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Uncover Les Planes at Laroque-des-alberes in the heart of the Pyrénées-Orientales

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Les Planes at Laroque-des-alberes invites you to fully immerse yourself in the nature and culture of the Pyrénées-Orientales. Begin with a hike in the Albères Massif, where trails offer breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the foothills of the Pyrenees. Discover the charm of Laroque-des-alberes with its picturesque streets, Romanesque church, and medieval castle. Don’t miss out on visiting ...See more

Walking around LES PLANES

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Embark on a hike in LES PLANES.
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The two fountains
867 m

The two fountains

Discovery hike over the fountains From the tourisme Office (Hiking House), pass between the buildings and join the street. Turn right and immediately left into Arago Street until you reach the church. Turn left onto the Rue de l'Eglise, on a dead end, then the path that leaves the village. On the right the Moulin de la Pave appears, then a few meters above the Birds Fountain. At the fork, turn right to get to a crossroads. Cross the road and take the path opposite direction Dolmen / Pic Neulos / Col de l'Ullat. Follow the watering canal to a strategic intersection of trails and take the path down to the river on the right. Pass the ford on the stream and go up to reach a small asphalt road. Turn left towards "Les Deux Fontaines". Do not enter private properties. Take the track that climbs to the 4th hairpin turn and follow the yellow signs to an intersection of tracks. Go right on the track and continue straight until Font Dels Simiots. Retrace your steps and leave the track to turn right on the trail marked with a sign "Les Deux Fontaines". At the intersection of two trails, take opposite direction Fontaine de la Vernosa. Continue until you reach a track (picnic table just above) that you have to go down on the left, towards the plain, for almost 2 kilometers. Then take the small path on the right and continue to descend. Find the intersection of tracks, the same as at the beginning of the hike. Follow the trail by the same road taken one way to the paved road Continue the road towards the village leaving all the streets on the left to the recently restored Chapel Sant Sebastia. Turn right on the path of la Florentine which takes you to the old village. Turn right on Casttle street to join the church. Go down to the left to the Tourist Office.

4 h
9.9 km
Easy
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The two fountains
867 m

The two fountains

Discovery hike over the fountains From the tourisme Office (Hiking House), pass between the buildings and join the street. Turn right and immediately left into Arago Street until you reach the church. Turn left onto the Rue de l'Eglise, on a dead end, then the path that leaves the village. On the right the Moulin de la Pave appears, then a few meters above the Birds Fountain. At the fork, turn right to get to a crossroads. Cross the road and take the path opposite direction Dolmen / Pic Neulos / Col de l'Ullat. Follow the watering canal to a strategic intersection of trails and take the path down to the river on the right. Pass the ford on the stream and go up to reach a small asphalt road. Turn left towards "Les Deux Fontaines". Do not enter private properties. Take the track that climbs to the 4th hairpin turn and follow the yellow signs to an intersection of tracks. Go right on the track and continue straight until Font Dels Simiots. Retrace your steps and leave the track to turn right on the trail marked with a sign "Les Deux Fontaines". At the intersection of two trails, take opposite direction Fontaine de la Vernosa. Continue until you reach a track (picnic table just above) that you have to go down on the left, towards the plain, for almost 2 kilometers. Then take the small path on the right and continue to descend. Find the intersection of tracks, the same as at the beginning of the hike. Follow the trail by the same road taken one way to the paved road Continue the road towards the village leaving all the streets on the left to the recently restored Chapel Sant Sebastia. Turn right on the path of la Florentine which takes you to the old village. Turn right on Casttle street to join the church. Go down to the left to the Tourist Office.

4 h
9.9 km
Easy
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The "Roc del Grevol" and  "Puig d'Orella"
861 m

The "Roc del Grevol" and "Puig d'Orella"

