"From Collioure to Château de Valmy via the Coastal Path"

"Heritage, Sea, and Wonders!"


From the Tourist Office, facing the bay, head left towards the famous bell tower of the Church of Notre-Dame-des-Anges.  
Before reaching the church, take the left-hand staircase that leads up to the streets of La Paix and Mirador. At the top of the latter, turn around to catch a final glimpse of the bell tower before continuing. Along the way, notice the panels for the "Fauvism Trail" featuring works by Matisse and Derain.  
Turn left and head towards Argelès-sur-Mer, using the sidewalk on the right after the roundabout. Be aware that the coast is steep at the start of this hike, making for a good warm-up for the rest of the route.  
At the parking lot by the stadium, turn right, cross the parking lot, and head towards the coastal path. Turn left at a right angle, passing the Fort Miradoux (home to the French National Commando Training Center).
 The path follows the Vauban fortifications, offering breathtaking views all the way to the cove of l'Ouille.
 At the end of the beach, take the staircase that leads to a newly renovated section of the path behind the "Criques de Porteils" campsite.  
Just after the campsite, turn left onto the coastal trail to enjoy the first views of the Porteils coves, with the sandy beaches of Argelès-sur-Mer already visible in the distance.  
The coastal trail then begins a sharp ascent before finishing with a slate staircase at the entrance to the Racou hamlet. Cross through this hamlet.
 At the roundabout, turn left and follow the road to the end. Take a right onto the D114 cycle path. Cross under the tunnel, then begin the climb towards Château de Valmy, passing through the vineyards of the estate.  
Enjoy the panoramic views and the exceptional tranquility of this site before beginning your return to Collioure. Just past the roundabout, a wooden footbridge appears on the right, inviting you to continue through the shaded forest on a hilly path that skirts the back of the hamlet, offering lovely viewpoints among the vegetation. Join the coastal path by the paved track and continue along the route you took earlier. (The return can be more direct, in which case you can follow the SNCF track via the path rather than the beach, reaching the cove of l'Ouille.)  
Continue along the coastal path back to Collioure.