10 ideas for walks to discover in Cerdagne

The Sainte-Léocadie Pastoral Shelter

This 12.82km walk with a 514m ascent starts and finishes in Sainte-Léocadie, in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Classed as of medium difficulty, this hike is an excellent option for those looking to explore the communal forest and cultural heritage of the region.

The trail begins with a gradual climb through meadows and fields, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. You'll also pass through the village of Sainte-Léocadie, home to the Musée de Cerdagne and the highest vineyard in Europe. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and learn more about the region's history.

After leaving the village, the path takes you into the communal forest, where you can enjoy the tranquillity and natural beauty of the area. The path is well signposted and offers plenty of opportunities for picnic breaks in picturesque clearings.

The main objective of this hike is the Refuge Pastoral de Sainte-Léocadie, a stone shelter in the heart of the forest. The refuge is often used by local shepherds and offers excellent views of the valley below. It's an ideal place for a break, where you can sit back and enjoy the serenity of the surrounding nature.

The descent gives you one last chance to enjoy the panoramic views and local wildlife, including a variety of birds and, if you're lucky, a few wild animals such as deer and wild boar. The trail finally takes you back to your starting point, completing a rewarding and memorable day.

Refuge des Fornells and Roca de la Serp

This 8.27km loop hike with an ascent of 235m starts and finishes in Font-Romeu-Odeillo-Via, in the Pyrénées-Orientales. Classed as of medium difficulty, this hike is ideal for those looking to explore the surrounding forest and mountains.

The trail begins with a moderate climb through a forest of pines and firs, offering panoramic views of the mountains from Carlit to Canigou. Birdsong and the rustle of leaves underfoot add a sensory dimension to the experience.

After about an hour's walk, you'll reach the Refuge des Fornells, a rustic stone shelter often used as a stopover by hikers and shepherds. The refuge is an excellent place for a break, where you can enjoy a picnic while admiring the breathtaking views of the valley below.

The next stage of the hike takes you to the Roca de la Serp, an impressive rock formation offering excellent views of the area. The path up to the Roca de la Serp is a little more technical, with some rocky sections requiring a degree of caution.

After reaching the Roca de la Serp, the path gently descends through the forest, giving you one last chance to enjoy the serenity and beauty of this magnificent area. The trail finally takes you back to your starting point, completing a rewarding and memorable hike.

This hike is perfect for those looking to combine adventure and relaxation. The Refuge des Fornells and the Roca de la Serp offer unique opportunities to connect with nature, whether sitting quietly and admiring the view or exploring the surrounding rock formations and forests.

Nahuja Pastoral Refuge

This hike takes you through the heart of the Nahuja and Osseja forests, with the Nahuja Pastoral Refuge as its goal. With a distance of 13.88 km and an ascent of 504 m, this walk is classified as of medium difficulty. The starting point is Nahuja, a charming little village in the Pyrénées-Orientales.

The trail begins with a gentle climb through a dense forest of pines and oaks. The scent of conifers and birdsong accompany you throughout this first section. After around two hours' walking, you'll reach a plateau offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below.

The Refuge Pastoral de Nahuja is an idyllic spot for a break. This rustic refuge is often used by local shepherds and offers a fascinating insight into pastoral life in the Pyrenees. You can have a picnic or simply sit back and enjoy the tranquillity.

The second part of the walk takes you through alpine meadows and rocky areas, offering a variety of terrain and scenery. You'll also cross several streams and waterfalls, adding a refreshing touch to the experience.

Along the way, you'll come across three types of signposting: the yellow PR®, the red and white GR®36 and the red and yellow GRP® Tour de Cerdagne. These markings will guide you and ensure you stay on the right path.

The hike ends as you return to Nahuja, leaving you with a sense of achievement and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of this area. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, this walk offers a complete and rewarding experience, combining nature, culture and adventure.

Chapelle Saint-Martin d'Angoustrine via Abri de Nartigues

Starting from Angoustrine, this hike is an invitation to discover the Saint-Martin valley. With a distance of 10.02 km and a difference in altitude of 404 m, it is classified as being of medium difficulty. The starting point is Angoustrine-Villeneuve-des-Escaldes, a picturesque village in the Pyrénées-Orientales.

