The big loopCircuit 8 (black markings)
Route details
Description
To get to this circuit, go down at the ford and go up to the left on the DFCI-Al track n°42. This difficult track at first, winds above the Château de Valmy and quickly offers a very beautiful view. As it widens, the track becomes easier and leads to the hillside in the direction of Mas Cristine.
At the intersection with the asphalt road, turn right towards the DFCI-AL track n°41. The latter is sometimes gullied in places. Throughout the ascent, regularly spot farmhouses nestled in the cork oak forest. Enjoy the magnificent views throughout the hike.
At the level of the concrete basin (non-potable water), turn right towards the DFCI Al track n°39. Take advantage of the plateaus that hug the foothills of the Massif des Albères to catch your breath. The descent towards the Chapelle Saint-Laurent is done in switchbacks. Go past Mas St Laurent and Mas de la Monge (in ruins).
At the crossroads of the two tracks, turn left onto track DFCI AL n°28. Pass in front of cistern n°372. From this moment, stay on this track where small climbs, plateaus and rolling and pleasant descents mingle.
The track leads onto a tarmac track at Mas Coq. Turn right on this steeply descending road. Be careful not to miss the junction on the right onto the DFCI AL track n°36 which crosses the cork oak forest and the meadows of Mas Torrenaps and Platjatorta. Follow the track to reach the Route du Faba opening onto the vineyards and the Mediterranean.
Continue and arrive in front of the expressway bridge. Turn right onto the road parallel to the expressway until the second bridge. Take the Route de la Massane along the edge of the vineyard which takes you back to the “les Mimosas” campsite and the Château de Valmy car park.
At the intersection with the asphalt road, turn right towards the DFCI-AL track n°41. The latter is sometimes gullied in places. Throughout the ascent, regularly spot farmhouses nestled in the cork oak forest. Enjoy the magnificent views throughout the hike.
At the level of the concrete basin (non-potable water), turn right towards the DFCI Al track n°39. Take advantage of the plateaus that hug the foothills of the Massif des Albères to catch your breath. The descent towards the Chapelle Saint-Laurent is done in switchbacks. Go past Mas St Laurent and Mas de la Monge (in ruins).
At the crossroads of the two tracks, turn left onto track DFCI AL n°28. Pass in front of cistern n°372. From this moment, stay on this track where small climbs, plateaus and rolling and pleasant descents mingle.
The track leads onto a tarmac track at Mas Coq. Turn right on this steeply descending road. Be careful not to miss the junction on the right onto the DFCI AL track n°36 which crosses the cork oak forest and the meadows of Mas Torrenaps and Platjatorta. Follow the track to reach the Route du Faba opening onto the vineyards and the Mediterranean.
Continue and arrive in front of the expressway bridge. Turn right onto the road parallel to the expressway until the second bridge. Take the Route de la Massane along the edge of the vineyard which takes you back to the “les Mimosas” campsite and the Château de Valmy car park.