Have you thought of visiting the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees? Come and discover this jewel in the heart of the Pyrenees-Orientales!
One hour Perpignan , visit the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees. In the heart of the Pyrenees-Orientales, it offers an incredible diversity of landscapes. Between mountains, valleys, lakes, plains, panoramic peaks, thermal springs and forests, it is a true paradise for lovers of nature activities. The hardest thing is to choose!
To help you, here is a complete guide to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees as it should be.
The Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees in a few words
The Catalan Pyrenees are located at the eastern end of the chain, at the border of the Spain and of Andorra . To visit the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees, it is to venture on a territory of more than 139 000 hectares, ranging from 300 to nearly 3,000 m of altitude. Some of the highest mountains in the park offer breathtaking views, such as the massifs of Carlit (2975 m), Madres (2469 m) and the famous Canigou (2784 m).
The Park has around 23,000 inhabitants, divided into 64 municipalities, and 3 small areas: Capcir, Cerdagne and Conflent. Its mountain climate, intermingled with a Mediterranean influence, generates a unique ecological diversity, with more than 240 protected species.
You can also visit villages of character, of great beauty, and rich in history. The numerous Romanesque or Baroque churches, and the fortified cities of Mont-Louis and Villefranche-de-Conflent, testify.
Several opportunities for activities, discoveries and outdoor sports are available to you, to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees and its treasures!
1. Hiking
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sophie Lenoir
The best way to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees is certainly the walk. The park is full of marked hiking trails. Some are very well known, such as the Canigou Tower, GR10 or HRP. But don’t hesitate to visit the Tourist Offices of the villages, to find suggestions for more accessible walks.
For a day or days in roaming, you will find your happiness in the heart of the Park, whatever your level. Open the eye, because it is not uncommon to cross a birch or a mouflon, in this breathtaking scenery.
2. Interpretive sections
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Walking Nature World
To visit the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees on foot and in a playful way, head on one of the 3 interpretive trails it counts.
These theme trails, ordered by stages, are equipped with information panels that will allow you to know, and above all to decrypt the environment in which you advance.
Lake Puyvalador Trail
Meet and observe plants and birds that have found refuge in wetland meadows on the shores of the lake.
- Distance 1.6 km
- Denivelé less than 50 m
- Duration 1h30 to 2h
Trail of the Cabane “The Age of Mysteries”
Go to meet this wetland, discovering the legends and beings that live there.
- Distance 4 km
- Denivelé 150 m
- Duration 2 hours
Sentiers du lac de Calvet
Two small routes are available to you in this forest setting... Don't choose, do both!
Lake Tower, discovery path
- Distance 450 m A/R
- Denivelé 0 m
- Duration 30 min
Forest tour, sensory path
- Departure: La Llagonne – Lac du Calvet
- Distance: 100 m
- Denived: 0 m
3. Trail trail path
Photo credit : Parc Pyrénées Catalanes
For lovers, go in the footsteps of Kilian Jornet by taking one of the 6 trail routes that the park offers, ranging from 7 to 36 km.
Prepare your sneakers, your hydration vest and your sticks, and forward to "eating denivelé" under a majestic setting!
4. ATV excursions
Photo credit: Facebook – Canyon Vtt Jéjé Pyrénées
Just like walking, the bike is a privileged way to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees. The paths are numerous in this postcard setting. You will find many bike routes or even mountain bike tours on the official website of the Community of Communes of the Catalan Pyrenees.
Terms and rates
To visit the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees, there are several solutions. If you own your own bike, you can without any problems discover the site independently, with family or friends.
For 65€ per day , electric mountain bike rentals allow you to discover the park by bike, without fear of climbs. You can also be accompanied by a guide, which will make you discover the unknown corners of the park, to 85€ .
5. By Train
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Leonid Andronov
Sports? Very little for you! No panic, there is an original way to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees, without having to pull out the sneakers: the Yellow Train.