The trail begins with a gradual climb through dense forest, offering a peaceful and refreshing atmosphere. Hundred-year-old trees and lush vegetation create a green setting that envelops you along the way. Birdsong and rustling leaves add a melodic touch to this natural experience.

After about an hour's walk, you'll reach the Abri de Nartigues, a rustic refuge where you can take a break and enjoy the tranquillity. It's also an excellent spot from which to observe the local wildlife, particularly the deer and wild boar that frequent the area.

The rest of the route takes you to the Chapelle Saint-Martin, a small religious building nestling in the heart of the mountain. The chapel is a place of meditation and offers an exceptional panorama of the valley below and the surrounding peaks. It's the ideal place for a meditative pause or simply to admire the beauty of the landscape.

The descent to Angoustrine is just as enjoyable, with stunning mountain views and the chance to pick wild berries along the way. The hike ends where it began, at Angoustrine, leaving you with a sense of achievement and a host of unforgettable memories.

Gorges du Sègre

The Gorges du Sègre hike is an unforgettable experience for all nature lovers. With a distance of 6.12 km and a difference in altitude of 269 m, this hike is classified as easy and is therefore accessible to all levels of hiker. The starting point is Llo, a small village in the Pyrénées-Orientales.

Right from the start, the path plunges you into the Sègre gorges, a paradise for Via Ferrata climbers. The spectacular rock formations and tumultuous waters of the Sègre create a breathtaking landscape. The path is well signposted and safe, so even beginners can enjoy this adventure.

As you make your way along, you'll reach the crest of the Chapelle Sant Feliu, where a breathtaking panorama awaits you. The views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below are simply magnificent. It's the perfect place for a picnic break or simply to take some memorable photos.

But that's not all: the icing on the cake of this hike is the opportunity to bathe in hot water baths at the end of the route. After a day's walking, what could be better than relaxing in natural thermal waters? It's a truly unique experience that adds a touch of luxury to this hike.

The Gorges du Sègre are also an excellent choice for birdwatchers, as the area is home to a variety of bird species, including eagles and vultures. What's more, the surrounding flora is rich and diverse, with an abundance of Mediterranean and alpine plants.

In short, the Gorges du Sègre hike offers the perfect combination of natural scenery, adventure and relaxation. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, this walk will offer you a day full of discoveries and unforgettable moments.

Getaway to Espace Cambre d'Aze

This hike is a 6.71 km loop with a positive difference in altitude of 284 m, which classifies it as an easy to medium-level hike. The starting point is Eyne, a charming little town in the Pyrénées-Orientales. The Espace Cambre d'Aze is a mountainous area which also serves as a ski resort during the winter season.

The trail takes you through pine and fir forests, alpine meadows and rocky areas, offering a variety of landscapes to delight all types of walker. The trail is well signposted and offers many panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the valley below. It's an excellent choice for a family hike or for those looking for a shorter but equally rewarding hike.

One of the highlights of this walk is the opportunity to see a variety of flora and fauna. The meadows are often filled with wildflowers during the spring and summer months, and you may even spot marmots or chamois if you're lucky. The trail also passes close to several streams and waterfalls, offering opportunities to cool off in the warmer months.

In winter, this area turns into a popular ski resort, which means you can also enjoy this walk on snowshoes or cross-country skis. The trails are well groomed and offer a variety of difficulty levels, making it an excellent option for winter sports.

In short, the Escapade à l'Espace Cambre d'Aze is a versatile walk that offers something for everyone, whether you're a beginner or an experienced hiker, or whether you're looking to explore the region at any time of year. It's a great way to discover the natural beauty of the Catalan Pyrenees while enjoying an active day outdoors.

From Planès to Coll del Torn

This hike is an 18.56 km adventure with a positive difference in altitude of 761 m, which classifies it as a medium-level hike. The starting point is Planès, a small village in the Pyrénées-Orientales. This hike is the first stage of the Circuit du Capcir, a series of hikes that take you through various regions of the Catalan Pyrenees.

