Have you thought about visiting the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées catalanes? Come and discover this jewel in the heart of the Pyrénées-Orientales!
Just an hour from Perpignan, come and visit the Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées catalanes. Right in the heart of the Pyrénées-Orientales, it offers an incredible diversity of landscapes. Between mountains, valleys, lakes, plains, panoramic ridges, hot springs and forests, it’s a veritable paradise for lovers of outdoor activities. The hardest part will be choosing!
To help you do just that, here’s a complete guide to the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park.
The Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park in a nutshell
The Catalan Pyrenees lie at the eastern end of the mountain range, on the border withSpain andAndorra. A visit to the Parc naturel régional des Pyrénées catalanes means venturing into an area of over 139,000 hectares, ranging from 300 to almost 3,000 m in altitude. Some of the park’s highest peaks offer breathtaking views, including Carlit (2975 m), Madres (2469 m) and the famous Canigou (2784 m).
The Park has a population of around 23,000, spread over 64 communes and 3 small regions: Capcir, Cerdagne and Conflent. Its mountain climate, mixed with a Mediterranean influence, creates a unique ecological diversity, home to over 240 protected species.
You can also visit villages of great beauty and character, rich in history. The many Romanesque and Baroque churches, and the fortified towns of Mont-Louis and Villefranche-de-Conflent, bear witness to this.
The Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park offers a wide range of activities, discoveries and outdoor sports to help you discover its treasures!
1. Hiking
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Sophie Lenoir
The best way to visit the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées catalanes is by foot. The park abounds in signposted hiking trails. Some are very well known, such as the Tour du Canigou, the GR10 or the HRP. But don’t hesitate to visit your local Tourist Office to find suggestions for more accessible walks.
Whether you’re looking for a day’s outing or several days, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the heart of the Park, whatever your level. Keep your eyes peeled for the occasional doe or mouflon in this breathtaking setting.
2. Interpretation trails
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Walking Nature World
For a fun way to visit the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées catalanes on foot, follow in the footsteps of one of the park’s 3 interpretive trails.
These themed trails, arranged in stages, are equipped with information panels to help you understand and, above all, decipher the environment in which you are walking.
Lake Puyvalador trail
Meet and observe the plants and birds that have found refuge in the wet meadows on the shores of the lake.
- Distance: 1.6 km
- Difference in altitude: less than 50 m
- Duration: 1h30 to 2h
The « Cave of Mysteries » cabin trail
Discover this wetland and its legends and inhabitants.
- Distance: 4 km
- Difference in altitude: 150 m
- Duration: 2 h
Lac de Calvet trails
There are two short trails to choose from in this forest setting… Don’t choose, do both!
Tour of the lake, discovery trail
- Distance: 450 m return
- Height difference: 0 m
- Duration: 30 min
Forest tour, sensory trail
- Start: La Llagonne – Lac du Calvet
- Distance: 100 m
- Height difference: 0 m
3. Trail courses
Photo credit: Parc Pyrénées Catalanes
For trail enthusiasts, follow in the footsteps of Kilian Jornet on one of the park’s 6 trail routes, ranging from 7 to 36 km.
Pack your sneakers, your hydration vest and your poles, and let’s get ready to « eat some elevation gain » in a majestic setting!
4. Mountain bike tours
Photo credit: Facebook – Canyon Vtt Jéjé Pyrénées
Just like walking, cycling is a great way to visit the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park. There are many paths in this picture-postcard setting. The official website of the Communauté de communes des Pyrénées catalanes (Catalan Pyrenees Community of Communes) provides a wealth of cycling and mountain bike routes.
Terms and rates
There are several ways to visit the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park. If you have your own bike, you can easily discover the site on your own, with family or friends.
For €65 a day, electric mountain bike hire companies let you explore the park by bike, without fear of the climbs. You can also hire a guide to show you the park’s unknown nooks and crannies, for €85.
5. By Train
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Leonid Andronov
Sports? Not for you! Don’t panic, there’s an original way to visit the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, without having to get out your sneakers: the Yellow Train.