A panorama of the Roussillon coast and plain, with the added bonus of Mount Canigou! From the Tourist Office, Maison de la Randonnée, head towards the Church following the yellow markings. Take the small alley facing the Church gate, then the path that climbs up the massif. On the right, you'll pass the Moulin de la Pave (old mill), and a few meters higher, a charming shaded fountain, the Fontaine des Oiseaux, or Font dels Ocells in Catalan. The path follows a half-buried canalization. Reach a fork, then turn right. Here, there's a small water reservoir. At this trail junction with informative signs, take the direction towards DOLMEN – PIC NEULOS – COL DE L'ULLAT. On the left side of the trail, there's a small irrigation canal that you should follow until you reach a strategic trail crossroads. Turn right at this crossroads, following the trail that descends towards the river. Cross the river at a ford, then the path ascends to reach a small paved road. There are informative signs here. Turn left in the direction of Pic d'Orella. Continue on the left track (DFCI AL 11). Follow it for 150 meters. Then, take a right onto a trail (marked with yellow signs). Leave the track behind. The trail climbs steeply through a beautiful rocky valley. The path progresses along the ridge. The view is clear, and the panorama of the plain and the sea is superb. Reach an intersection of trails. Continue on the trail that climbs along the ridge towards Roc del Grèvol, leaving a path on the left indicated by a sign for Fontaine de la Vernosa. The trail continues to ascend, with some steep sections. Prominent rock: Roc del Grèvol (902 m). Beautiful view of the plain. After the rock, the trail reaches a track, which you need to cross to continue on the path, still along the ridge, leading to Puig d'Orella. Elevation: 1030 m. Stunning panorama. From the peak, descend along the ridge towards the southeast, in the direction of Col de l'Ullat. Col de l'Ullat. Picnic area, hostel chalet. From the pass, head towards the Laroque side (east) and follow the paved road down to a fountain located below this road. Reina de las Fonts Fountain. The return path to Laroque starts from this fountain. Follow the yellow markings. The trail descends rapidly under the beech trees, crosses a ravine, then progresses under the chestnut trees. The descent will lead you to cross a forest track four times. The trail approaches the Laroque River and crosses it at a ford. The path passes near an ice well and continues to descend. The trail crosses the Correc de les Teixoneres, a narrow passage between two rocks, once used by shepherds to count their animals. A few meters further, you'll reach a trail intersection. Descend straight ahead. Intersection. Leave the right path (marked with a yellow cross) and continue the descent on the left trail. You'll reach the strategic trail intersection that you started from at the beginning of your hike. Continue descending towards the village following the same route.

6 h
13 km
Easy
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The stone huts of Mataporc by Laroque
866 m

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.

3 h
7.7 km
Easy
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The ice well and the "Casot del guarda"
867 m

The ice well and the "Casot del guarda"

Discovery of vernacular heritage in the Albères National Forest. From the Tourist Office, head to the Church. Take the small street in front of the Church gate. Then follow the trail in the forest where you'll find the Moulin de la Pave and the 'Font dels Ocells' (Fountain of the Birds). The path follows a half-buried canal. At the intersection, turn right. Here, there's a small water reservoir, a crossroads of paths, and indicative signs. Take the direction Dolmen – Pic Neoulos – Col de l'Ullat. On the left side of the trail, follow the small irrigation canal to a strategic crossroads. Take the left trail. The path climbs through the vegetation. Intersection. Continue on the path that goes up to the right, always following the yellow markings. New intersection of trails. Take the path in front. Narrow passage between two rocks, formerly used by shepherds to count their livestock. The path continues south, slightly uphill. A ledge with beautiful panoramas of Laroque. The trail crosses a first ravine and then the river: Correc de les Teixoneres. It then climbs in switchbacks. A nice stone wall on the left precedes an intersection of paths marked by a sign "piste". Continue straight. A sign on the left indicates the ice well a few meters above. Turn back and continue left on the trail. Cross the stream, the "Correc de la Baillanouse," and follow the path that goes to the left. Intersection of trails. Turn left to go to the 'Casot del guarda.' Intersection of paths. After the concrete ford, take the path that descends towards Laroque. Initially heading north, the path turns east and changes valley. Cross the ford and continue to descend on the path (do not take the trail on the right, Roc Planer, Roc de Migdia). Intersection with the path that leads to "Les Parraguères". Continue descending on the left path. Abandon the path to take a trail on the left, the markings indicate Laroque, which descends into the cork oak forest. The trail (cork oak and holm oak forest) is very rutted and stony. Here, intersection (crossed on the way up). Continue descending to the right. New intersection. Continue the descent on the left trail. Crossroads of trails. Descend towards the village following the same route as on the way up to reach the Tourist Office."