The trail takes you through dense forests, flower-filled meadows and mountain ridges, offering breathtaking panoramic views. The Coll del Torn is the highest point of the walk, offering breathtaking views of the valley below and the surrounding mountains. It's an ideal spot for a picnic break and a memorable photo opportunity.

One of the most interesting aspects of this walk is the chance to cross paths with the Train Jaune, a narrow-gauge train that runs through the region. The train is part of the industrial heritage of the Pyrénées-Orientales and adds a unique touch to the walking experience. You can even plan your walk to coincide with the passing of the train and take some spectacular photos.

The trail is well signposted and maintained, making it accessible even to less experienced hikers. However, because of the length and the gradient, it is advisable to be in good physical condition and to wear suitable hiking boots. Water points are available along the way, but it is advisable to bring enough water and food for the day.

This tour is an excellent option for those looking to explore the diverse landscapes of the Catalan Pyrenees, while enjoying a unique cultural experience on the Yellow Train.

Forest loop between the Col de Quillane and La Llagonne

The walk is a 16.38km loop with a positive gradient of 385m, putting it in the medium category. The starting point is La Llagonne, a charming commune in the Pyrénées-Orientales. The route is mainly through woodland, making it an ideal option for a shady hike in summer or a snowshoe hike in winter.

The trail takes you through dense, lush forest, with ancient trees and abundant wildlife. You may spot squirrels, birds and, if you're lucky, even deer. The trail is well signposted with information panels on the local flora and fauna, adding an educational dimension to the walk.

One of the highlights of this tour is the Voie Blanche, a free groomed trail that you will follow for part of the way. This trail is also accessible to cross-country skiers in winter, making it a versatile hike suitable for all seasons. The gradient is relatively low, making this walk accessible even to less experienced hikers.

If you wish to shorten the ride, shortcut options are available at points (3) and (10) of the route. This allows you to tailor the ride to your level of fitness and the time you have available. Overall, this walk offers a great escape into nature, with varied scenery and the chance to learn more about the local ecosystem.

The Lion's Loop in Llo

This hike is a 7.73km loop with a positive difference in altitude of 469m, classifying it as a medium-level hike. The starting point is the village of Llo in the Pyrénées-Orientales. The walk quickly takes you to higher ground, offering panoramic views of the Cerdagne.

One of the highlights of this walk is the Sant Féliu chapel, a small sanctuary perched on a hill. This chapel is not only a place of meditation, but also an excellent vantage point from which to look out over the valley. The trail then continues to the el Pla plateau, an open expanse where you might spot wild animals such as deer or marmots.

The walk is also rich in flora, with a variety of trees and plants that change as you gain altitude. Information boards along the way will help you identify the different species. The return journey takes you along a balcony forest track back to the Port de Llo and then to the village.

What makes this walk special is its blend of physical challenge and natural beauty. The views are breathtaking along the way, and the various points of interest make it a complete experience. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, this loop offers something for everyone.

Discover 5 villages from Bourg-Madame

This hike is a true cross-border adventure that takes you through five picturesque villages, including Bourg-Madame, Osséja, Palau de Cerdagne and two Spanish villages, Vilallobent and Age. The route is 9.93 km long and has a positive difference in altitude of 197 m, making it an accessible walk for all levels. The starting point is the hamlet of Hix, near Bourg-Madame.

What makes this ride unique is the diversity of landscapes and cultures you will encounter. You'll pass fields, forests and even rivers and lakes. Each village has its own charm and special features, from ancient churches and stone houses to local markets where you can sample regional produce.

One of the highlights of this walk is the chance to cross paths with the Train Jaune, part of the industrial heritage of the Pyrénées Orientales. This train, with its open carriages, offers another way of discovering the beauty of this region.

In short, this walk is more than just a physical exercise, it's a cultural and sensory experience that will give you a better understanding of the richness of the Cerdagne region.