Visit the Pic du Canigou : full guide

Are you going to the Catalonia Pyrenees Regional Natural Park? So don't miss visiting the Pic du Canigou!

The Pic du Canigou, or "Le Canigó" in Catalan, is one of the mythical summits of the Pyrenees chain. Located in the Conflent region, it is part of the sublime chain of the Pyrenees, in the eastern part. With an altitude of 2,784 m, its summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Roussillon. Visiting the Pic du Canigou is also discovering the massif of Canigou, which you will have to cross to get to the top. On the menu, a varied and incredibly beautiful landscape, a rich fauna and flora, and a mild climate to enjoy it to the maximum. Would you like to visit the Pic du Canigou? To help you, we have prepared a complete guide to discover this majestic summit.

The Pic du Canigou in a few words

The Pic du Canigou, ranked Grand Site of France, dominates the Pyrenees, of which it is part, since its 2,784 m of altitude. This emblematic mountain of the Pyrenees-Orientales and the Catalan Country is located in the Conflent region. From its summit, you can enjoy a plunging view of the whole of the Roussillon, which extends to the sea, as a backdrop. And it is not uncommon in clear weather to see Barcelona .

Named the Catalan Olympus, it is part of the massif of Canigou , which hosts other treasures. Among them, the Abbey Saint-Martin du Canigou, the Priory of Serrabona, but also a wide network of hiking trails.

Its summit was reached for the first time in 1280 by Pierre III d’Aragon . During the Second World War, scouts that reached the summit in turn set up a wrought iron cross. It is still here today, accompanied by an orientation table that will help you to recognize what the horizon allows you to see.

1. Hiking

It is of course, given the number of hiking trails around it, that the number 1 way to visit the Canigou Pic is by walking. High place of hiking in the Pyrenees, it is necessary to know that the ascent of the Pic is the practice of the high mountain. Therefore, it is very important to be prepared, to be well informed and especially well equipped.

The ascent of Canigou lasts between 1 and 2 days, depending on the path chosen, your rhythm, and your desires. Keeped shelters allow you to spend the night, to cut off your ascension and rest before returning to the road. If you are self-reliance, i.e. with your tent, you will be able to bivouaquer, but only in the immediate vicinity of the shelters. The wild bivouac is strictly forbidden, and you would risk taking an almond if you try to transgress the rule.

3 routes to reach the top:

• From Esquena d’Ase: this is the classic itinerary, the most used to visit the Pic du Canigou. This splendid course of 19 km, is recommended instead to regulars of walking. Ideal for 2 days, you can stop at Chalet des Cortalets at the end of the first day. The next day, you will only be ascension of the peak;
• From the Rander: rather recommended for seasoned hikers, this route 22 km won't be any rest. Technical passages involve a lot of concentration. On the other hand, one thing is certain, you'll take a full view of it! Here too, you have the possibility to split the ascent in 2, making a stop to the refuge des Mariailles ;
• From the Cortalets: ideal if you want to go 1 day to visit the Pic du Canigou, this route 8 km, medium difficulty, is available in about 4 hours. Not to mention the break at the top or possibly on the route.

2. The hike accompanied by a high mountain guide

If you wish, you can accompany a high mountain guide to visit the Pic du Canigou. Thus, you will benefit from professional supervision for a safe ascent. The latter will reassure you, and tell you about the fauna and flora around you. As a bonus, it will embellish the journey of small anecdotes for a convivial moment.

Terms and rates

• Guided groups can go to 6 people. Count 150€, by group, for half a day, and 250€ for the whole day;
• A 4×4 connection is included to get you to the starting point of the hike.

3. Guided hiking with donkeys

Here it is a great experience, out of the beaten paths that is offered to you. You have the opportunity to hike and visit the Pic du Canigou, accompanied by a guide, but also a donkey. It will carry your equipment, or even your children, if they wish.

Terms and rates

• If you want to visit the Pic du Canigou with a donkey, you must book your guide in advance ;
• You have to count about 100€ per personfor a day of hiking. Group rates are also available.

4. The 4×4 approach

You have the possibility to get closer to the top in 4×4, in order to reduce the walking time for ascension. On the way, your carrier will provide you with a lot of advice on the climb of the Pic, before you drop to your starting point. On board the vehicle, you will explore the Pyrenees slopes, while admiring the Canigou Mountain, the time of a all-terrain ride. An original way to visit the Pic du Canigou.

Terms and rates

• You will climb aboard a 4×4 8 placeswith driver;
• Several departures have been possible since Prades, Villefranche de Conflent or Vernet-les Bains, to arrive to the Chalet des Cortalets ;
• Count 30€ the return trip per person, or 150€ by group 8 persons.

5. The canyoning

Visiting the Pic du Canigou by making canyoning is the promise of an unforgettable moment, filled with strong sensations. Also know that this is the second canyoning hotspot in France. The Llech Canyon, located on the commune of Estoher, offers you its lot of waterfalls, jumps, swimming pools, slides, and other reminiscent descents... Enjoy!

This practice is available all year round! Why? Because the territory Conflent Canigó is a unique place in France, or there are hot water sources that allow the practice of canyoning out of summer.

Terms and rates

• This is a supervised activity, accessible at all levels, however it is imperative of know how to swim ;
• Prices vary from 40€ to 80€ the day, depending on the place chosen. Several-day formulas with bivouac are also available.

6. Speleology

Visit the Pic du Canigou from the inside is possible! Opt for speleology. The Canigou massif has a network of caves, which is longer than 30 km. You can go through these long tunnels, to admire stalactites and stalagmites in a magical atmosphere.

A passionate guide will tell you more about this protected natural site, about the history of its caves and its former occupants. An incredible experience, to live with family or friends.

Terms and rates

• This is a managed activity, accessible at all levels, from 9 years ;
• The price is 30€ for a duration 2:30.

7. Via ferrata and climbing

You want to challenge yourself and at the same time visit the Pic du Canigou? Choose the via ferrata or a climbing exit. An original and sporty way to admire this sublime region. Indeed, taking from the height, you will be entitled to an exceptional panorama.

Terms and rates

• You will be accompanied by a graduated state monitor, who knows the region and its cliffs perfectly;
• Prices start from 19€including equipment.