Vinça walks

A beautiful excursion in the Terres du Bas Conflent region, allowing you to discover four of its villages: Vinça, Finestret, Joch and Rigarda.

We are between the former kingdoms of Aragon and France, a superb circular hike of just over 17 km that will take you to two abandoned villages and up to Puig Pedros and its border marker. A region that is always sunny, with a splendid view of Mont Canigou through the fragrant maquis vegetation.

This is a hike that can be done even in winter and in the sunshine. We are in a region with a privileged climate. This easy circular hike of just over 8 km takes you through fragrant and colourful scrubland vegetation with the majestic Canigou massif as a backdrop.

Puig Pedrós is a classic hike in Rodès. We wanted to climb it via a path that is no longer used. It runs around the Vallagra Ravine. As it was poorly marked, if at all, we reopened the middle section of the path, before and after crossing the Còrrec de Vallagra, on the right and left banks (lots of brambles and Mediterranean vegetation). We crossed the stream (elevation 319) using tree trunks deposited by the recent floods. This part of the route is a bit adventurous and is intended for adventurers. The rest of the circular route is uneventful.The GPX track is highly recommended.

This is a short, easy loop that offers beautiful views.

This hike in the north-western sector of Rodès mainly follows little-used paths. This circular route sometimes requires walking on poorly marked paths overgrown with vegetation (trousers recommended), and sometimes on well-marked paths or tracks (but as little as possible, as we prefer the paths). The "common thread" of the day is the almost constant view of Canigou. Some parts are not easy to walk, so they are reserved for walkers who are not afraid to "wear out their shoes". Visorando app recommended.

With Rodès Castle and the Guillera Gorges to start the hike, the diversity of the next section offers spectacular heath and rock landscapes in the midst of a unique mineral environment. It feels like wandering through a world of giants who have placed rounded blocks of rock, forming piles of monumental boulders scattered among the broom and rockroses that dot the area.

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.

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.

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.

A beautiful heritage-filled family getaway that will allow you to discover the Priory of Marcevol, listed as a Historic Monument.

This hike is classified as difficult due to its length, a steep climb and the need for a good sense of direction. However, the route follows beautiful paths and tracks that are almost always uncovered. It is a discovery of a landscape that is still occupied by humans, goats and sheep. A mountain water catchment supplies water to the magnificent Catalan village of Eus.

A short walk around Montalba-le-Château to enjoy the diversity of the landscapes.

A lovely circular of two hours starting from Montalba-le-Château and passing through Puig Pedrous.

A surprising and pleasant hike on the Séquières Plateau, a former mixed farming area. See the highest point of the plateau, the medieval village of Séquières (its name could be translated as "the high rock") with its restored and inhabited sheepfolds, its castle (12th century), or rather a fortified house, with two strange pillars over 12 metres high nicknamed "les demoiselles" (the young ladies). Visit the ruins of the Romanesque church of Saint-Vincent (12th century). An easy hike.

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.

A walk beneath Canigou with views of the villages on the left bank of the Têt. You will pass a dolmen and the ruins of the church in the old village. No difficulty. Suitable in all seasons.

A little-visited but very pleasant area, in winter or early spring when the Canigou is covered in snow. The trail is mostly signposted and very well marked.

This hike takes place on paths that are rarely or never used. The route is enhanced by passing through various sites. This long hike ² should be avoided in hot weather despite the low vegetation cover.

Beautiful circular with views of Canigou and the valley. Don't miss the Saint-Jacques Chapel.

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

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.

This two-day hike, with an overnight stay at the Refuge des Cortalets, allows for one or more variations each day, depending on the weather or your needs. The hike is fully signposted. The suggested variations remain on signposted paths or tracks with no risk of getting lost. In addition, on thefirst day (upon arrival) or thesecond day (before descending),you can climb the Pic del Canigó (round trip from the refuge). Access is described at the beginning of the description for the first stage.

First stage of the Mas Malet loop to the Refuge des Cortalets. Ascent to Les Cortalets via little-used paths, marked with directional posts and in very good condition (as of July 2025). This is an alternative route through the forest, sheltered from the heat and, above all, with a steady climb and beautiful views. The only drawback is the access at the start via a very rough track that has been resurfaced (as of July 2025) up to Coll del Forn. After that, driving slowly, you can reach the car park without any problems. Obviously, a car with low ground clearance is likely to scrape.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

A beautiful hike in the forest with many different species of trees. A ridge trail from one pass to another. Fairly varied terrain offering beautiful views of Canigou, Tres Estelles and Madrès. A visit to the beautifully restored orri (stone hut) at Coll de Tuja and Clot de Baladres.