The most beautiful hikes to do in the Pyrénées-Orientales

Climb to the Madeloc Tower or the Massane Tower

Saint-Cyprien is a commune that combines all the ingredients for

Meet two watchtowers, which overlook the Vermeille coast, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea and the Roussillon region.
To reach the Madeloc Tower, you can choose between several paths. From the place called Les Casernes-de-Gauche, it takes about 45 minutes to reach the summit. This 4 km hike (round trip) is accessible to all. There is a more difficult itinerary starting from the Col des Gascons, near Banyuls-sur-Mer, which takes 3 hours.
From the harbour master’s office in Collioure, you can also enjoy a beautiful 7-hour hike on a 15 km trail.

To reach the Tour de Massane, another medieval tower, there are several departures. You can start from Valmy and do a 14 km loop (5 hr walk), or from Lavall for a 6 km walk, accessible in 3 hr.

Level : Easy to Difficult (depending on the trail chosen)

Meet the ponds of Mont Carlit

Discover during this hike in the extraordinary mountain scenery, nine ponds of altitude, in the heart of the natural site of Bouillouses. Starting from the parking lot of the Bouillouses Lake, count 2 hours of walking to make this circuit.
There is a 3.5 hour variant, which allows you to walk around the 12 ponds (10 km).

To know:
Level : easy
Length: 7.6 km

Stroll along the coastal path

The coastal path offers a magnificent panorama of the Vermeille coast and its preserved creeks. With a total length of 32 km, this trail connects Argelès-sur-Mer to Cerbère. We advise you to walk the 10 km from Argelès-sur-Mer to Port-Vendres, to discover the beautiful village of Collioure.
The trail is accessible to all. Ideal for a family outing!

To know:
Level : easy
Length : 32 km maximum

Enjoy the coolness of the English waterfall

Starting from Vernet-les-bains, this hike, accessible to children, takes you to the discovery of two waterfalls: the Saint-Vincent waterfall and the English waterfall. This hike is ideal during the summer to enjoy the cooler weather. Throughout your walk, you will be accompanied by the river of Saint-Vincent.
Count 2 h 30 of walk to go and back.

To know:
Level : easy
Length: 6.7 km
Trail closed from October to April

Discover the magical setting of the Carança gorges

Located near Villefranche-de-Conflent, in the village of Thuès-Entre-Valls, the Carança gorges reveal a breathtaking rocky scenery. During this original hike, pass by vertiginous ledges, a suspension bridge, or enjoy the coolness of the forest.
From the parking lot, there are several hikes lasting from 1 hour to 5 hours for some!

To know:
Level : medium
not recommended for people with vertigo
not recommended for young children
impassable on a rainy day

Launch yourself in the ascent of the Pic du Canigou

The Pic du Canigou (2783 m), considered the sacred mountain of the Catalans, is accessible after 2 days of walking. On the first day, go to one of the refuges such as Mariailles or Cortalets, to spend the night. The next day, climb to the top to enjoy a magical view of the Pyrenees.

To know:
Level : Difficult
Bivouac tolerated