4 h
9.8 km
Easy
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The Albères loop - In the footsteps of Romanesque art
867 m

The Albères loop - In the footsteps of Romanesque art

Combine sport and culture by discovering Romanesque art by bike in our villages. Departure: Tourist Office Car Park Upon leaving the car park, turn left and follow the road towards Saint-Genis-des-Fontaines. After the bridge, turn left towards Villelongue-dels-Monts. Continue straight ahead. At the roundabout, turn right onto "Chemin de la Boutade". At the end of the road, turn right onto Chemin du Mas Rancoure. At the entrance to Saint-Genis-des-Fontaines, turn right onto Avenue du Mas Rancoure. In the housing estate, go straight ahead at the stop sign. Keep going straight, passing several stop signs, until you reach the water tower. Keep it on your left and continue straight ahead. In the village, turn left onto Avenue des Albères to reach the main road of Saint-Genis-des-Fontaines. Continue straight ahead. Continue straight on the D2. Go straight through two roundabouts. At the bean-shaped roundabout, go under the main road and take the right exit to join the cycle route. Pass in front of the carpool area and continue straight ahead towards Saint-André. After passing the Palau-del-Vidre carpool area, cross the road and continue along the cycle route (about 700 m). At the next intersection (give way sign), leave the cycle route by turning right and go under the bridge to reach Saint-André. Continue straight along Rue Miloussa. Turn right into Allée de la Liberté (towards Town Hall car park) to visit the Romanesque church. From the church, leave the Town Hall car park by going down to the left. Follow signs for “Toutes directions” (All directions) twice. Take Rue des Micocouliers. At the stop sign, turn right to reach the Saint-André middle school. Go around the school on the right along the cycle path and keep straight ahead towards Sorède. Arrive in Sorède. At the roundabout, follow signs for the town centre, then at the next roundabout, continue straight to reach the Church of St. Assiscle and St. Victoire. Continue along the road. At Place de la République, turn left into Rue St. Jacques. Continue straight on Rue du Moulin Cassanyes. Turn right into Rue du Vallespir, then continue straight along Route du Moulin de Cassanyes to reach Laroque-des-Albères. At the end of this road, facing a no-entry sign, turn right towards the roundabout. Take the third exit, then follow the main road through the village to return to the Tourist Office car park.

2 h
15 km
Easy
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The "Balma del Moro" dolmen
866 m

The "Balma del Moro" dolmen

Discover a magnificent dolmen nestled in the Albères massif. From the Tourist Office – Hiking Center, head to the Church and the center of the village. Facing the church gate, take Church Street, a dead-end, followed by the trail, limited on the left by a stream. The trail exits the village. On the right, Moulin de la Pave (old mill), and a few meters higher, a lovely shaded fountain. Fontaine des Oiseaux. The trail follows a partially buried pipeline. At the junction, turn right. Here, a small water reservoir, a trail intersection, and informative signs. Take the direction DOLMEN – PIC NEULOS – COL DE L'ULLAT. On the left side of the trail, follow a small irrigation canal until you reach a strategic trail junction. Take the left trail. Notice a blue and white wooden marker. The path climbs through the vegetation. Intersection. Continue the path that ascends to the right, following the yellow markings. Another trail intersection. Take the left trail. The trail opens onto a track. Ascend this track to the right. After about 200 meters, the ruin of an old farmhouse appears on your left. After this ruin, leave the track for a trail on the left. Trail intersection. Turn left. A little further on, the trail runs along a fence. It becomes very rutted. Trail crossing. On the right, a metal fence and gate. On the left, a path (yellow cross). Go straight, taking the trail in front. The trail climbs steeply under a chestnut grove. Intersection and signs. Take the left trail that ascends. A few meters further, take the fork that leads to the dolmen "La Balma del Moro," located on the ridge. Behind the dolmen, a small path allows you to reach a beautiful viewpoint. Return to the path. Leave the trail on the left and descend to the right. At the next intersection (sign + cairn), take the trail that goes left and descends gently into the forest. It crosses a first ravine where Fontaine Galdriq is located, progresses along the slope, and changes valleys. The trail reaches an old track overgrown with vegetation and heads towards the river "Correc de les Teixoneres." Cross the river and continue on the path above which is the fountain of En Pep. Trail fork. Take the left path, which joins a wide forest track. Descend it to the right. The track crosses the Correc de les Teixoneres via a ford. Continue to descend towards the plain. Intersection with the track that leads to the "Parraguères." Continue to descend on the left track. After a bend, the ruin of the old farmhouse encountered at the beginning appears on your right. Find the same route as on the way there. 200 meters later, leave the track and take a path on the left that descends into the vegetation. Trail intersection. Continue descending to the right. New intersection. Continue the descent on the left trail. Trail junction. Continue descending towards the village, following the route taken at the start of the hike to reach the Tourist Office.

