"Loop of Albères" Nature has come knocking
Frédéric Hédelin
ST ANDRE

"Loop of Albères" Nature has come knocking

Flora
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Bike ride to discover the natural heritage around the villages of Albères.
Fancy a nature outing on two wheels?
Pedal along at an easy pace through fields, farms, and soothing countryside views.
Children will love greeting the animals at the Discovery Farm before enjoying a relaxing break by the lake in Palau-del-Vidre.

2 points of interest

  • Ferme de découverte
    Ferme de découverte - Ferme découverte
    Fauna

    Ferme de découverte de Saint-André

    A veritable conservatory, the “Discovery Farm” contributes to the knowledge of species and biodiversity, as well as to the safeguarding of certain endangered species. An astonishing variety of sheep from the five continents can be observed. Some 300 animals are to be discovered on 3 hectares through fun and educational routes.
  • Lac de Palau-del-Vidre
    Lac de Palau-del-Vidre - Mairie de Palau
    Lake

    Sant Marti Lake in Palau

    This magnificent lake has been landscaped with a wide variety of plants for the enjoyment of walkers. Health trails and games for children also decorate this place for the enjoyment of all. It is also and above all a true fisherman's paradise. Here fishing permits are sold by the day.

Description

Starting point: Town Hall car park

  1. Leaving the Town Hall car park, turn right onto Rue Miloussa, then at the end of the street turn left onto Rue de Taxo. Continue towards Taxo.
  2. Go under the bridge and stay on the cycle route (on the right).
  3. Leave the cycle route that heads towards Argelès-sur-Mer and continue straight ahead towards the Discovery Farm.
  4. Cross the level crossing. Turn left, then immediately right towards the Discovery Farm. Cross the ford.
  5. Pass the Discovery Farm and the “4 Étangs de Robinson”. About 300 m further on, turn left onto Chemin de Sainte-Colombe to reach Palau-del-Vidre.
  6. Reach Traverse d’Argelès and turn left under the bridge. Continue straight on.
  7. At the entrance to Palau-del-Vidre, turn right towards Elne.
  8. At the stop sign, turn right towards Perpignan. At the next roundabout, take the 2nd exit and continue straight ahead.
  9. At the end of the dirt track, turn right to reach the lake.
  10. Leave the lake by the same route back to the roundabout.
  11. Take the 1st exit to reach the village centre. Take the opportunity to visit the glassmakers’ workshops.
  12. Continue along Avenue Joliot Curie. At the Post Office, turn right onto Chemin d’Ortaffa, then follow signs for Ortaffa.
  13. Cross the Tanyari bridge and immediately turn left onto Traverse de Saint-Genis. Continue straight ahead.
  14. At the stone farmhouse (Mas Puig), turn left towards Castell de Blés.
  15. At the farmhouse (private road), turn left and cross the river (ford). Continue on the cycle route on the left towards Saint-André / Argelès-sur-Mer.
  16. After passing the Palau-del-Vidre carpool area, cross the road and continue on the cycle route for about 700 m. At the next junction, at the give-way sign, leave the cycle route by turning right and go under the bridge to reach Saint-André. Continue straight on Rue Miloussa.
  17. Turn right onto Allée de la Liberté to return to the Town Hall car park.

  • Departure : Car park of the city hall of Sorède
  • Arrival : Car park of the city hall of Sorède
  • Towns crossed : ST ANDRE, ARGELES SUR MER, PALAU DEL VIDRE, ST GENIS DES FONTAINES, and LAROQUE DES ALBERES

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

Please observe the Highway Code, as many sections of the route are shared with other users. Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended for adults and is mandatory for children.
Bring snacks and plenty of water.

Transport

Bus 2€

Access and parking

D618, D11

Parking :

Town Hall car park