The Santa-Maria-del-Vilar Priory through the Mas Catalan

The discovery of a village in the Albères and its priory nestled in the massif. A brief detour through the peaceful district of the Mas Catalan in Laroque-des-Albères, overlooking the plain.


Starting from the festivities area, head left, then straight ahead, passing in front of the church.
At the end of the street, turn left and continue straight on Cami del Vilar.
Keep left on Cami del Vilar.
Turn left onto the paved path that goes downhill.
Take the dirt track in front. The path ascends towards the Catalan farmhouses of Laroque-des-Albères.
Arrive at the Mas Catalans at a dirt parking area with a cistern and a spring, then take the street that goes uphill (Chemin du Vilar) and follow it to the end.
Turn left onto the dirt track that climbs into the Albères massif.
You will reach a flat trail at a crossroads of tracks; take the one on the left following the yellow markings, heading towards Prieuré Santa Maria del Vilar.
Continue to follow the markings. Do not go left. There is a fairly steep descent into the forest.
Upon reaching the priory, you can visit it (only in the afternoons).
Afterward, descend on Cami del Vilar back to the village center.