From the Château de Valmy to Collioure via the coastal path.
Stephane Ferrer
ARGELES SUR MER

From the Château de Valmy to Collioure via the coastal path.

Fauna
Flora
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Two castles, two eras, a hike to connect them, and unforgettable memories.
This leisure trail lets you discover a range of timeless landscapes between the mountains and the sea. You'll pass through the vineyard, the hamlet of Racou, and the coastal path, entering Collioure through the narrow streets that lead you to the bay of the city of painters.

5 points of interest

  • Ludovic Recha
    Tourism Office

    Sport and nature center

    The center welcomes you at the entrance of the Valmy Municipal Park, at the foot of the Albères massif. You will find information about various circuit options and outdoor activities. Brochures, maps, and physical reception for workshop sessions are available. It is also a place to raise awareness about the exceptional biodiversity of the town of Argelès-sur-Mer.
    Phone number: +33 4 68 81 47 25.
  • Aurélie Rubio
    Panorama

    Criques de Porteils

    The largest cove in Argelès, stretching 180 meters, Porteils Cove isn't the easiest to find. Many smaller coves are scattered throughout the area, with access varying depending on the season. Generally, you’ll find peace there, lulled by the waves of turquoise waters.
  • Plage de l'ouille
    Plage de l'ouille - Aurélie Rubio
    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.
  • Fort Miradoux
    Fort Miradoux - admin66pm
    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).
  • Château Royal
    Château Royal - CCACVI
    Cultural heritage

    Royal Castle of Collioure

    Built in the 13th century to house the court of the Kings of Majorca, the Royal Castle of Collioure has been listed as a historical monument since 1922. Reinforced many times, the castle eventually pushed the city back to the foot of the cape turned into a citadel in the 17th century. It is inseparable from Collioure as the city can not be separated from the sea. To return to the heart of the world of the Royal Castle of Collioure, do not forget the guided tours!

Description

  1. From the Château de Valmy parking lot, take the path that descends towards the Château's cellar at the entrance of the parking area. Follow the vineyard of Château de Valmy for over a kilometer, staying on the dirt path. 
  2. After passing alongside the main road for about 200 meters, go through the tunnel and take the path on the left towards Mas Perillot. After crossing the railway and passing through the hamlet of Mas Perillot, arrive at the junction of RD 914. 
  3. Carefully cross the road and continue towards Racou, using the bike path protected from traffic. At the end of the bike path, cross the road and continue straight at the roundabout.
  4. A few meters further, a wooden footbridge over the Valmarie stream invites you to continue the hike in the shade of a forest—don't hesitate, as the rest of the trail will not have much shade.
  5. Follow the rolling trail behind the hamlet of Racou. After leaving the hamlet, take a steep paved road leading to the famous coastal path.
  6. The road turns into a track, then a sometimes eroded trail. Go around the campsite following the "Le Ravaner" river until you reach the Plage de l'Ouille.
  7. At the Font d'en Bertran, the trail uses a footbridge that overlooks the old cliff-side path, now closed due to safety concerns. A few meters further, a wooden log staircase appears—this is the last major challenge before reaching Collioure. Courage to climb the steps!
  8. At the top of the stairs, the path runs along the fortifications of Fort Rodon, Fort Carré, and Fort Miradoux, which is owned by the Ministry of Defense and serves as a training ground for the CNEC Commandos.
  9. After passing the parking lot, turn left and descend the very steep street to the entrance of Collioure. At the roundabout, turn left onto Avenue du Mirador, entering Collioure with a direct view of the famous bell tower.
  10. Walk across the Boramar beach, where you'll get a beautiful view of Collioure Bay, the Château Royal, and Fort St-Elme rising on the opposite hillside.
  11. Take Avenue Camille Pelletan after admiring (and perhaps visiting) Collioure Castle.
  12. Climb right up Avenue du Miradou, then retrace your steps back to the trail you took earlier. 
  13. Pass by Fort Carré on the coastal path, then continue along the coastal trail.
  14. Before returning to Valmy, take a refreshing break. Detour to Racou Beach before joining the bike path along RD 914, which will take you back to Valmy, your endpoint.
  • Departure : Valmy Castle
  • Arrival : Valmy Castle
  • Towns crossed : ARGELES SUR MER and COLLIOURE

Altimetric profile

Recommandations

Bring plenty of water, sturdy walking shoes, a windbreaker, and a hat.  

Check the weather before setting out.  
Respect the work of local farmers.  
Avoid ascending to the tower in strong winds.

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

You are currently walking along a hiking trail, where regular waste collection points are provided for your convenience. Out of respect for this exceptional space, used by tens of thousands of hikers and walkers every month, we encourage you to dispose of all your waste (glass, paper, food scraps, etc.) at these collection points, as well as any waste you may unfortunately come across during your walk. 

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

Transport

Bus 1€

Access and parking

D 914.  
From Argelès-sur-Mer, head towards Château de Valmy.

Parking :

Valmy Parking Lot