(E 12 - Sentier Littoral) From Cerbère to Banyuls
5 points of interest
shipwreckThe 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).
compassViewpoint orientator of Cap Rederis
Enjoy this panoramic point of view to observe the landscape.
Vines
Vineyards located along the coastline, where the land meets the sea. These vineyards often benefit from the unique climatic conditions, with the influence of the sea moderating temperatures and providing a distinct environment for grape growing. Coastal vineyards can be found in regions like Banyuls-sur-Mer, where the steep slopes near the Mediterranean help produce some of the finest wines. The view of the sea combined with the rows of grapevines offers a picturesque and often dramatic landscape, creating a perfect synergy between nature and viticulture.
GeologyLe Dôme
Located on the north face of the Cape of Abeille, the "Dome" owes its name to its configuration. This site has a large rocky outcrop approximately 70 meters long and 15 meters wide and has some major faults. The depth varies between 10 meters to the south and 19 meters to the north. The interest of the site is around and on the Dome (between 12 meters and 5 meters).
HistoryArago Laboratory
In the early 1880s, the zoologist Henri De Lacaze Duthiers prospected the Mediterranean Coast to establish a marine station. In 1882, the Arago Laboratory opened its doors at its current location, and the public aquarium was inaugurated in 1884. The laboratory welcomed scientists who wanted to advance marine science. The research structures were regularly expanded to welcome new researchers who contributed to the renown of the laboratory.
Description
From the Cerbère Tourist Office, go up along the cornice by the sea and follow the D 914.
- Turn right on the railway path and continue towards Cerbère beach. Continue on the path that runs along the cliff and follows the railway.
- Go up towards the holiday village. Go around it on the right and climb the slope that runs along the cliff. Go back down and go around the campsite on the right.
- Take the track for about 100 meters then turn right. The path follows maritime pines and leads to the rehabilitation center. Go down towards the rehabilitation center and go around it on the right. Take the path on the left which allows you to enter the center by a gate. Cross the center for a few meters using the first gate and exit through the second gate (remember to close them).
- Turn right on a tarmac track and descend through cork oaks to Peyrefitte beach.
- Cross the beach. At the end of it take the path that goes up to the right. Continue the path to cross in the scrubland then turn right and follow the vineyard.
- Continue straight and then descend by the path that runs along the cliff and the vines. Continue on the track for about 150 meters. The path climbs over the Taillalauque cove.
- Continue on the path that winds up the hill to a dirt track. Go up towards the talweg and turn left.
- Take opposite and go up to the talweg to bypass the station. At the end of the building turn left and take the stairs that lead to the RD 914. Go along the RD 914 and go down towards the Arago laboratory. You have to go around it on the left to get to the port entrance. Take the Maillol alley towards the Tourist Office.
- Departure : Tourist Office of Cerbère
- Arrival : Tourist Office of Banyuls-sur-Mer
- Towns crossed : CERBERE and BANYULS SUR MER
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
You enjoy nature, you love it, take care of it ... You take a hiking trail on which there are bins (glass, paper, leftover food, etc.). Use them out of respect for this exceptional space used every month by tens of thousands of hikers and walkers.