From the dolmens to the Saint-Laurent’ Chapel (VTT)

Flora

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A suprising quick drop circuit
(Red color signs « VTT » (mountain bike) n°2)

A trip with a strong difference in height or level with a sort mileage. A technical climb, a fast and rolling descent. Be careful !

2 points of interest

Cultural heritage
Château de Valmy
An amazing space leaning against the Albères, embracing the vineyards and the Mediterranean: welcome to the Château de Valmy. Art Nouveau style, it is the work of the Danish architect Viggo Petersen. It is Pierre Bardou, a Peruvian industrialist creator of the brand JOB, who controls this castle for his daughter Jeanne from 1888 to 1900. His descendants are still owners of the castle. They relaunched the wine business and created guest rooms at the Château. Go check it out !
History
Stèle of airmen
This place of memory pays tribute to the airmen who disappeared in the plane crash of June 6, 1957. That day, at dawn, a banal exercise mission ended in drama when the plane hit the flank of the mountain. With the shock the plane caught fire, burning the mountain “l’ Albèra” at the same time. Six men perished in the flames. The restoration of this monument in June 2017 prevents this place to being forgotten and to continue to live in collective memory.

For this route go down from the Valmy’carpark to the campsite « Les Mimosas » turn left and take the trail DFIC-AL-n°42 in the direction of Tour de la Massane. Admire the view of the Valmy’castle.
Pursue on a large path and look out on the right the departure of two paths. In direction of the Cova de l’Alarb’ dolmen. Take the path gullied by the runoff of rainwaters. This path goes into the forest with a big difference in height or level. Be careful this area is a wild and there are a lot of pedestrian paths.
Continue and pass in front of the massive portal of the « Mas d'en Jordi » to join the trail DFCI-AL n°41. Climb up the path to arrive at the basin.
Turn right in direction of The Chapel Saint Laurent and go on the path DFCI AL n°29. Cross the plateau on the Albères’ foothills. This first part of the descent is mild. Be careful, from the Mas Piquemal, the descent is steeper and the curves are harpin bends which accentuates the speed and the danger on this part. Be also careful with the possible sand banks in some curves which could be slippery.
At 100 meters, on the left of the avitors’ commemorative Stele , the junction that leads you to the chapel Saint Laurent. The pedestrian path in front of the Chapel leads you to the DFCI AL-N°29 path.
Carefully Follow this path until the bottom of the Valmy’ Castle, end of this loop. On the last meters, there are some paved parts used by cars and pedestrians. Be on the alert to avoid accidents.

Follow the red color signs « VTT » (mountain bike) n°2

Direct acces by RD 914 : Exit Château de Valmy

Parking :

Valmy’ carpark (base “VTT” mountain bike)