Hiking around Mount Canigou
7 day mountain hike with a view of the Mediterranean
- Magical hike around the legendary Canigou mountain
- Nature escape for experienced hikers
- Scenic mountains landscapes & sea view
- Local licensed mountain guide
- Day at the spa in Vernet-les-Bains
Guided mountain tour for experienced hikers & nature lovers: Discover the magical Canigou mountain with its panoramic views of the Mediterranean and enjoy relaxing hours at the health resort in Vernet-les-Bains.
Discover the magical Canigou with its amazing mountain landscapes and panoramic views of the Mediterranean! Herds of chamois will guide your way as you explore the wild forest of Tres Estelles, the deep gorges of Mantet and Cady, the hills of Pla Guillem, and the clear mountain lakes of Cady and Cortalet. Visible from the Mediterranean coast and beyond, the flanks of Mount Canigou, often snow-clad through mid-summer, are a paradise for experienced hikers. A relaxing afternoon at the famous health resort in Vernet-les-Bains will round off your trip.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Villefranche-de-Conflent
Your mountain tour starts at the train station of Villefranche-de-Conflent, famous for its historic “yellow train”. An easy ascent will take you through a beautiful pine forest, offering a panoramic view of the Canigou mountains. Crossing the Rotja valley, you will reach tonight's accommodation at the foot of Mount Canigou.
Duration: 5-6hrs – elevation gain: 800m/2,600ft – elevation loss: 300m/1,000ft
Day 2: Gorges of Nyer
Today's hike will take you through the Gorges of Nyer nature reserve and ancient pastures to your next destination in Mantet.
Duration: 6hrs – elevation gain: 900m/3,000ft – elevation loss: 50m/160ft
Day 3: Mantet nature reserve
Explore the nature reserve of Mantet , observing chamois and enjoying its beautiful landscapes, before returning to Mantet for the night.
Duration: 6hrs – elevation gain: 800m/2,600ft – elevation loss: 800m/2,600ft
Day 4: Esquerdes de Rotja
A hike through the nature reserves of Py and Prats-de-Mollo will take you along the brim of the mountain crest Esquerdes de Rotja, followed by a tranquil descent toward the mountain cottage of Marialles.
Duration: 7hrs – elevation gain: 1,100m/3,600ft – elevation loss: 750m/2460ft
Day 5: Cadi Valley & Canigou summit
Make your way up to the magnificent valley of Cadi with its beautiful mountain lakes before climbing the summit of Mount Canigou (2,785m/9,137ft) and enjoying a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. The final stage of today's hike will take you to the mountain shelter of Cortalets.
Duration: 6hrs – elevation gain: 1,100m/3,600ft – elevation loss: 750m/2,460ft
Day 6: Canigou & spa in Vernet-les-Bains
From the heights of Mount Canigou, enjoy an extraordinary panoramic view of the Roussillon plateau and the Conflent hills. Descending along the gorges and the cascade of Saint Vincent, you will finally reach Vernet-les-Bains, where you may enjoy your last afternoon relaxing at the spa.
Duration: 5hrs – elevation gain: 200m/650ft – elevation loss: 1,600m/5,250ft
Day 7: Departure
After breakfast you will be taken back to Villefranche-de-Conflent train station, where your hiking tour ends. Have a save trip home!
For more information you can request our detailed information sheet via email. Please indicate which tour you are interested in.
Travel dates
Indicated price per person in dormitory and one night in double room occupancy in 2 stars hotel
Our trip starts and ends in Villefranche-de-Conflent.
Please feel free to arrange your trip to and from Villefranche-de-Conflent by the means of transportation of your choice and extend your trip according to your preferences.
For parties of 6 or more, we're happy to arrange for additional travel dates and/or guided tours in English.
Please fill out our enquiry form indicating the number of your party and your preferred travel dates.
Services
Price includes:
6 nights incl. full board (picnic lunch), licensed mountain guide, luggage transfer service, transfers according to the program, admission to the spa in Vernet-les-Bains.
Price excludes:
Train or airfares to/from destination, beverages, paid showers in mountain huts, personal expenses, travel cancellation insurance.
Number of participants
We accept bookings from groups as well as individual travellers!
Guaranteed departure: 4 participants (max. 12 persons)
Not accessible to persons with reduced mobility.
The tour operator reserves the right to cancel this trip up until 21 days prior to departure.
Accommodation
3 nights in dormitories in comfortable stopover gîtes, 2 nights and mountain huts, and 1 night in a 2-star spa hotel.
No single bedrooms available!
Level: medium
Good physical condition required – not suitable for beginners!
Average daily hikes: 6 hours on mountain trails with altitude differences between 600m/2,000ft and 900m/3,000ft per day.
Suitable hiking shoes are required and should be broken in prior to the tour!
Walking with French people, an authentic experience
French speaking licensed guide
For groups of 6 persons at least, we can arrange dates and content for the trip.
An organised guided tour in english can also be set
How to get there
We recommend a low-carbon train ride to Perpignan via Montpellier, Paris or Bruxelles Midi. From Perpignan, a regional train will take you to Villefranche-Vernet-les Bains.
For detailed travel information, please request our info sheet by filling out the enquiry form below!