A superb linear trail, which alternates between walks bordering the sea and climbing to vantage points with panoramic views across the Med
Traverse through Catalan from the north to the south of the Pyrenees between France and Spain
Fresh seafood dishes from the Med
A rich artistic and historic legacy with artists such as Matisse and Dali
A mild temperate climate throughout the year making this an ideal winter, spring and autumn destination
Outside of the summer months, the small fishing ports are delightfully quiet and calm.
Arrival in Collioure late afternoon and book into your hotel close to the seafront. The coastal town of Collioure sits at the base of the Pyrenees in a small calm bay where the Mediterranean gently laps at its shores. Enjoy looking around this pretty town with its coloured facades, its 13th-century royal chateau and its impressive church.
Overnight: Collioure
Today's walk follows, in part, a panoramic trail through the Madeloc with the possibility of climbing the Madeloc tower, a lookout over the Med. The vegetation alternates between vines and scrub. Your descent to Mailloll, follows dry stone walls which protect and support the vines on either side, consisting of Syrah and Autre Grenache grapes.
Overnight: Banyuls, Walk: Grade mod: 4 hours, 13km, +/-500m. Grade mod/chall: 5 hours, 13km, +/-700m.
Your day's walk has great panoramic views over the Mediterranean, towards the ruins of Querroig, a medieval lookout tower. The sea along this part of the walk is protected as a marine nature reserve. Afterward, you'll arrive at the small isolated port of Cerbère, the last stop before crossing over into Spain. Night at Cerbère.
Overnight: Cerbère, Walk: Grade mod: 4 hours 30, 13.5km, +/-450m. Grade mod/chall: 5 hours, 14km +/-700m.
Today you'll follow, in part, the Garbet beach, with the sea lapping at your feet and rich and colourful vegetation. Enjoy the calm of this stage as you pass from small inlet to small inlet until you reach your overnight stay at the port of Llanca.
Overnight: Llanca, Walk: 4hrs30, 13.5km, +/-450m
A glorious ascent on the monastery trail to reach the unique church of Saint Elena and the imposing monastery Sant Pere de Roda, over a thousand years old. A pretty descent among mounds, abandoned vineyards and relics from the civil war with views over the bay at Port de la Selva, where you'll spend the night.
Overnight: Port de la Selva, Walk: Grade mod: 4 hours, 12km, +/-550m. Grade mod/chall: 5 hours, 13km, +/-700m. Coastal option: 2 hours 30, 8km, +/-50m
Today you'll traverse the massif de Cap de Creus which is a protected regional Park forming a small peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean. The terrain is rugged and spectacular as you make your way to the small historic fishing village of Cadaques, with its narrow winding streets and its traditional white-washed houses. Night at Cadaques.
Overnight: Cadaques, Walk: Grade mod: 5 hours, 13km, +/-350m. Grade mod/chall: 7 hours, 20km, +/-500m
In the morning, you'll discover the Oliguera peninsula and its amazing rock formations, including the famous rock "Cucurucuc". Return by taxi to Collioure with a possible stop by the Museum Dali de Figueres.
Walk: 2 hours 15, 5km, +/-100m
Options of booking an extra night in Cadaques and booking onto to our Costa Brava walking holiday which heads south from Cadaques.
Self-Guided
or Distance: 12-18km per day
Ascent: 100-700m per day
2 & 3 star hotels
Half Board
French Fjords: Calanques National Park
Created in 1995 by our expert local partners, this beautiful Catalan coastal path has for a backdrop the mighty Pyrenees mountains on one side and the blue Mediterranean Sea on the other. Small historic fishing ports made from white-washed houses nestle at the base of green hills covered in vines, orange groves and forest. Secluded rocky bays nestle beneath picturesque headlands which offer great views across the clear blue sea.
On four of the days it is possible to choose between two different grades of walking routes, making it ideal for those seeking both a challenge, as well as those looking for a relatively modest trek (See more information below). This holiday is also an ideal spring or autumn break. The Mediterranean Sea keeps the Catalan coast mild, even in winter and pleasantly warm in the Spring and Autumn.
6 nights/7 days: 5 & 1/2 days independent walking moving between guest houses
Everyday from 10 Feb to 23 June & from 3 Sept to 27 Oct
This self-guided or independent walking holiday is made up of 5 walks moving between guest houses and a small walk at Cadaques on the final morning. The walks average about 15km. Some sections of the trail are rough and stony in places with the odd steep section. On this holiday you have the choice of two possible routes on 4 of the days, giving rise to two different grades. You can, of course, choose to do a mixture of easier and more challenging days.
Moderate: Average of 5 hours walking with daily ascents of between 350m and 550m
Moderate to challenging: Average of 6 hours walking with daily ascents of between 400m and 700m.
On 3 of the days as the two main options go inland into the hills there is also a coastal option that hugs the coastline which is generally easier than the other options.
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This walking holiday is graded moderate or Moderate/challenging depending on the options you choose. See more information about walking grades.
Half-board accommodation in 2 & 3 star hotels
Our self-guided walking holiday along the Pyrenees Coastal Trail is available everyday from 10 Feb to 23 June & from 3 Sept to 27 Oct . We do not run this holiday in the height of the summer due to the high temperatures and the difficulty in securing our top choice accommodation. The Mediterranean Sea keeps the Catalan coast mild, even in winter and pleasantly warm in the spring and autumn. You can expect temperatures in March of 16°C, in April of about 18°C, in May of 22°C and in June of 26°C on the coast during the day. Temperatures at altitude will be slightly cooler, especially during windy conditions. During hot weather sea breezes may keep the temperature cooler closer to the shoreline. Daytime temperatures are 25°C and in 21°C in September and October respectively.
