The Mas loop (VTT)
The most sporty loop on the heights of Argelès sur mer
3 points of interest
- Cultural heritage
Château de Valmy
An amazing space leaning against the Albères, embracing the vineyards and the Mediterranean: welcome to the Château de Valmy. Art Nouveau style, it is the work of the Danish architect Viggo Petersen. It is Pierre Bardou, a Peruvian industrialist creator of the brand JOB, who controls this castle for his daughter Jeanne from 1888 to 1900. His descendants are still owners of the castle. They relaunched the wine business and created guest rooms at the Château. Go check it out ! - Dolmen
Dolmen dels Collets de Cotlliure
Find this dolmen on the path that connects the Château de Valmy to the Tour de la Massane. The path will lead you first to the Dolmen de la Cova de l'Alarb, then you will arrive directly at the Dolmen del Collets area. Open your eyes and look around. The dolmen is there but in poor condition. - History
Stèle of airmen
This place of memory pays tribute to the airmen who disappeared in the plane crash of June 6, 1957. That day, at dawn, a banal exercise mission ended in drama when the plane hit the flank of the mountain. With the shock the plane caught fire, burning the mountain “l’ Albèra” at the same time. Six men perished in the flames. The restoration of this monument in June 2017 prevents this place to being forgotten and to continue to live in collective memory.
Description
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To get on this circuit, go down to the crossing ford and go up left on the track DFCI-AL n°42. This initially arduous track,winds over the Chateau de Valmy and quickly offers a very beautiful viewpoint.Widening the track becomes easier and goes on the hillside towards Mas Cristine.
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At the intersection with the tarmac road, turn right towards the track DFCI AL n°41;This last road is sometimes ravined in places.Throughout the ascent,you can often see Mas nestled in the cork oak forest. Enjoy the wonderful views throuhout the hike.
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At the cement water basin (no potable water) turn right towards the track DFCI-ALn°29.Enjoy the plateaus that hug the foothills of Massif des Albères to catch your breath. The descent towards the chapelle Saint Laurent and Mas de la Monge (ruins)
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At the crossroads of the two tracks, take on the left, track DFCI-ALn°28. Pass in front of the tank n°372. From this moment, stay on this trck where small climbs, plateaus and rolling downhill are pleasant.
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The track leads to a tarmac track at Mas Coq. Turn right down this road. Be careful not to miss the junction on the right on the track DFCI-AL n°36 which crosses to the cork oak forest and the meadows of Mas Torrenaps et Platjatorta. Follow the track to reach the Faba road opening onto the vineyards and the Meditrranean
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Continue and arrive in front of the highway bridge. Turn right on the road parallel to the expressway till the second bridge. Take the Massane road at the edge of the vineyards which brings you back to « les Mimosas » campsite and the parking of château de Valmy
- Departure : Valmy car park (mountain bike base)
- Arrival : Valmy car park (mountain bike base)
- Towns crossed : ARGELES SUR MER
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Follow the VTT black signs s n°8
Access and parking
Direct access by RD 914 exit Chateau de Valmy