Top 5 hikes in the Pyrénées Orientales

Located between sea and mountains, the Pyrénées-Orientales are a perfect destination for sportsmen and nature lovers. Between a day of swimming, lazing around and nautical activities on the beaches of Argelès or Saint-Cyprien and visiting the palace of the kings of Majorca in Perpignan, go for a hike! For your camping trip in the Pyrénées Orientales, take a look at the 5 most beautiful hikes in the 66.

Sacred Mountain of the Catalans

The Canigou massif, in the heart of the Catalan Pyrenees regional natural park, is a great playground for walkers with its 750 km of marked trails. The length, height difference and duration vary according to the circuits. If you are a good, ambitious walker, set off on the Tour du Canigou! This 68 km loop is normally done over 5 days, with one day set aside for the ascent of the peak of Canigou (2,784 m). You will take part of the GR10 and find several refuges on your way to spend the night and recharge your batteries.

Gorges of Carança

This superb 18 km circuit will take you between the mountains, in fabulous gorges. With its 1,600 m of vertical drop, this hike is aimed at athletes (approximate duration: 9 hours). You will reach the heights at an altitude of more than 1,800 m to have a striking view of the Pyrenees peaks and cross footbridges. The route is signposted and starts in Canaveilles. Good road !

Coastal Path

The Coastal Path is another essential walk in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Thanks to its low drop, it is accessible to children and beginners, and its length can be adapted to your level. The circuit runs along the coast between Le Racou (south of Argelès-sur-Mer) and Port-Vendres, on the Côte Vermeille. Admire the wild coves, the royal castle of Collioure and the Fort Saint-Elme on the way, stop for a swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean. Do you see the Anse de Mauresque? Congratulations, you have reached the end of your 10 km hike (3 hours, yellow markings).

Carlit Lakes

This route of medium difficulty (12.5 km, 5 hours) will allow you to climb to the top of Carlit, the highest point in the Pyrénées-Orientales (over 2,600 m above sea level), from where you will have a panoramic view of its mountains. lakes. The circuit goes around the 5 lakes on the heights, and magnificent landscapes will be offered to you throughout your ride. If you are walking with children, you can just go around the lakes.

Tour del Far

By taking the trails of this circuit from Tautavel, 35 km from Perpignan, you will go back 450,000 years of history and follow in the footsteps of Neanderthals. The route is quite short (6.5 km, 2h30) and the height difference is rather low (400 m) compared to that of the other long hikes in the region. The Tautavel Prehistory Museum and the bee and honey ecomuseum will be your major cultural breaks.