A veritable emblem of the park, the Yellow Train dates back to the valley of Têt to the plain of Cerdagne, for more than 110 years. By climbing on board, it is no less than 22 stops, on 63 km of line waiting for you. During the journey you will pass to the centre of picturesque villages, and at each turn, real treasures and works of art are available to you. You will also pass through 19 tunnels and 29 bridges and viaducts, including the Gisclard suspension bridge and the granite arches of the Stayed bridge.
If there is a unique and essential way to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees, it is this one!
Terms and rates
The Yellow Train runs throughout the year between the stations of Villefranche-Vernet-les-bains and Latour-de-Carol. During the summer of 2020, an exclusive rate 5€ is offered for tickets purchased online only. The rest of the year, prices vary according to departure and arrival stations. Count 22,50€ for the complete crossing (to go only).
Be sure to show you 20 minutes before the train leaves.
6. Horse ride
Photo credit: Facebook – Horses of the Tramontane
Do you want to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees on horseback? Whether you’re a passionate rider or a curious novice of a new experience, you’ll find your happiness to discover the horse park.
For a few hours, the day, or several days, make your choice depending on your desires. Whatever it is, it is a pleasant moment that is coming, with this majestic and enduring animal.
Terms and rates
Outputs are grouped by levels.
Count about, 19€ for 1 hour walking, 50€ per half day and 80€ per day . Some centres organize 3 to 8-day hikes for a unique experience!
7. Escalade and Via ferrata
Photo credit: Facebook – Inextremis Aventura
Do you want to challenge yourself and at the same time visit the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees? Choose the climbing option or via ferrata to discover this magical place. 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. Count 90€ for a full day Great way.
8. Canyoning
Photo credit: Flickr – Roberto Lumbreras
Visiting the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees by making canyoning is the promise of an unforgettable moment, filled with strong sensations. Go for an aquatic hike, full of waterfalls, jumps, swimming pools, slides, and other recall descents.
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 managed activity, accessible at all levels. However, it is imperative to know how to swim.
Prices vary from 40€ to 80€ per day according to the place chosen. Several-day formulas with bivouac are also available.
9. Thermalism
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Irina Papoyan
Visiting the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees is also the possibility to spend an absolute moment of tranquility in a wild environment. And this, thanks to the hot springs of the park.
Some are operated in care centres, such as in the thermal resorts of Molitg-les-Bains and Vernet-les-Bains. Others are accessible to all, thanks to the thermoludic baths of Saint-Thomas, Dorres and Llo. And others are wild and hidden in the heart of the mountains... These are the ones you have to deny them!
Terms and rates
Note: with the hygiene measures related to Covid 19, the “well-being” spaces remain closed until further notice. For outdoor bath areas, count between 5€ and 7€ access.
10. Overflight in glider or balloon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – CRISTIAN IONUT ZAHARIA
Do you want to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees in an original and surprising way? So, opt for a glider overflight, or hot air balloon, depending on your preference!
For a flight to Montgolfière, head to The Cerdagne . You will then fly over the park, for a session ranging from 3h to 7h, depending on your choice. A suspended and unforgettable moment awaits you.
Flight to glider is a whole new experience, strong in sensation! Head to the La Llagonne aerodrome, and fly for a period of 15 to 30 minutes in the sky for a spectacular moment.
Terms and rates
Prices for a balloon flight begin at 170€ . These flights are specially planned, taking into account aerological conditions.
Baptism in glider costs 100€ for about 30 minutes. Once on site, an experienced monitor will explain the safety rules.
Wait a minute, and take a seat for an exceptional moment!
11. Nordic activities
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alberto_Gonzalez_Gimenez
If you come to visit the Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees in winter, then many activities are available to you!
You'll have a choice between 8 ski resorts to practice alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or tobogganing. Located between 1,600 m and 2,700 m above sea level, the ski area extends from the Haut Conflent to the Cerdagne and the Capcir.
So you made your choice? The Regional Natural Park of the Catalan Pyrenees is waiting for you!
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