential. But your efforts will be rewarded by the magnificent scenery.NOTE: the final ascent of Roc Salvador is reserved for experienced hikers who are not prone to vertigo.Shortcut possible from Coll Cerdà ⁴. The climb to Roc can be avoided ².

A very beautiful circular with a variety of trails. An exceptional view from the rock over Roussillon, the Canigou massif and Spain. The hike is particularly technical with many difficult passages. You must pay close attention to the trail. Access to the peak itself is reserved for experienced hikers: there is a 5-metre descent that is extremely difficult to navigate without a rope. With these warnings in mind, this is one of the most beautiful hikes in Vallespir.Visorando app recommended.

A beautiful half-day circular hike from this village.The climb is via the Way of the Cross to the large Croix de Joch.The return journey is via the very pretty balcony path that connects Joch (Jóc) to Baillestavy (Vallestàvia).A variant towards the canal is now accessible from wp (11).See practical information before setting out on this hike.

This walk takes about an hour and a half to two hours including time to explore the castle. The way up is fairly steep but should be fine for people who are moderately fit.

A pleasant walk that gets a little challenging towards the end. This section will allow you to discover three villages in Bas Conflent: Espira-de-Conflent, Estoher and Finistret.

In the first part of the hike from Finestret to Pic des Maurous, the climb from the point (1) is quite demanding. The steep slope throughout this section requires a good level of fitness. It offers beautiful views of the north and east of the area, from the Madres Massif to the sea, passing through the plain and its villages, the Fenouillèdes and the Corbières in the distance. The GPX track can be very useful.

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.

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.

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.