Mountains to the Mediterranean
Mountains to the Mediterranean
$1316
Mountains to the Mediterranean
8 Days Starting in La Preste and ending in Collioure
Visiting: France
Tour Overview
This is a series of walks that link the mountains with the sea. They start in La Preste, the highest village of the Haute Vallespir valley, high on the frontier between France and Spain. Each day you will be walking a little further eastwards, sometimes assisted by a strategic taxi transfer, to get a little nearer to the "Big Blue", as the Mediterranean is called in these parts. The route follows a series of waymarked paths across the mountainsides through the heavily scented maquis and visiting some historic towns on the way to the port and beautiful town of Collioure. On your way you will be able to sample the wines of Roussillon, delicious local honeys, and the Catalan cuisine.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive La Preste
La Preste Les Bains is the highest village of the Haut Vallespir Valley high on the frontier between France and Spain. This small hamlet has a large Spa so if you wish to relax in thermal baths or treat yourself to some pampering then plan to arrive early.
Accommodation: Locally run 3* hotel with views down the valley. The cosy rooms are all ensuite. The hotel has a panoramic conservatory, lounge.
Day 2 : La Preste To Mollo - 14 Km / 8.6 Miles, 4 - 5 Hours +650M/-650M
From La Preste (1000m) make your way up the forested slopes of the Haut Vallespir Valley on well graded paths, to the Col de Siern (1629m) on the Franco-Spanish frontier, with fine views west to the Pic de Costabonne (2465m). We descend on the Spanish side and follow the Rio Ritort Valley down to the Spanish village of Mollo (1182m). Note that baggage is not moved to this location, so you need to carry overnight items.
Accommodation: Our usual accommodation is a 3* hotel in a typical Spanish mountain village with views over the Pyrenean foothills and with Catalan and International food. All rooms are ensuite and there is a swimming pool.
Day 3 : Mollo To Prats-De-Mollo - 18 Km/ 11.18 Miles, 5.5 To 6 Hours +500M/-865M
We recommend an early start to allow more time to explore Prats-de-Mollo at the end of your day. From Mollo you take a more easterly route to return to France, following the Torrente de Fabert to recross the frontier at Collado des Prats (1596m). Here you descend a ridge between forested ravines to Prats de Mollo. This is the birthplace of Catalan resistance. Clinging to the southern slopes of Mount Canigou, this 1,000-year old town, with its picturesque old quarter and architecture by Vauban, has retained its original charm. The ramparts, the Gothic church with its Baroque altar, the old medieval quarter, Fort Lagarde and the nature reserve bear witness to its rich heritage. You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around and walking up to the fort.
Accommodation: A charming guesthouse with a lounge, a large terrace and views of the hills, on the outskirts of the fortified town. All rooms are ensuite.
Day 4 : Prats-De-Mollo To Amelie-Les-Bains - 16 Km / 10 Miles, 4.5 To 5 Hours +480M/1160M
Start the day with a road transfer (included) to a farm, Pla Boula (900m), high up on the south flank of the Vallespir. A fine ridge walk takes you via Serre de la Garsa (1212m) to Pilon de Belmatx (1280m). At Col des Paracolls (902m) join the GR10 coast-to coast Pyrenean long distance trail to start the descent to Amelie-les-Bains (220m).
Accommodation: A former chateau by the river, converted into a 3* Appart' hotel with ensuite facilities. It is located 10 minute walk from the town centre, shops, restaurants and cafes.
Day 5 : Amelie-Les-Bains To Le Boulou - 20 Km / 12.5 Miles, 5 To 6 Hours +370M/-420M
A short road transfer (included) to Chapelle St Paul, followed by a walk via the famous Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge) over the River Tech and up to the Ermitage St Ferreol. Then a traverse to the tiny village of Vives and the viewpoint of Puig Sangli (209m) and down to Le Boulou.
Accommodation: Our 2* hotel is on the edge of the town, at the foot of the Alberes mountains. All rooms are ensuite. There is a small fitness room and an outdoor swimming pool.
Day 6 : Le Boulou To Collioure - 12 Km / 8 Miles, 4 To 5 Hours +350M/-1150 M
Take a taxi transfer (included) via the border town of Le Perthus to join the GR10 at Coll de L'Ullat at 930m. The route starts with a steep climb bringing sweeping views to the west. Forest paths reach the border ridge at 1130m with views to the coast and the summit of Puig Neulos, which is reached by an open ridge walk. The views are magnificent to the mountains and the Mediterranean. Descend to the ancient walled village of Laroque-des-Alberes for refreshment and a taxi transfer (included) to Collioure.
Accommodation: for two nights, you stay in a 2* hotel furnished in Catalan style. It overlooks the harbour and the citadel of this picturesque town, which has long attracted artists. All the rooms have ensuite facilities. There are numerous good restaurants in the town and along the waterfront to sample the local cuisine.
Day 7 : Collioure To Banyuls, Train To Collioure 15 Km / 9 Miles, 5.5 To 6 Hours - 820M
Pack your swimming costume and towel for today. Walk up from Collioure (sea level) to Tour Madeloc (656m), then descend to Col des Gascons and follow the GR10 long distance trail among vines to down Banyuls. Explore Banyuls, take a swim or try some of the local wines. Catch the train back to Collioure for your last night accommodation.
Day 8 : Arrangements End After Breakfast.
Depart Collioure after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights in 2-3 star hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse -
7 breakfasts, 1 dinner
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7 nights accommodation in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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One piece of luggage (max 20kg) per person transferred between your accommodation (except on Day 2, when you walk into Spain)
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Information pack including route notes & maps
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Emergency hotline
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Taxi transfers on Days 4, 5 and 6
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GPS files
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6 dinners, all lunches & beverages
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Entrance fees
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Travel insurance
What's Not Included
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3 dinners, all lunches & beverages
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4 dinners, all lunches & beverages
Accommodation
6 nights in 2-3 star hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse
The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests.
Grading
This walk is best described as moderate but should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking. Day stages: All of the day stages are 4-6 hours of actual walking. An overnight change of clothes also has to be carried on two days because one hotel is too far by road to transport baggage.
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.