This part of the Mediterranean coast is a relatively dry region, with the highest levels of rain in Spring occurring in April, although totals are low compared to many parts of France. October is by far the wettest month of the year on average. Average sunshine levels are high with an average of 7 hours or more per day from mid-March through to September.
Fog is fairly rare in this region. One climatic phenomenon that is much more common, is strong north-westerly winds known as Tramontane. These are strong winds that blow from the mountains to the sea and run perpendicular to the coast. They can be uncomfortable if strong, especially in cool weather. One benefit of these winds is that they usually keep the skies blue. By contrast, winds blowing from the southeast coming in from the sea are usually associated with cloudy and rainy conditions. March and April are the windiest months.This walking holiday follows a variety of trails depending on the options chosen. There are GR (Grande Randonnee) long-distance trails which are well way-marked with red and white markings. The walking follows clear paths for the most part. The remaining sections follow local trails waymarked in various colours, whilst other sections have no or little markings. Our walking notes are detailed (more information here) and include intermediate distances for sections of the trail. They also include information about the sites which can be explored along the route. We supply one walking guide per person on this holiday. As well as the detailed walking notes we supply A4 extracts of the official walking maps at a scale of 1:25,000. Your trail is highlighted on the maps.
On this walking holiday, your main luggage is transferred between guest houses so you only have to carry a day rucksack with picnic lunch (supplied by the guest houses and included in the holiday price), water and spare clothes, waterproofs, camera etc. On this holiday a local taxi company is responsible for transporting your main luggage. We use the same company throughout the walking holiday, so if you have any specific requests you can ask the driver at the beginning of your trip. Please limit the weight of your bags to 15kg.
Eurostar, TGV and TER French trains allow access to Collioure train station close to your first hotel. Changes between the Eurostar and TGV are at Lille or Paris. TGV's run from Paris to Montpellier or Perpignan. Perpignan is by far the closest large station. The TGV via Lille will require another change at Lyon. The local trains from Perpignan only take about a further 20 minutes to Collioure. Please use Rail Europe's train finder in our travel shop to organise your train journey.
There are flights from French and UK airports to Perpignan-Rivesaltes airport. Operators from UK airports include Flybe, BMI Baby and Ryan Air. The airport is about 35km from Collioure. The most practical solution is to take a transfer to Perpignan city about 7km away and then take a short local TER train to Collioure. There is is a bus service operated by Courriers Catalans from outside the terminal building. The journey should take about 15 minutes and cost €4.50. There is also a taxi service. Journey into the city will take approximately 10 minutes and cost approximately €20.00.
Note: Please check concerning the availability of a holiday before booking any flights. If you need further information or would like to discuss any aspect of your travel arrangements, please contact us, we’re here to help you.
Channel ferry crossings from Dover are provided by a number of operators including DFDS seaways. Crossings are also provided by train with Eurotunnel.
Once in France, the journey from Calais to Collioure takes about 10-11 hours (excluding long breaks). There is a car park in the centre of Collioure (le glacis) close to your hotel. Alternatively, you can leave your car for the week in a private secure parking about 1.5km from the hotel, approximate cost of 45€.
6 nights / 6 day's walking
A variety of independent and friendly 2 and 3 star hotels on a half board basis. Lunches are not included in the cost of the holiday but can be ordered from your hotel, the evening before your departure.
Original hotel in a historic building not far from the sea front. Works of art decorate the building and rooms. Room in main hotel building. First evening meal in hotel restaurant. On 4 & 10 June, free choice and not included in holiday price. |
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Beautifully finished hotel near the port at Llanca. Evening meal in hotel restaurant. |
Extra nights are possible at the start of the walking holiday to enjoy the coastal resort of Collioure and at the end of the walk in Cadaques.
Combining walking holidays
This walking holiday can be combined with our Costa Brava walking holiday which continues south along the Spanish coast.
City Breaks
Toulouse: You may travel via Toulouse on your way to Collioure. Toulouse is France's fourth largest city, located on the banks of the Garonne River. Founded by the Romans it owes its nickname of "Ville Rose" or pink city to the use of brick used in much of its architecture from Antiquity to the present day. It dresses the façades with warming colours, from soft pinks to the most flamboyant oranges. Toulouse counts three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Canal du Midi (designated in 1996 and shared with other cities), and the Basilica of St. Sernin, the largest remaining Romanesque building in Europe, designated in 1998 along with the former hospital Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Jacques because of their significance to the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage trail. We can add on a city break of varying numbers of nights according to your wishes.
Barcelona: Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, an unforgettable city of art, culture and beauty. It is home to a host of museums and monuments, as well as the famous Barcelona FC and the works of Gaudi including Guell Park and his unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia Cathedral. Barcelona is also a lively city with great bars and restaurants on the famous strip - Rambals.
Please consult us for a price on any of the above options.
Tailor-made Trips
We have created several example itineraries showcasing the variety of holiday experiences we can create for you. Here are a few that are local to the Pyrenees Coastal Trail walking holiday
Walking through History: Medieval France Adventure
This unique signature trip which starts in Toulouse and ends in Carcasonne, explores the Tarn, a mix of rolling fields and vineyards with expansive views, sunny plateaux, ancient oak forests, and deep rocky gorges.
Royal Cities of Europe: Paris, Barcelona and London
Prepare for a journey through history as you explore the majestic landscapes and regal heritage across France, Spain, and England.
Excellent combination of mountains and beach - so appreciated a dip in the Med in the evening. Thank you very much for a holiday we really enjoyed.
Paul & Barbara M.