Walking Holidays in the Pyrenees
Explore the vibrant town of Collioure, a Mediterranean gem
Hike to the historic Tower of Madeloc for panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea
Discover Banyuls-sur-Mer, a seaside town renowned for its exquisite dessert wines
Cross the border into Spain and follow the coastal path to the quaint town of Portbou
Visit the Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, a testament to faith and time
Finish your journey with an exhilarating walk to the Cap de Creus lighthouse, the most easterly point of the Iberian peninsula
This is your ticket to the magical Pyrenees
Evenings in the coastal towns of the Pyrenees
Explore the Natural Park of Cap de Creus
Catalan town of Cadaques
Climb up to incredible views over the Mediterranean Sea
Walk through the day and enjoy the evenings by the coast
Taste authentic local wines
Itinerary
Begin your journey in the enchanting town of Collioure, a Mediterranean jewel where pastel houses, like a painter’s palette, line the charming harbour. The town’s artistic heritage, which once inspired the likes of Matisse, whispers in the salty sea breeze. As the sun sets, indulge in a seaside dinner, the flavours of the sea dancing on your tongue.
Embark on a hike to the historic Tower of Madeloc, a 13th-century sentinel standing guard over Collioure. The steep climb, a test of resolve, rewards you with panoramic views of the shimmering sea, a sapphire in the sunlight. Descend through terraced hillsides, a cascade of green and gold, back to the vibrant life of Collioure.
14 km; 780 m of elevation gain/loss
Follow the coastline, where the land and sea perform their eternal dance, to the bustling Port Vendres. Continue to Cap Bear, its lighthouse a beacon amidst the wild beauty. After a refreshing dip in the azure embrace of Paulilles beach, arrive in Banyuls-sur-Mer, a seaside town where the air is sweet with the scent of Grenache Noir grapes and the promise of exquisite dessert wines.
14.5 km; 475 m of elevation gain and 480 m of elevation loss
Cross the border into Spain, a new chapter in your journey. Follow the coastal path from Banyuls-sur-Mer to the quaint town of Portbou. The clifftop paths, like the spine of a sleeping dragon, offer stunning views of the turquoise sea, a mirror reflecting the endless sky, and numerous sheltered coves, secrets whispered by the land. Pause in Cerbere, a haven of tranquillity, before reaching Portbou.
11 km; 530 m of elevation gain and 530 m of elevation loss
Enjoy a picturesque seaside walk, where the land, sea, and sky meet in a symphony of colours, from Portbou to Llanca. Or take a short train transfer for a more relaxed day.
10 km; 400 m of elevation gain and 375 m of elevation loss
Begin with a coastal stroll, the sea a constant companion, then head inland through the lush Vall de Santa Creu, a green sea under the azure sky. Ascend to the impressive Benedictine monastery of Sant Pere de Rodes, a testament to faith and time. Descend to Port de la Selva, guided by vistas of the sparkling coastline, a necklace of light and colour.
7.5 km; 140 m of elevation gain and 160 m of elevation loss
Change of scenery as you head inland, where the wild beauty of the Cap de Creus national park unfolds before you. As the whitewashed village of Cadaques comes into view, like a pearl in the rugged landscape, enjoy an easy descent into the town, a canvas painted with the colours of history and culture.
10.5 km; 500 m of elevation gain and 500 m of elevation loss
Finish your journey with an exhilarating walk to the Cap de Creus lighthouse, a lone sentinel at the edge of the world. Don’t miss a visit to Port Ligat, where the echoes of Salvador Dali‘s genius still resonate in his iconic house, now a museum.
20 km; 650 m of elevation gain/loss
Depart from the elegant seaside town of Cadaques, carrying with you memories of a journey filled with stunning landscapes, rich history, and cultural encounters. As you leave, the town, the sea, and the sky wave you goodbye, a promise of adventures yet to come.
Pricing
Included in price
Tour design and organisation
24/7 service and support during your holidays
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
8x accommodation with breakfast in 3/4* hotels
Luggage transfer
Description
Step into a world where the mountains meet the sea, where the air is filled with the scent of wildflowers and the sea breeze. Our Walking Holidays in the Pyrenees are a journey through time and space, a dance of nature and culture that unfolds over nine unforgettable days.
The Pyrenees, a majestic mountain range that forms a natural border between France and Spain, is a land of contrasts. This tour explores the utmost southeastern section of the Pyrenees, where the mountains meet the Mediterranean. From the vibrant town of Collioure, a Mediterranean gem, to the elegant seaside settlement of Cadaques, each day unveils a new facet of this enchanting region.
The hikes on this tour are a testament to the beauty and diversity of the Pyrenees. Following seaside paths that wind across the hilly landscape, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, the rugged beauty of the Pyrenees, and the picturesque towns that dot the coastline.
Despite being one of the easiest hikes in the Pyrenees, the journey from Collioure to Cadaques is incredibly picturesque, a feast for the senses.
At Walking Holidays France, we specialise in inn-to-inn hiking in France, creating experiences that are as comfortable as they are adventurous. We oversee and book all accommodations, provide a detailed handout with a day-by-day itinerary, and equip you with a user-friendly app for GPS navigation.
Our handpicked local recommendations ensure you get the most out of each location, and we’re always on hand to solve any logistical issues.
Life is a collection of moments, and the best ones are yet to be discovered. Let the sun-kissed Pyrenees and the scent of the Mediterranean be more than just a daydream. With every step on our Walking Holidays in the Pyrenees tour, you’ll be creating memories that last a lifetime.
Location
Things to know
Our walking holidays are designed to cater to a range of fitness levels. We offer everything from leisurely strolls through vineyards and coastal paths to more challenging mountain hikes. However, it’s always a good idea to have a basic level of fitness to fully enjoy the experience.
Yes, our walking holidays can be enjoyed by the whole family. However, the suitability of certain tours for children may depend on the specific itinerary and the child’s age and fitness level. We recommend contacting us directly to discuss the best options for your family.
We recommend sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. The terrain can vary from smooth paths to rocky trails, so footwear should have good grip and ankle support. Waterproof shoes are also a good idea in case of wet weather.
Yes, we recommend booking your walking holiday in advance. This allows us to secure the best accommodations and ensures that you have ample time to prepare for your adventure.
We carefully select our accommodations to enhance your walking holiday experience. Depending on the tour, this could range from charming local inns and bed and breakfasts to more luxurious hotels. All accommodations are chosen for their comfort, hospitality, and proximity to our walking routes.
Our tours are primarily self-guided, allowing you the freedom to explore at your own pace. However, we provide detailed itineraries, route notes, and a user-friendly GPS navigation app. For those who prefer a guided experience, please contact us to discuss the options.
France is a year-round destination, but the best time for a walking holiday depends on the region. Spring and autumn are generally ideal, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. However, some regions, like the French Alps, are best enjoyed in the summer, while others, like the French Riviera, offer pleasant walking conditions even in winter.
Safety is our top priority. In case of bad weather, we have contingency plans in place. This could involve suggesting an alternative route or activity for the day. We also provide support and advice on how to handle different weather conditions.
Self-guided
HASSLE-FREE
TRUSTED BY MANY
TRIED & TESTED ADVENTURES
UNBEATABLE SUPPORT
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