From Lavail to Valmy via the Tour de la Massane
Gorge de Lavail
Gorge de Lavail - OT Sorède
SOREDE

From Lavail to Valmy via the Tour de la Massane

Flora
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Discovering a heritage ranging from the Neolithic to Art Nouveau of the 19th century.
Attention: During the summer period, the road leading to the hamlet of Lavail is closed from the junction of the D2 (between Sorède and Argelès).
Hike in the Albère massif allowing you to discover the Tour de la Massane and its magnificent view through two access points. Starting from the charming hamlet and the gorges of Lavail, and ending at the site of the Château de Valmy, designed by the famous architect Viggo Dorph Petersen. The dolmens are also part of the journey.

4 points of interest

  • Gneiss leucocrates dans le lit de la Massane
    Gneiss leucocrates dans le lit de la Massane - Guide ADT
    Geology

    Le champ filonien du val de la Massane

    The wild gorges of the Massane are dug through the most metamorphic rocks (transformation of minerals under the effect of pressure or temperature) of the Massif des Albères. The most remarkable geological character is the presence of numerous leucocratic magmatic injection veins (rock made up of clear minerals). These veins are of all sizes but one of the most remarkable, of kilometer size, outcrops at the foot of the Tower of Massane (BRGM).
  • CCACVI
    Cultural heritage

    Tour de la Massane

    This watchtower, built by the Kings of Majorca, offers an exceptional point of view on the Plaine du Roussillon. At 793 meters altitude, the tower is a landmark for hikers of the massif. The famous Cassini cartographer even used it as a geodesic landmark in 1701 for his meridian work. He manages to find a difference of 397 toises between the foot of the Tower and Collioure (an altitude of 780 meters). Rather precise for the time, no?
  • CCACVI
    Dolmen

    Dolmen dels Collets de Cotlliure

    Find this dolmen on the path that connects the Château de Valmy to the Tour de la Massane. The path will lead you first to the Dolmen de la Cova de l'Alarb, then you will arrive directly at the Dolmen del Collets area. Open your eyes and look around. The dolmen is there but in poor condition.
  • CCACVI
    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 !

Description

  1. Start from the hamlet of Lavail, Chemin de Saint André (paved road, then from the parking lot, a dirt path) and follow the trail along the river and the gorges of 'La Massane.'
  2. In front of a fenced field, turn left, following the directional sign to the Tour de la Massane.
  3. At this point, turn right. Continue following the trail markers to reach the tower. Climb through the forest.
  4. Upon reaching the tower, enjoy the magnificent panorama. To descend, head towards Valmy; you will descend on a trail through the forest.
  5. Arrive at the DFCI AL41 ter track. Turn left, then take another left at the next junction.
  6. At this point, head left for a few meters, and at the fork, take the right path.
  7. Continue descending through the forest to reach the Massane path and head towards the dolmens (Collets de Cotliure and Cova de l'Alarb).
  8. Cross the track and continue descending through the forest to see the other dolmen.
  9. At the DFCI AL42 track, turn left and leave it to follow the parallel trail. Rejoin the DFCI AL42 track.
  10. At the Mimosas campsite, turn right to reach the Valmy parking lot
  • Departure : Hamlet of Lavail
  • Arrival : Valmy Castle
  • Towns crossed : SOREDE and ARGELES SUR MER

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

Check the weather before departure. Bring water, a cap or hat, a windbreaker depending on the weather, hiking shoes. Consider bringing a picnic.

Transport

Bus 1€

Access and parking

D2, Lavail road.

Parking :

Lavail Parking Lot, Château de Valmy Parking Lot