(E 12-Coastal Path/guide 2022) Le Racou - Collioure Tourist Office

Flora

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Sportively connect two emblematic sites of our region in a military-themed atmosphere...

This hike, featuring sublime viewpoints and a rich heritage, allows access to Collioure without the worry of finding parking. Coves, forts, artistic circuits, and many other beauties will delight you. Please note that access to the coves is not possible between Porteils Beach and Ouille Beach.

3 points of interest

History
Un petit recoin catalan : « Le Racou »
The term "Racou" means "nook" in Catalan. Located between rocky coast and sandy beach, it is one of the typical places of the Argelesian coastline. The first installations of "demountable" wooden cabins go back to the 1920s but will be destroyed during the German occupation. In the 1960s, the Racou already has three lines of houses. This place is almost a village in its own right. Through its tiny alleyways floats a retro atmosphere where there is good walking.
Panorama
Ouille Beach
The beach of Ouille, between Collioure and Racou, is a real paradise. This confidential beach is mostly frequented by locals or customers of neighboring campsites. With its small pebbles, it extends about 100 meters below the cliffs of the Côte Vermeille. This beach, very quiet even in high season, however, is not monitored and parking to access is quite far. In short, a great place to be away from the crowd.
Cultural heritage
Fort Miradoux
In 1669, Vauban who wanted to make Collioure a garrison town, decided to shave the old town and create Fort Miradoux on the site of the old Fort Sainte-Thérèse built around 1540 by Charles V. This fort because of its location was of paramount importance in the defense of the castle. Today, Fort Miradoux, owned by the Army has become the National Commando Training Center (CNEC).

Description

Start from the parking lot and cross Le Racou along the beachfront.
Take the trail that ascends, making a detour to the panoramic viewpoint above, then return to the coastal path. Head towards the cove of Porteils and then to Ouille Beach. After Ravaner, large steps carved into the shale cliff lead up to the cliff top. Next, pass the concrete platform of a cannon, built during the German occupation, located on the left.
Descend towards the talweg and cross it using a wooden footbridge. Ascend to the gate of the property "d’en Bertrand. Continue straight under the wall. On the right, you'll see Fort Rond and Fort Carré, part of an 18th-century defensive system, and opposite, Fort Miradou, currently the National Commando Training Center (CNEC). Continue towards Collioure, noting Fort Carré and the Tour de l'étoile. Proceed until you reach the stadium parking lot.
Descend towards Collioure, taking Rue du Pla de las Fourques on the left.
Turn right at the roundabout and take the small street that climbs through Collioure's typical neighborhoods.
Then head towards Boramar Beach and the Tourist Office, making a detour to the small beach of Saint Vincent behind the church of the same name.

Departure : Le Racou
Arrival : Tourist Office of Collioure
Towns crossed : ARGELES SUR MER and COLLIOURE

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

You're enjoying nature, you love it, take care of it...

As you hike along this trail, you'll find regular waste collection points at your disposal. Out of respect for this exceptional space, frequented each month by tens of thousands of hikers and walkers, we kindly ask you to deposit all your waste (glass, paper, food scraps, etc.) at these collection points, including any litter you might unfortunately come across during your walk.

By adhering to these simple yet essential actions, let's preserve this site clean, just as nature graciously bestowed it upon us.

Transport

Bus 1€

Access and parking

D 914, D114, D81

Parking :

Parking at the entrance of Le Racou