E 12 Coastal Path/Guide 2022: Cerbère/Peyrefite Beach - Col des Bélitres
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E 12 Coastal Path/Guide 2022: Cerbère/Peyrefite Beach - Col des Bélitres
CERBERE

E 12 Coastal Path/Guide 2022: Cerbère/Peyrefite Beach - Col des Bélitres

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Explore Cerbère, a border town with a rich historical past, and its shale cliffs set in a stunning natural environment. Note that Terrimbo Beach is inaccessible.
From Peyrefite Beach to the high shale cliffs, this final stretch of the coastal path on the French side offers many surprises. Highlights include the Art Deco ship-style hotel "Le Belvédère du Rayon Vert," the photovoltaic lighthouse, and the Retirada memorial.

4 points of interest

  • shipwreck

    The José Illueca

    Cargo of 1922 built in Gdansk, it is bought in 1942 by José Illueca armament of Las Palmas. Sunk in 1944 in front of Port-Vendres by British fighters, it now lies 79 meters deep between Caps Peyrefitte and Canadell. Because of its depth, this wreck is only accessible to Trimix Hypoxic divers (diving beyond 70 meters).
  • Small patrimony

    Solar Lighthouse of Cap Cerbère

    The last lighthouse before the French-Spanish border, this structure, built in 1982, replaced the old Cerbère lighthouse, which was decommissioned in 1980. Also known as the “Solar Lighthouse” due to its power source—photovoltaic cells—it has a range of 15 nautical miles. To preserve the landscape, all external electrical wiring was excluded from the site. Don’t miss this lighthouse, recognizable by its grey stones and tall red top.
  • Small patrimony

    boundary stone n°601

    The boundary markers 601 and 601bis are part of the 602 boundary stones and crosses that delineate the Franco-Spanish border. These markers represent the last accessible land-based boundary points before the border reaches the Mediterranean Sea. The marker 602 is located in the Foradada Cave in the sea, between Cerbère and Port-Bou.

    These boundary stones were established following the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659 and the Treaty of Bayonne in 1856, which set the current course of the border.

    To reach boundary stone 601, one should follow the customs path (sentier douanier). Upon reaching the sign marking the end of the path section, continue straight ahead (following the yellow cross) rather than turning right onto the dirt track. This will bring you to the boundary stone, allowing you to experience this historical marker along the French-Spanish border.
  • Geology

    The cliffs of Cerbère

    The Cliffs of Cerbère are among the highest in Europe and are part of the Banyuls to Cerbère Ecological and Faunistical/Floral Natural Area (Zone Naturelle d'Intérêt Ecologique Faunistique et Floristique des Falaises de Banyuls à Cerbère). Located in the southern part of the Côte Vermeille, this protected area stretches across 7 kilometers of coastline between Banyuls-sur-Mer and Cerbère, covering 140 hectares.

    This rugged coastline is oriented from north-northwest to south-southeast and is predominantly made up of schist. The cliffs are sharply cut and are followed by numerous reefs and underwater islets. Several prominent capes punctuate the coastline, including the Cap de l'Abeille, Cap Redéris, Cap de Peyrefite, and Cap Canadell, which demarcate several sandy coves. The most significant of these is Peyrefite Beach.

    The summit plateaus are covered with Mediterranean vegetation, including grasslands and maquis scrubland, which are often intersected by temporary streams. This diverse and ecologically significant landscape is a haven for a wide range of plant and animal species, making it an area of great natural interest.

Description

  1. Depart from Peyrefite Beach towards the Bouffard Vercelli Rehabilitation Center. 
  2. At this point, either turn left towards Cap Peyrefite or go through the Village des Aloès.
  3. At Anse de Terrimbo, continue on the path along the railway line. It is forbidden to descend to the beach.
  4. Climb up to the D914 and turn left towards Cerbère Beach.
  5. Continue on the D914 until you reach the solar lighthouse at Cap Cerbère.
  6. At the lighthouse, take the steep path to the left that goes above the shale cliffs. At the "End of Customs Path" sign, continue the trail towards Col des Bélitres and the Retirada memorial. The coastal path continues to Rosas. It is marked "GR-92" from Col des Bélitres at the former Cerbère border post.
  • Departure : Cerbère/Peyrefite Beach
  • Arrival : Col des Bélitres
  • Towns crossed : CERBERE

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

During the beautiful season: Bring a swimsuit, mask, and snorkel for a swim in the coves to observe the underwater wildlife.

You enjoy nature, you love it, take care of it...

You are about to take a hiking trail along which regular household waste collection points are at your full disposal. Out of respect for this exceptional area, visited by tens of thousands of hikers and walkers every month, we invite you to dispose of all your waste (glass, paper, food scraps, etc.) at these collection points, as well as any litter you may unfortunately find during your walk.

With these simple yet essential actions, let's keep this site clean, just as nature has graciously provided it.

Transport

Bus 1€

Access and parking

D914

Parking :

Peyrefite Beach Parking