Du Château de Valmy à Banyuls par le Col des Gascons
From the Château de Valmy to the Bay of Banyuls
A hike to discover the contrasting landscapes of the Albères Massif, between the Massane forest nature reserve and the vineyards between Argelès-sur-mer and Banyuls-sur-mer. You will discover different colours in each season.
Leave the car park towards the Mimosas campsite, before the campsite take the track on the left DFCI AL42. Take the path to the right above the castle park then join the track a little further.
Climb on the path opposite towards the dolmens.
After the first dolmen follow the path then turn right at the fork and continue to climb up to the second dolmen.
After that, take the path on the right. At the intersection stay on the path that connects the DFCI AL41 ter track (picnic table).
Head towards the Col d'en Verderol (787m) avoiding passing through the Col de la Place d'Armes. Continue the route towards the Tour de Madeloc.
At this point take the middle path towards the Col des Gascons (387m).
After enjoying this exceptional panorama, take the path furthest to the right towards the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette. Continue the route towards the center of Banyuls-sur-mer.
Take the Cami de la Salette (picnic table) then the Cami del Ramader and the Mas Puig road.
After the gendarmerie, turn left and follow the river "La Baillaury" along Avenue Général de Gaulle (to the end). Turn right to reach the Banyuls Tourist Office.