GR10 self-guided Section 8 : From Vernet les Bains to Banyuls sur Mer

Installation in your accommodation, according to your arrival time. Depending on your arrival time, you can visit the village or go hiking.
The Cascade des Anglais and the Saint Vincent
A refreshing out-and-back hike to discover the spectacular waterfalls in the Gorges de St Vincent, offering a nice mix of lush vegetation, cool gorges, bridges and footbridges. There are also several small watering holes to refresh yourself.
Pic de la Pena
Hike to the Pic de la Pena (1062m) which offers a superb view of the Canigou and the surroundings of Vernet-les-Bains. You will also see the Abbey of Saint-Martin du Canigou lurking in its setting. Distance: 6km, duration : about 2h30, altitude gain : + 375m, descent : - 375m. OR Distance: 6km, duration : about 2h45, altitude gain : + 470m, descent : - 470m

In the morning transfer (15min) to the Col de Jou at the start of the hike. From the col de Jou, the GR10 reaches the refuge de Mariailles, a splendid site overlooking spectacular gorges, in the heart of the wild forests of the Cadi basin. Then it goes around the famous Canigou via the col de Ségalès (2040m), the jasse del Py and the refuge de Bonne-Aygue before reaching the guarded refuge des Cortalets : a superb route in the Mediterranean mountains. In good weather, the Canigou, outside the GR10, it's a summit accessible, the final ascent remains more famous for the elegance of the path than for the difficulty encountered. From the summit, a grandiose panorama as far as the sea and the plain of Roussillon. Distance : 20km, duration : about 8h, altitude gain : +1600m, descent : -600m. OU Distance : 16.5km, duration : about 7h30, altitude gain : +1650m, descent : -650m (Canigou variant).

Leaving the century-old refuge of Les Cortalets, you follow the balcony of the Canigou for most of the day. Step by step, you discover a breathtaking panorama. The view stretches from Roussillon to the Mediterranean to the Cerdagne and Capcir; and from the Corbières to the Montagne Noire to Sète and the Cévennes. At the end of the day, you will travel along the "iron road", the mining sites of the Canigou which were once renowned for the quality of their ore. Distance : 16km, duration : about 5h45, altitude gain : +450m, descent : -1150m.

During the descent to the charming tourist resort of Arles sur Tech, you will encounter many types of vegetation in this massif, from high altitude pastures to forests. The alpine environment is slowly transforming into a Mediterranean environment. The Canigou Massif itself is home to a quarter of the plant species in France and all the mountain wildlife you would expect. You reach Arles, nestled in a meander of the Tech. This small medieval town is home to the abbey of Sainte Marie, founded in the 8th century, and a 13th century cloister. Distance : 12,5km, duration : about 4h15, altitude gain : +100m, descent : -1250m.

Transfer (25min) from Arles sur Tech to Montalba (can be avoided, consult us). Start from the hamlet of Montalba d'Amélie, with its incomparable isolation and charm. At the exit of the beech and chestnut woods, the Cerda pass offers itself to you, at the base of the Sant Salvador rock. Then it is the crest of the Frausa rock with its wide panorama of the Catalan plain of the Empordà. Distance : 17,5km, duration : about 6h45, altitude gain : +1050m, descent : -1050m.

This stage is the transitional point of the Pyrenean crossing as the GR10 approaches the Alberes massif and joins the Franco-Spanish frontier up to the col du Perthus. Its twin the GR11, takes on the same itinerary on the Spanish side. The Alberes is the last Pyrenean massif before diving into the deep blue sea. Crossing it is a real pleasure given the diversity of the landscapes. Distance : 26km, duration : about 8h30, altitude gain : +1030m, descent : -640m.

A long stage, with highlights such as the passage to the Pic Neulos, the Pic des Quatre-Termes, or the Pic de Saifort, the last promontory before the descent to the sea. Here, in the heart of the Mediterranean vegetation, everything has been shaped by the tramontana. Further down, the vegetation of the Pyrenean foothills has taken on the appearance of vineyards, with its casots, dry stone huts. The sea is there, very close, attractive. Distance : 23km, duration : about 8h, altitude gain : +700m, descent : -1600m.