The stone huts of Mataporc by Laroque

A short hike in the Albères that allows you to discover ancient shepherd's huts


From the Tourist Office – Maison de la Randonnée, head towards the Church and the center of the village.
Facing the church gate, take Rue de l'Eglise, a dead-end street, followed by a trail bordered on the left by a stream. The trail exits the village. On the right, you'll pass the Moulin de la Pave, and a few meters higher up, you'll find a charming shaded fountain, the Fountain of Birds (Fontaine des Oiseaux). The trail follows a partially buried pipeline. At the intersection, turn right. There's a small water reservoir on the right.
Continue until you reach a crossroads of trails with directional signs. Take the direction of "Cabanes" and follow the track to the left. You'll pass a farmhouse on your right (Mas Bordes); continue on the track (always to the left). A yellow marker on the left indicates the Fontaine Malzach downhill.
A few meters ahead, you'll reach the intersection of the track that goes up to Col de l’Ullat. Take it to the right. Follow this track until the start of another track on the left.
At this point, two choices are possible: either a round trip on the track or take the track to the left.
If you choose the left track, pass by a cistern on your right, continue for a few meters, and take the small trail that ascends on the right at the sign. A bit higher, there is a fence; be sure to close the gates on the trail.
The trail ascends steeply through the undergrowth. You will reach the fence of a pastoral area; it's possible to cross it, but don't forget to close the gates as there may be cows. Continue to climb until you reach the higher track.
Turn left and then right onto the fairly steep trail. Continuing on this trail, you'll find a yellow marker higher up on the left indicating a cross engraved in the stone. Cross a small stream, look to the right at the terraces that were still being worked about sixty years ago.
A little higher, leave a small trail on the right to take the next one always on the right, climb a bit, and again turn right to discover the first two cabins. Go back a bit and take the main trail again; below, turn right, a few meters later on the left, a trail descends into the undergrowth. Take it.
Arrive at an old cortal (3rd ruin), skirt it, and follow a steep downhill path to reach a trail across. Take this path to the right and continue until you reach the third cabin. Continue on this path following the yellow markings to reach the 4th cabin. Notice a bit further, a small stone table and a small spring. Continue straight to reach the marked trail that leads to the descent towards the cortal.
Continue straight until you reach the track, which you'll take to the left. Pass the barrier encountered on the ascent. Continue this downhill track until you reach the intersection of the track coming from Col de l’Ullat; take it to the right. While descending, leave on the right the track taken on the ascent.
Continue the descent until a track on the left that you should take to return to the starting point.