24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List
Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 6 nights in 2-3 star hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse
Meals
  • 1 Dinner
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

$1490USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: JCS

Trip highlights


  • Walking in the French Pyrenees with a taste of Spain
  • Hiking from High Mountain Cols to Lush Green Valleys
  • Fortified Walled Towns and Castles
  • A One-Night Stop in Spain

This is a series of walks that link the mountains with the sea. They start in La Preste, the highest village of the Haute Vallespir valley, high on the frontier between France and Spain. Each day you will be walking a little further eastwards, sometimes assisted by a strategic taxi transfer, to get a little nearer to the "Big Blue", as the Mediterranean is called in these parts. The route follows a series of waymarked paths across the mountainsides through the heavily scented maquis and visiting some historic towns on the way to the port and beautiful town of Collioure. On your way you will be able to sample the wines of Roussillon, delicious local honeys, and the Catalan cuisine.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

La Preste Les Bains is the highest village of the Haut Vallespir Valley high on the frontier between France and Spain. This small hamlet has a large Spa so if you wish to relax in thermal baths or treat yourself to some pampering then plan to arrive early. Accommodation: Locally run 3* hotel with views down the valley. The cosy rooms are all ensuite. The hotel has a panoramic conservatory, lounge.

Meals:  Nil

From La Preste (1000m) make your way up the forested slopes of the Haut Vallespir Valley on well graded paths, to the Col de Siern (1629m) on the Franco-Spanish frontier, with fine views west to the Pic de Costabonne (2465m). We descend on the Spanish side and follow the Rio Ritort Valley down to the Spanish village of Mollo (1182m). Note that baggage is not moved to this location, so you need to carry overnight items. Accommodation: Our usual accommodation is a 3* hotel in a typical Spanish mountain village with views over the Pyrenean foothills and with Catalan and International food. All rooms are ensuite and there is a swimming pool.

Meals:  B,D

We recommend an early start to allow more time to explore Prats-de-Mollo at the end of your day. From Mollo you take a more easterly route to return to France, following the Torrente de Fabert to recross the frontier at Collado des Prats (1596m). Here you descend a ridge between forested ravines to Prats de Mollo. This is the birthplace of Catalan resistance. Clinging to the southern slopes of Mount Canigou, this 1,000-year old town, with its picturesque old quarter and architecture by Vauban, has retained its original charm. The ramparts, the Gothic church with its Baroque altar, the old medieval quarter, Fort Lagarde and the nature reserve bear witness to its rich heritage. You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around and walking up to the fort. Accommodation: A charming guesthouse with a lounge, a large terrace and views of the hills, on the outskirts of the fortified town. All rooms are ensuite.

Meals:  B

Start the day with a road transfer (included) to a farm, Pla Boula (900m), high up on the south flank of the Vallespir. A fine ridge walk takes you via Serre de la Garsa (1212m) to Pilon de Belmatx (1280m). At Col des Paracolls (902m) join the GR10 coast-to coast Pyrenean long distance trail to start the descent to Amelie-les-Bains (220m). Accommodation: A former chateau by the river, converted into a 3* Appart' hotel with ensuite facilities. It is located 10 minute walk from the town centre, shops, restaurants and cafes.

Meals:  B

A short road transfer (included) to Chapelle St Paul, followed by a walk via the famous Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge) over the River Tech and up to the Ermitage St Ferreol. Then a traverse to the tiny village of Vives and the viewpoint of Puig Sangli (209m) and down to Le Boulou. Accommodation: Our 2* hotel is on the edge of the town, at the foot of the Alberes mountains. All rooms are ensuite. There is a small fitness room and an outdoor swimming pool.

Meals:  B

Take a taxi transfer (included) via the border town of Le Perthus to join the GR10 at Coll de L'Ullat at 930m. The route starts with a steep climb bringing sweeping views to the west. Forest paths reach the border ridge at 1130m with views to the coast and the summit of Puig Neulos, which is reached by an open ridge walk. The views are magnificent to the mountains and the Mediterranean. Descend to the ancient walled village of Laroque-des-Alberes for refreshment and a taxi transfer (included) to Collioure. Accommodation: for two nights, you stay in a 2* hotel furnished in Catalan style. It overlooks the harbour and the citadel of this picturesque town, which has long attracted artists. All the rooms have ensuite facilities. There are numerous good restaurants in the town and along the waterfront to sample the local cuisine.

Meals:  B

Pack your swimming costume and towel for today. Walk up from Collioure (sea level) to Tour Madeloc (656m), then descend to Col des Gascons and follow the GR10 long distance trail among vines to down Banyuls. Explore Banyuls, take a swim or try some of the local wines. Catch the train back to Collioure for your last night accommodation.

Meals:  B

Depart Collioure after breakfast.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 7 breakfasts, 1 dinner
  • 7 nights accommodation in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
  • Luggage transfer except on Day 2, when you walk into Spain
  • Information pack including route notes & maps
  • Emergency hotline
  • Taxis transfers on Days 4, 5 and 6

  • 6 dinners, all lunches & beverages
  • Entrance fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Excess Luggage

Grading

moderate  

This walk is best described as moderate but should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking. Day stages: All of the day stages are 4-6 hours of actual walking. An overnight change of clothes also has to be carried on two days because one hotel is too far by road to transport baggage.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 May to 23 Oct

Notes

H
High Season
S
Surcharge
Note:
High season is from 9 June - 9 Sep. A supplement applies when travelling in the high season.
NB:
Please note that minor changes to your 2024 itinerary may apply.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1490USD

Options & Supplements*
  • High Season Single SupplementUSD$140
  • High Season Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$140
  • Single Room SupplementUSD$380
  • Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$700
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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