From the Château de Valmy to Collioure via the coastal path.

Two castles, two eras, a hike to connect them, and unforgettable memories.


From the Château de Valmy parking lot, take the path that descends towards the Château's cellar at the entrance of the parking area. Follow the vineyard of Château de Valmy for over a kilometer, staying on the dirt path. 
After passing alongside the main road for about 200 meters, go through the tunnel and take the path on the left towards Mas Perillot. After crossing the railway and passing through the hamlet of Mas Perillot, arrive at the junction of RD 914. 
Carefully cross the road and continue towards Racou, using the bike path protected from traffic. At the end of the bike path, cross the road and continue straight at the roundabout.
A few meters further, a wooden footbridge over the Valmarie stream invites you to continue the hike in the shade of a forest—don't hesitate, as the rest of the trail will not have much shade.
Follow the rolling trail behind the hamlet of Racou. After leaving the hamlet, take a steep paved road leading to the famous coastal path.
The road turns into a track, then a sometimes eroded trail. Go around the campsite following the "Le Ravaner" river until you reach the Plage de l'Ouille.
At the Font d'en Bertran, the trail uses a footbridge that overlooks the old cliff-side path, now closed due to safety concerns. A few meters further, a wooden log staircase appears—this is the last major challenge before reaching Collioure. Courage to climb the steps!
At the top of the stairs, the path runs along the fortifications of Fort Rodon, Fort Carré, and Fort Miradoux, which is owned by the Ministry of Defense and serves as a training ground for the CNEC Commandos.
After passing the parking lot, turn left and descend the very steep street to the entrance of Collioure. At the roundabout, turn left onto Avenue du Mirador, entering Collioure with a direct view of the famous bell tower.
Walk across the Boramar beach, where you'll get a beautiful view of Collioure Bay, the Château Royal, and Fort St-Elme rising on the opposite hillside.
Take Avenue Camille Pelletan after admiring (and perhaps visiting) Collioure Castle.
Climb right up Avenue du Miradou, then retrace your steps back to the trail you took earlier. 
Pass by Fort Carré on the coastal path, then continue along the coastal trail.
Before returning to Valmy, take a refreshing break. Detour to Racou Beach before joining the bike path along RD 914, which will take you back to Valmy, your endpoint.