A true emblem of the park, the Train Jaune has been running up the Têt valley to the Cerdagne plain for over 110 years. Climb aboard and you’ll find no fewer than 22 stops along the 63 km route. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque villages, and at every turn you’ll come across real treasures and works of art. You’ll also pass through 19 tunnels and over 29 bridges and viaducts, including the Gisclard suspension bridge and the granite arches of the Séjourné bridge.
If there’s one unique way to visit the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park, this is it!
Terms and rates
The Train Jaune runs year-round between Villefranche-Vernet-les-bains and Latour-de-Carol stations. During summer 2020, an exclusive €5 fare is available for tickets purchased online only. For the rest of the year, prices vary according to departure and arrival stations. You can expect to pay €22.50 for the complete crossing (outward journey only).
Please arrive 20 minutes before train departure.
6. Horseback riding
Photo credit: Facebook – Chevaux de la Tramontane
Would you like to visit the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park on horseback? Whether you’re an avid rider or a novice looking for a new experience, you’re bound to find something to suit you when discovering the park on horseback.
For a few hours, a day or several days, make your choice according to your desires. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have a wonderful time in the company of this majestic and endearing animal.
Terms and rates
Outings are grouped by level.
You can expect to pay around €19 for a 1-hour walk, €50 for a half-day and €80 for a full day. Some centers organize 3 to 8-day tours, for a unique experience!
7. Climbing and Via Ferrata
Photo credit: Facebook – Inextremis Aventura
Would you like to challenge yourself and visit the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park at the same time? Then choose the climbing or via ferrata option to discover this magical place. It’s an original and sporty way to admire this sublime region. In fact, as you climb upwards, you’ll be treated to an exceptional panorama.
Terms and rates
You’ll be accompanied by a state-certified instructor who knows the region and its cliffs inside out. Prices start from 19€, including equipment. A full day on a major route costs 90€.
8. Canyoning
Photo credit: Flickr – Roberto Lumbreras
Visiting the Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées catalanes by canyoning is the promise of an unforgettable moment, full of thrills and spills. Set off on an aquatic trek dotted with waterfalls, jumps, pools, slides and abseiling.
This practice is available all year round! Why is it so? Because the Conflent Canigó region is unique in France in that its hot springs make canyoning possible outside the summer season.
Terms and rates
It’s a supervised activity, accessible to all levels. However, you must be able to swim.
Prices range from €40 to €80 per day, depending on the location. Multi-day packages with bivouacs are also available.
9. Thermal baths
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Irina Papoyan
A visit to the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park is also a chance to enjoy a moment of absolute peace and quiet, in a wild environment. And all thanks to the park’s hot springs.
Some are operated in health centers, such as the spas at Molitg-les-Bains and Vernet-les-Bains. Others are accessible to all, thanks to the thermoludic baths of Saint-Thomas, Dorres and Llo. And others are wild and hidden, in the heart of the mountains… It’s up to you to find them!
Terms and rates
Please note: in view of the Covid 19 hygiene measures, the « well-being » areas will remain closed until further notice. Outside bathing areas cost between €5 and €7.
10. Gliding or hot-air ballooning
Photo credit: Shutterstock – CRISTIAN IONUT ZAHARIA
Would you like to visit the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park in an original and surprising way? Then opt for a glider or hot-air balloon flight, whichever you prefer!
For a hot-air balloon flight, head for La Cerdagne. You’ll take off over the park, for a session ranging from 3 to 7 hours, depending on your choice. A suspended, unforgettable moment awaits you.
Flying in a glider is a completely different experience, and a thrilling one at that! Head for the La Llagonne aerodrome, and take to the skies for 15 to 30 minutes for a spectacular experience.
Terms and rates
Prices for a hot-air balloon flight start at 170€. These flights are specially programmed, taking into account aerological conditions.
A glider experience costs €100 for a 30-minute flight. Once on site, an experienced instructor will explain the safety rules.
Wait your turn, and take your place for an exceptional moment!
11. Nordic activities
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Alberto_Gonzalez_Gimenez
If you’re visiting the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Nature Park in winter, there’s plenty to do!
Choose from 8 ski resorts for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tobogganing. Located at altitudes of between 1,600 m and 2,700 m, the ski area stretches from Haut Conflent to Cerdagne and Capcir.
So you’ve made your choice? The Parc Naturel Régional des Pyrénées catalanes is waiting for you!