4 h
10 km
Easy
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Néoulous summit - Col de l'Ouillat
866 m

Néoulous summit - Col de l'Ouillat

Discover the highest summit of  the Alberes : Pic Néoulous, between France et Spain Go to the church in the old village. Take the street that goes up in front of the gate of the church. This street turns into a path. Go up to a fork and go right. At the basin, continue straight along the irrigation canal until you hear the river below. At the fork, go left on the trail that climbs through the vegetation.At the next fork go right. New intersection : go left to reach the trail. Climb and take the path on the left after the old house in ruins  At the next junction, continue on the left and at the fork take the path straight on. At the next fork go left. A little further, look at the dolmen «Balma del Moro» (50 meters) on the left. Continue the ascent to the Neoulous summit. The path leads to a forest trail. traverse and continue to climb on the  path mountain path. Join a new forest trail. Follow it on the right for  600 meters. Take left on the path until the Néoulous summit (1256 mètres). The Albères summit is marked  by  « The Manel Tower», made of stone. Go down west following the GR10 on the ridge. On left, a barrier gives access to a snow well (200 meters). Go down to the Col de l’Ouillat. At the col, turn right on the asphalt road and continue until the fount « Reina de les Fonts ». Turn left on the path that descends rapidly under the beeches and chestnut trees. It crosses the track several times. Arriving about 450 meters above sea level, cross the river of laroque by a ford then 200 meters further pass next an ice well. Continue to descend and cross another ford. Arriving at the same fork that was taken at departure, continue straight on and return on the path in the opposite direction.

7 h
17 km
Easy
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Néoulous summit - Col de l'Ouillat
866 m

Néoulous summit - Col de l'Ouillat

Discover the highest summit of  the Alberes : Pic Néoulous, between France et Spain Go to the church in the old village. Take the street that goes up in front of the gate of the church. This street turns into a path. Go up to a fork and go right. At the basin, continue straight along the irrigation canal until you hear the river below. At the fork, go left on the trail that climbs through the vegetation.At the next fork go right. New intersection : go left to reach the trail. Climb and take the path on the left after the old house in ruins  At the next junction, continue on the left and at the fork take the path straight on. At the next fork go left. A little further, look at the dolmen «Balma del Moro» (50 meters) on the left. Continue the ascent to the Neoulous summit. The path leads to a forest trail. traverse and continue to climb on the  path mountain path. Join a new forest trail. Follow it on the right for  600 meters. Take left on the path until the Néoulous summit (1256 mètres). The Albères summit is marked  by  « The Manel Tower», made of stone. Go down west following the GR10 on the ridge. On left, a barrier gives access to a snow well (200 meters). Go down to the Col de l’Ouillat. At the col, turn right on the asphalt road and continue until the fount « Reina de les Fonts ». Turn left on the path that descends rapidly under the beeches and chestnut trees. It crosses the track several times. Arriving about 450 meters above sea level, cross the river of laroque by a ford then 200 meters further pass next an ice well. Continue to descend and cross another ford. Arriving at the same fork that was taken at departure, continue straight on and return on the path in the opposite direction.

7 h
17 km
Easy
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The Ouillat Col
869 m

