From the "Happy Valley" to the Château d'Ultrera
Aurélie Rubio
SOREDE

From the "Happy Valley" to the Château d'Ultrera

Flora
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Dive into the heart of history and nature.
With this hike: discover the ruins of a Visigothic-origin castle, an ancient solar furnace site, a rock offering breathtaking views, a unique spring, and a peaceful hermitage.

2 points of interest

  • CCACVI
    Panorama

    Les Albères

    The Albères mountains offer an exceptional panorama. Enjoy the view of the dense forest and the valley below.
  • Vestiges de la forge "Le Martinet"
    Vestiges de la forge "Le Martinet" - ot Sorède
    History

    Le Martinet

    On the road to « La Vallée heureuse », in a place called Le Martinet, you will discover the remains of a forge dating from the 18th century. The forge has long been used to produce iron; in particular, it enabled the construction of a nail's factory as well as numerous iron tools. For the past ten years, the PASTOR association has undertaken the restoration of the forge. A model of the forge was created to show how it used to be and how it worked. The model shows the forge when the restoration will be completely completed.   Visits are by appointment for schools and groups. Guided tours are offered to people during the summer (inquire at the B.I.T. in Sorède).

Description

  1. Set off on the DFCI trail located on the left after the first bridge on Rue de la Fargue. Follow this trail to its end at the junction.
  2. Continue straight on the small path; the Chapelle du Christ is on the left, and a little further up, the Ermitage Notre-Dame du Château is on the right (a great spot for a picnic).
  3. Head towards Puig Nalt and Roc de les Medes, where the ruins of the Château d'Ultrera are visible on the left. Pass by the site of Padre Himalaya’s former solar furnace. An exact replica of this furnace can be seen in Sorède (located above the Mas del Ca site; the path to it starts opposite the Sorède retirement home).
  4. After passing Roc de les Medes, enjoy the exceptional viewpoint, particularly of the Massane Tower. Descend to the right on the forest path. Along the way, take note of the Font dels Miracles, a small spring that gushes out beneath a tree.
  5. Continue along the trail in the forest until you reach the dam and Rue de la Fargue. Follow the street downhill to return to the starting point.
  • Departure : Sorède - Vallée Heureuse
  • Arrival : Sorède - Vallée Heureuse
  • Towns crossed : SOREDE and ARGELES SUR MER

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

Bring water and snacks. Wear hiking shoes, a windbreaker, and a cap.  
Respect nature and take your trash with you.  
Check the weather forecast before setting out.

Access and parking

D618, D11, heading towards "Vallée Heureuse"

Parking :

Rue de la Fargue