What are the most beautiful hikes to do in the Pyrenees-Orientales? In this article, we present you the little pepits of the region, to walk between sea and mountain!
Located south of Occitania, Roussillon is home to diverse and wild landscapes. From the sacred Catalan mountains to the coastal path, to the Carlit massif... Escape opportunities are not missing!
But what are the best hiking sites in the Pyrenees-Orientales? Which paths are taken according to its level? They tell you everything in this article!
1. Mount Carlit and its ponds

Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration 5:30
- Distance 13.4 km
- Denivelé 885 m
- Difficulty : Difficult
- See the hiking trail
It is probably the most famous hike in the Pyrenees-Orientales. It trains you at the top of the Carlit peak, which dominates the region with its 2 921 meters above sea level .
Up there, the view is simply breathtaking. You can see the tops of Andorra , the Canigou and the Maladeta massif. You will also cross several ponds on your road.
This hike offers a remarkable panorama, and this, without great difficulty. On the other hand, she's very busy!
2. The Massane Tower

Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration : 4h45
- Distance 12.1 km
- Denivelé 759 m
- Difficulty : Difficult
- See the hiking trail
If this hike in the Pyrenees-Orientales is so crowded, it gives access to an incredible view of the Roussillon plain and the Vermeille coast.
All along, the trail is well marked. On the other hand, the first section is stiff enough . Plan good walking shoes and What you're unaltering .
If you don’t like to cross the world on a rando, preferably start off-season . You'll be quieter!
- Lakes and summits of the eastern Pyrenees in the ski resort
3. The Gorges de la Carança

Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration : about 7am
- Distance 17.7 km
- Denivelé 1 144 m
- Difficulty : Difficult
- See the hiking trail
The hikers looking for a challenge will be able to explore the Carança Gorges. Enjoy and windy, they are home to extraordinary landscapes.
But they only reveal themselves to the bravest of you... It’s not for nothing that we’re talking about a path of vertigo! Monkey bridges and ladders pass the course, not to mention the passages in cornice. An unforgettable hike.
4. The Cortalets refuge loop and the Canigou peak

Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration : 3h
- Distance 8.2 km
- Denivelé 698 m
- Difficulty : Difficult
- See the hiking trail
This hike in the Pyrenees-Orientales is a must to discover the Canigou massif. It leads you to the top of the Canigou peak, which is one of the highest points in the Pyrenees. Indeed, it stands to 2 784 meters above sea level ! The view is shared between sea and mountain: a true wonder.
But be warned: the climb is sporty ... To be reserved for trained walkers!
5. The collar of Taillefer, the tower Madeloc and the Battery 500

Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration 2:30
- Distance 8.9 km
- Denivelé 439 m
- Difficulty Average
- See the hiking trail
Although it presents an important denial, this hike is accessible to everyone, provided it has a good physical condition .
It offers superb views of the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. But what makes it unique is that it makes you discover the Madeloc Tower and the 500 Battery. Historical stops as beautiful as exciting!
This mix of history and nature is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hikes in the Pyrenees-Orientales.
6. The loop of the nine ponds of the Carlit

Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration 1h30
- Distance 6.8 km
- Denivelé 233 m
- Difficulty Average
- See the hiking trail
Go to the heart of the Capcir to start this beautiful looped path. Throughout, the landscapes are breathtaking. And yet, no particular difficulty is to be noted on the course.
You will cross nine lakes of altitude, as splendid in summer as in winter. A must!
7. The English Waterfall

Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration 1h
- Distance 3.7 km
- Denivelé : 279 m
- Difficulty Average
- See the hiking trail
This round-trip path to the English waterfall offers a pleasant walk, very accessible. The trail passes through a beautiful forest, which allows you to enjoy the shade of trees. You can even start with children! But still plan hiking shoes .
In the middle of the season, you will cross a lot of people. It is not for nothing: the frame is idyllic and it is even possible to swim! A great idea to occupy a hot summer afternoon.
8. The peak of Eina Pass and the peak of Núria

Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration : about 8h30
- Distance 20.4 km
- Denivelé 1 301m
- Difficulty : Difficult
- See the hiking trail
Visit the city of Eyne to start this hike in the Pyrenees-Orientales. You will cross bucolic landscapes, between meadows, forests and streams.
They shelter a rich biodiversity, which offers its lot of wonder! At the top of the peaks of Eina and Núria, the views are breathtaking.
A rather difficult hike, but worth the detour without any hesitation.
9. Pla de Barrès and the Têt valley

Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration 2 hours
- Distance 7.4 km
- Denivelé 125 m
- Difficulty Easy
- See the hiking trail
Are you looking for a hike in the Pyrenees-Orientales that has no difficulty? Here's a nice family trip, even with children and the elderly.
It trains you in the valley of Têt, in the heart of unspoiled and wild landscapes. You can borrow it all year round. A wonderful moment of escape during your stay in Catalonia.
10. The Vingrau cliff circuit

Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration : about 5h30
- Distance 15.4 km
- Denivelé 499 m
- Difficulty : Difficult
- See the hiking trail
Looking for a technical challenge? This beautiful hike in the Pyrénées-Orientales makes you climb the cliffs of Vingrau, in the heart of the Corbières region 30 kilometers from Perpignan . At the top, the panorama over the valley is exceptional.
But the cliffs of Vingrau are above all famous for the climbing spots they shelter. Those who are not cold in the eyes can risk themselves on steep slopes. But as much knowledge, the difficulty is high!
11. The beach of the Elmes and Cape Bear

Photo credit: Alltrails
- Duration : 3h30
- Distance 13.4 km
- Denivelé : 310 m
- Difficulty Average
- See the hiking trail
Welcome to the beautiful Elmes beach, which offers a superb view on the coastal path. From there you start your way to Cape Bear Lighthouse! Guaranteed dislocation on this superb site, among Barbarie fig trees and wind screaming.
A very pleasant hike facing the Mediterranean. It is also possible to reach Cape Bear from Port-Vendres.
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