Sainte-Colombe-de-la-Commanderie walks

Starting from the village of Sainte-Colombe-de-la-Commanderie, we will take paths through the heath to Castenou, one of the most beautiful villages in France, then on to Roc Majorque with a 360° view of the Roussillon plain.

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.

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).

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.

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.

A superb getaway in the heart of Catalan heritage, punctuated by chapels, panoramic views and history.

You will cross dirt tracks and a few tarmaced sections, through vineyards, heath and olive groves... which will take you to Castell de Força Réal, at an altitude of 507 m... No particular difficulty apart from the climb up the north face to the observation post. Once at the top, enjoy a picnic and discover the breathtaking view of the Canigou massif and the Têt valley... You can even see the sea on a clear day. Return via some very pleasant paths...

The proposed hike takes you up to the ridge, where you can enjoy a superb panorama.Serrabona Abbey, on the route described, is well worth a visit. This site is in perfect condition and is currently being refurbished.An additional variation to this hike can be added, starting from Serrabone. *The hike will be moderately difficult (good sense of direction required) and will take an additional 1.5 hours.Please note: Observation on 14 January 2024: after (6), the track has been widened, the pastures cleared and wood cut. The original path is very difficult to follow: the markings and posts have disappeared! The GPX track is very useful from this point onwards.

From Saint-Jean-Pla-de-Corts, these two marked trails lead up to Vivès and then Llauro*. A beautiful hike on wide, comfortable paths and tracks, which can be split into two. The markings are visible in the direction described. The return from Llauro is along a ridge path and then, from ::12:, along a DFCI track. Not recommended for those who do not like wide tracks and paths. Fortunately, the landscape makes up for this monotony.

A pleasant walk for the whole family around the ponds. Water activities available in summer, tree-top adventure course, meeting place for anglers.

Hike to discover this low mountain range that was once exploited by humans. Numerous terraces bear witness to this past. Vines were cultivated here. Mechanisation marked the end of the exploitation of these wild and difficult-to-access areas. Yellow markings are virtually non-existent, and recent directional posts have been installed (observed at the end of January 2024). They are not really relevant. A GPX track is necessary on this route with its many paths.

Short hike with a slight incline on the first part of the route.

A short, easy family walk that takes you from the beautiful Pont du Diable bridge in Céret to the Château d'Aubiry and its grounds. The imposing Canigou massif dominates the Têt valley in the distance. The château was built by Jean Bardou (founder of the JOB brand) for one of his children.

A pleasant walk around the Villeneuve de la Raho lake with a semi-wild section where you can see a large number of birds.

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

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.

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.

A beautiful, steady climb to Coll de l'Espinassa (Espinàs). It is entirely possible to follow the track to the large picnic area in order to maintain a constant gradient.There are no fewer than six working fountains on the way to the pass (10). Then there is a very steep descent to the picnic area passed on the way there (6). And a pleasant return to the village.During the hike, sheltered from the tramontane wind, there are views of the Roussillon plain, Les Aspres and Canigou. The GPX track is necessary on this route given the paths taken, which are not necessarily maintained.It is possible to do this hike in the opposite direction, starting from the Trois Vents fountain (6), so that the return trip along the track is less steep. The aim of the hike is to reach the Coll de l'Espinàs (10), and the return journey can simply be made by the same route.

Before the current border was established, Roussillon was officially part of Spain between 1258 and 1659. Very few boundary markers from this original border remain. The trail allows you to discover three of them, as well as a cave and an ice well; it also offers superb views of the Pyrenees and the Corbières.

This circular route, marked in yellow, starts from the village of Belesta and climbs up to Pic d'Aubeil, then descends towards the sheepfold, the dolmen and finally the village.

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.

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.

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.

This route will take you via the Col de Llinas to Puig Sant Cristau and its chapel, offering magnificent 360° panoramic views.

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.

Circular hike with several passes and a ridge trail. From the Chapel of Sant Cristau and Puig d'Orella, two very beautiful 360° landscapes. See practical information. GPX track required.

A beautiful approach to Lake Caramany with views along the route.

The ascent to Puig Neulós will be via the ridge line from St-Martin de l'Albère (Sant Martí).The route then passes through the Tanyareda refuge, Spain and Coll de l'Ullat.Old marked and unmarked paths and theGR®®10are part of this beautiful hike.This hike can be a complementary variation of my hike: La Tanyareda.

This is an 8-shaped hike, which allows you to adapt it to suit your preferences. This hike uses both theGR®10and lesser-known paths. The France-Spain border ridge offers beautiful landscapes on both sides. Passage at Puig Neulós, Pou de Neu (Spain), Chalet de l'Albères (Coll de l'Ullat).