Crossing the Albères

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A three-day hike covering the first three sections ofthe GR®®10. An easy route with no major difficulties, except for the length of the stages, but with panoramic views to enjoy.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 63.10 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 3 days 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Difficult
  • ⚐
    Back to start: No
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 3,180 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 2,987 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 1,443 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 2 m

Stages of the route

This route needs several days, find the details below:

  1. S

    Banyuls-sur-Mer at the Col de l'Ullat

    ↔23.32 km ↗1,607 m ↘671 m
    First stage of this trek to Amélie-les-Bains. A big day awaits you, but you'll be rewarded with spectacular views. Thefirst morning is physically demanding, especially if it's hot in summer. You'll climb 1,000 metres in one go. The rest of the day is more relaxed, as you'll be on the ridge.
    View the route
  2. 2

    Col de l'Ullat à Las Illas

    ↔22.73 km ↗654 m ↘1,045 m
    Deuxième jour de la traversée des Albères. Étape plus tranquille avec du tourisme historique. Classée difficile à cause de la longueur mais le parcours ne présente pas de difficulté technique. En cas de doute suivre simplement le GR®10.
    View the route
  3. E

    Las Illas in Amélie-les-Bains

    ↔17.06 km ↗919 m ↘1,271 m
    Third day of this crossing of the Albères.This is the greenest part of the route as it is mainly through forest.You will pass by the highest point of Roc de France (Roca de Frausa) with a magnificent panorama over a large part of the Eastern Pyrenees and Canigou (Canigó).
    View the route

Notes

From Perpignan, take the bus to Banyuls-sur-Mer for €1 from the bus station next to the SNCF train station. The return journey will be by the same means between Amélie-les-Bains and Perpignan.

In summer, the heat can make this hike challenging, especially on the first section. The route will therefore involve looking for water sources. This is why my route may differ from that of the IGN map.

In addition, the HRP route sometimes offers a more interesting or shorter route than theGR®®10(days2 and3 ). You will therefore need both the IGN and OpenStreetMap hiking maps.

The stopping points are an inn for the first night and a stopover lodge for the second. Of course, there is also the option of camping nearby.

A hat and sun cream are essential, especially in summer, as exposure to the sun is strong.

This route passes through multiple protected areas, which may be subject to special regulations:

Worth a visit

Viewpoint over the Roussillon plain and the coast, whether rocky or sandy.
Crossing the Banyuls vineyards.

Visit to Fort Bellegarde in Le Perthus.

Arrival in Amélie-les-Bains, a spa town.

 Always be cautious and plan ahead when you're outdoors. Visorando and the author of this route cannot be held responsible for any accidents occurring on this route.

The GR® and PR® markings are the intellectual property of the Fédération Française de Randonnée Pédestre.

Reviews and comments

4 / 5
Based on 1 review
Reliability of the description
4 / 5
Ease of following the route
4 / 5
Route interest
4 / 5
franck_bolle
franck_bolle

Overall rating : 4 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 08, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : No

Hello, we did this hike from 6 to 8 November 2025. There was an orange weather alert on 6 November, so we stayed at the Albères chalet. The others were very kind to us. On the other days, we had a wonderful time and enjoyed the beautiful autumn scenery.
PS: on the third day, follow the yellow markings for a more enjoyable route over the ridges (Roc France).

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Randomarc
Randomarc

Yes. April is a good time to do this hike.
It's not too hot yet, the refuges and lodges are open, and there's no snow (maximum altitude 1,440 m).
What's more, the springs are sure to be active.

Contact details:
1. Auberge de l'Ouillat: 04 68 83 62 20
2. Lodge Les Illas: 07 76 09 65 81

Enjoy your walk.

Machine-translated

Zifeng
Zifeng

Hello,

Is April a good time to do this hike, say on 20 April? Are the lodges open? No snow?

Thank you!

Kind regards,

Zifeng

Machine-translated

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The GPS track and description are the property of this route's author. Please do not copy them without permission.