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From Perpignan, head towards Argelès-sur-Mer and continue to Banyuls-sur-Mer. Opposite the beach, in the semi-pedestrianised area, turn right towards the gendarmerie via Avenue Général de Gaulle.
Parking is no longer free during the summer. Alternatively, there is a small car park across the scrap metal bridge at La Baillary and to the right below, or continue along Route du Coll de Banyuls and park on the left in the picnic area, or on the D86 and park at Carrefour Market.
(S/E) From the car park, head towards the sea via Avenue du Général de Gaulle. Cross the roundabout opposite the beach using the various pedestrian crossings.
Yellow markings
(1) Continue right on the pedestrian promenade towards Cerbère, with the sea on your left.
Pass the modern brown monument on your right on the other pavement, then turn left along the port area towards a jetty.
Do not go through the gates or head downhill (yellow cross markings).
(2) Turn right and go uphill. This is the start of the coastal path. Join the Route de Cerbère and follow it, turning left after 30 metres once you have crossed at the pedestrian crossing. Walk on the right-hand side of the road. At the roundabout, continue to the right, heading south. At the next junction, after a left-hand bend, cross at the pedestrian crossing and continue on the left-hand side of the road. You will need to leave the road at the next right-hand bend.
(3) Leave the road. Descend to the left towards the cove.
You will need to follow the coastal path carefully, without trying to cut across the bends.
Please respect this fragile coastline, which has been preserved from development. Enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The path curves to the left and heads north towards a cistern. Simply continue following the yellow wooden posts. The path then climbs one last time as it approaches the Route de Cerbère. You will have climbed 300 metres since leaving Banyuls, with all these ascents and descents.
End of yellow markings and the Sentier du Littoral.
(4) Turn right and walk 250 m along the road on the right-hand side behind the concrete rail running alongside the road.
Please note: this route is now mandatory due to the widening of the road, which has swallowed up the old access to the path that was opposite the bend in the road.
(5) Cross the road carefully and turn left onto the old track.
At the fork, continue left, climbing towards the antenna, which you must go around on the right.
(6) Coll de Gran Bau. Large open area and crossroads with a small tarmac road, track and path.
Head left for a few metres along the road. Then climb right up a steep, well-marked ridge path.
This beautiful path overlooks the road. It is bordered by a very long stone wall. The view is 360°. The path turns south-west and descends towards a small pass. Directional sign with notes.
Yellow markings until the end.
(7) At Coll de la Creu (Col de la Croix), continue straight ahead, heading south-west, along the same path, which continues to climb steeply along the ridge and turns south. Aim for the very large EDF steel pylon of the high-voltage power line.
(8) At the pylon, turn right, heading southwest, onto a track suitable for vehicles. Continue along this track without turning left towards the Puig Joan antennas or left towards the scrap metal watchtower (fire).
The track then descends slightly towards a large area where there is a green firefighting tank.
(9) At Coll de Cervera (Col de Cerbère), leave the tracks. Follow the yellow markings straight ahead, along the ridge, climbing steeply through low vegetation, still heading southwest. Continue along this ridge on a good path that is sometimes difficult and steep.
The path levels out in the last 150 metres before reaching a large explanatory sign made of scrap metal, then the highest point of the hike.
(10) Torre de Querroig (Querroig Tower). Ruins of the tower and castle. A beautiful spot for a well-deserved break. 360° view of France and Spain, plus all the peaks and mountain ranges to the west.
"You have to think about the rest of this hike."
Continue south-west, still on the ridge.
Please note: the start from the tower is quite steep and rugged. Reach a first small pass where there is another scrap metal information panel and a signpost. Continue straight ahead along the ridge.
Leave the path leading to Cerbère on your left.
Reach another larger pass where there is an information panel about Walter Benjamin's journey and life.
(11) At Coll de Rumpissar, there is a signpost. Turn right onto the famous Walter Benjamin Trail, descending north and then quickly north-east. The trail is below the Serrat del Fitó ridge.
It eventually opens out into a clear area with a splendid view.
(12) Continue to the right, north-east, along the same path, which is well marked on the ground.
Leave the poorly marked path that branches off to the left.
You will arrive at the Fontaine del Bana. Continue straight ahead along the flat track between abandoned vineyards (27 February 2020). Go around a bend to the left, then one to the right, and leave the track at around 345 m to take a ridge path to the left. Continue to follow the yellow markings and the Chemin Walter Benjamin.
Pass under the high-voltage line at a large EDF steel pylon. Continue by simply following the yellow markings.
(13) Please note: when you reach two parallel tracks, you will need to leave them and turn left, descending steeply down a ravined path.
(14) At Coll del Bast, a crossroads of small roads and tracks. Continue straight ahead, north-east, along the small road.
After 2.1 km on this small road, you will come to a right-angle bend at the foot of the hamlet.
(15) Continue straight ahead, crossing a ford that is often dry, then climb up towards the hamlet via a path that ends in a concrete staircase. Cross the car park and, at the bus shelter, descend to the right along Avenue Pierre de Marca. Cross the Baillaury (Ribera de Vaillauria) via the road bridge equipped with a secure footpath on the right.
(16) Turn right along the river on your right and head towards the car park (S/E).
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Very difficult 
Moderate 