The Ouillat Col

A sporty hike, well-shaded, which allows you to reach a strategic crossroads in the Albères, the Col de l'Ouillat. From the Tourist Office, Maison de la Randonnée, head towards the Church and the center of the village. Facing the Church gate, take Church Street, a dead-end, followed by the trail, bordered on the left by a stream. The trail exits the village. On the right, you'll pass the Pave Mill (old mill), and a few meters higher up, you'll find a lovely shaded fountain, the Fountain of Birds. The trail follows a partially buried pipeline. Upon reaching a fork, take the right path towards a small water reservoir. Arrive at a trail intersection. Information signs. Take the direction of DOLMEN – PIC NEULOS – COL DE L'ULLAT. On the left side of the trail, there is a small irrigation canal that needs to be followed until reaching a strategic trail junction. The sound of the river can be heard below. Take the left trail. Notice a blue and white wooden marker. The path ascends through the vegetation. YELLOW MARKINGS. Intersection. Continue the path that ascends to the right, always following the yellow markings. Another trail intersection. Yellow writing on a stone on the ground. Take the trail in front. Narrow passage between two rocks (Portell Estret), formerly used by shepherds to count their animals. The path, still marked in yellow, continues south, with a slight ascent. Narrow ledge with beautiful panoramas of Laroque. The trail crosses a first ravine and then the river: Correc de les Teixoneres. It then climbs in switchbacks. Nice stone wall to the left of the trail, preceding a trail intersection marked by a "PISTE" sign. Continue to the right. Always follow the wall; a bit further on the left, the sign indicates the presence of an ice well a few meters above. Continue on the same path. Cross the watercourse. Continue straight ahead. Follow the markings. Follow the sign for Col de l'Ouillat. Trail fork. Take the left trail that steeply ascends to reach a forest track. Cross it and take the trail that ascends steeply ahead. Arrive at a new forest track. Cross it and continue on the trail, which ascends more gradually. Follow the yellow markings. Small ravine to cross. The trail continues to ascend under the the Corsican pine trees. Reina de les Fonts Fountain. Spring below a small tarred road. Picnic area. Follow the road to the right to reach Col de l'Ullat (in Catalan). Refuge chalet and restaurant at the Col de l'Ouillat. Beautiful place, ideal for barbecues and relaxation. RETURN via the same path. 

6 h
13 km
Easy
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Via Ferrata in Mazamet
115 km

Via Ferrata in Mazamet

Looking for big thrills? Desire to surpass yourself? The via ferrata of Mazamet is for you! In the the Arnette gorges, in Mazame, via ferrata and giant zip line, under the footbridge. Acrobats and adventurers will enjoy this safe activity which completes, since 2022 the current tourist offer. This land is located in a protected natural site carried by an outstanding historic heritage (Cormouls-Houlès remarkabe gardens, St-Sauveur ruins, classified archeological site), and a rich and diverse wildlife. Nearby, after crossing the Mazamet's Hymalayan footbridge at 70 meters high over the Arnette river, you will find the medieval village of Hautpoul and its gardens, as well as, on the GR7, the House of Wood and Toy, its arboretum and its orchard. A nice wander along the 'Art Net' to picnic in th the shadows of chestnut trees. - Via Ferrata with ziplines : . Access: 20 mn . Drop : 90 m . Length: 880 ml . Difficulty: AD à D+ . Duration: 2 h 30 . Way back: 20 mn - Via Ferrata without zipline . Access: 30 mn . Drop: 110 m . Length: 370 ml . Difficulty: AD à D+ . Duration: 1 h 30 . Way back: 20 mn - Via Ferrata (upper part of Hautpoul) . Access: 20 mn . Drop: 60 m . Length: 130 ml . Difficulty: PD . Duration: 45 mn . Way back: 25 mn Minimum gear required: . Helmet . Harness . Closed shoes . Rest Karabiner & short lanyard . 2 wide aperture autoblock gate karabiners . Karabiner aerolink specifically for continuous safe line . Lanyard aeroline Ferrata . Double lanyard with shock absorber . Gloves General recommendations: Access to the Via Ferrata of Mazamet is prohibited: - to children measuring less than 1,35m and minors who are not accompanied by un experienced adult ; - outside opening hours and over night ; - in adverse weather conditions and especially when the route is slipppery and affected by snow, ice and stormy conditions. You agree to undertake this activity at your own risk. If you have little or no experience in this type of activity, please contact the services of a guide. Equipment rental: Mazamet Tourist Office Online booking: www.tourisme-castresmazamet.com/billetterie Rates: 18€/pers. Groups more than 5 persons: 16,50€/pers. Groups more than 10 persons : 15€/pers. Deposit: 400€ (on the day of the rental, chèque ou Crédit card) For beginners or persons needing a guide, you can contact: - Aude Escapades - Laurence Combes 06 03 50 00 85 - Axecime - Yannick Saulnier 06 08 42 27 13

95 rue de la Resse 81200 Mazamet
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Caution!
We have no information on the difficulty of this circuit. You may encounter some surprises along the way. Before you go, please feel free to inquire more and take all necessary precautions. Have a good trip! 🌳🥾