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From Château de Valmy to Château Royal via the Madeloc Tower
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Description
Castles, fortifications, watchtowers, dolmens, and other heritage sites await you throughout this hike, offering stunning landscapes and breathtaking views.
Start from the parking lot towards the Mimosas campsite. Before reaching the campsite, take the trail on the left (DFCI AL42). Take the path to the right above the castle park, then reconnect with the trail further along.
Climb the path directly ahead towards the dolmens. After the first dolmen, follow the path, then take the right fork and continue uphill to the second dolmen.
After the second dolmen, take the right path. At the junction, stay on the trail that connects to the DFCI AL41 ter (picnic table). Continue until you reach the Col de la Place d'Armes (670m).
Head towards the Col d'en Verderol (787m). You will be in the Massane Forest Nature Reserve. Continue along the trail towards the Madeloc Tower.
At the trail crossroads, take the middle path and follow it to the tower.
After the tower, head towards the Col de Taillefer (468m).
At the col, take the path on the right.
At this point, take the Col Maillo Taillefer trail to the Col de Mollo (231m).
Head towards Puig de les Danes (333m) and descend to the Col d'en Raixat (200m). Head towards Fort Dugommier along the Chemin del Coll de Mala Cara.
After the fort, take the path on the left.
At the trail intersection, continue on the path that passes left of Fort Saint Elme and descend towards Collioure.
Upon reaching the mill, continue towards the Collioure Modern Art Museum. Then head down to the Port-Vendres road in the typical "Faubourg" neighborhood facing the bay, and take the left promenade along the Royal Castle.
After the square, turn left onto the bridge and head towards the sea. The Church of Saint Vincent and its famous bell tower await walkers. The Tourist Office is located on the square behind the Boramar beach.
Technical Information
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Additional information
Public transport
Bus 1€
Advice
Let’s respect forest ecosystems to preserve our biodiversity!Part of the trail passes through the Massane Nature Reserve.The Massane Forest is a scientific research laboratory, home to nearly 6,500 species across just 336 hectares.Overcrowding in this area could have irreversible effects on the habitat.This site is therefore subject to regulations and prohibitions aimed at protecting the natural heritage.The introduction or destruction of plants, animals, or any activities that could harm the natural environment are prohibited.The complete list of restrictions for the Reserve is available by clicking here.Check the weather before you leave. Bring water, a cap or hat, a windbreaker depending on the weather, and walking shoes. You may want to pack a picnic.You are on a hiking trail where regular waste collection points are provided for your convenience.Out of respect for this exceptional area, used by tens of thousands of hikers and walkers each month, we kindly ask that you dispose of all your waste (glass, paper, food scraps, etc.) at these collection points, as well as any litter you might encounter during your walk.Through these simple but essential actions, let’s keep this site clean, just as nature graciously offered it to us.
Advised parking
Château de Valmy Parking
Access
D914
Arrival
Tourist Office of Collioure
Ambiance
A challenging hike marked by rich heritage, allowing you to explore the Albèra forest area above Château de Valmy and the Massane Forest Nature Reserve, leading to Collioure via the mountain passes and the Madeloc Tower.
Departure
Valmy Castle
