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Les chemins de saint jaques

L'abbaye Saint Michel de Cuixà

The Way of St James across French Catalonia
7 days / 6 nights / 5 day walk

The itinerary starts in the south of France near the town of Perpignan to reach the plateau of Cerdagne near the Spanish border. It crosses the eastern Pyrenees up the Conflent valley, one of the richest areas on terms of natural and historical heritage. Many options are available to suit all abilities and interests.

• Day 1 :

Welcoming in Ille sur Tet in the Tet Valley. Settling in hotel or B&B. Visit of Hospice Saint-Jaques, old pilgrim's hospital. Dinner & night at B&B.

• Day 2 :

Transfer to the hike departure point  in a picturesque village. The path leads to the remote site of Serrabona across forests of green oaks. The pink marble tribune of the priory is a masterpiece of Romanesque sculpture. Good hikers may climb Sainte Anne mountain to reach an isolated village in another valley.
Another option is the discovery of further Romanesque and Baroque heritage by minibus. Transfer to Prades for dinner & night in hotel or B&B.

• Day 3 :

Morning walk to the abbey Saint Michel de Cuixà, listed in the "7 wonders of Catalonia". Commented visit. In the afternoon, walkers follow ancient footpaths leading to quiet villages and Romanesque chruches. Afternoon arrival in Vernet les Bains, at the foot of Mount Canigou, where dinner is served at a renowned restaurant. Night in hotel or B&B.

• Day 4 :

Walk to the monastery Saint Martin du Canigou set on a breathtaking rocky crest. Commented visit. Hikers go down the Cadi valley to Villefranche de Conflent, a medieval town listed as "World Heritage of the UNESCO". Free time in the afternoon to visit the ramparts, the church of Saint-Jaques and Fort Liberia. Dinner & Night in town or transfer to Olette and B&B in the upper valley.

• Day 5 :

The small village of Olette is the start of the longest trip of the tour up the Conflent valley. Hamlets and medieval churches offer many opportunities for pleasant breaks. All footpaths, including an authentic Roman way, benefit from sweeping views over the Pyrenees.
Dinner & night in gîte d'étape.

• Day 6 :

The trail follows a section of the GR10 crossing the lush meadows of Cerdagne, a high plateau surrounded by emblematic summits. The fortified town of Mont-Louis, quite unchanged since its construction in the 17th century, is the ideal place for a midday break.
An easy path gently leads to the hermitage of Font-Romeu, famous crossroads for pilgrims.
Dinner & night in the nearby ski resort or back in the valley to Olette for a pleasant trip on the legendary "Petit train Jaune".

• Day 7 :

Departure after breakfast

Price from 700 € p.p depending on type of accommodation.

Contents of the tour:
Technical level: average; count 5 to 6 h walk a day
Backpack: only clothes and take-away picnic for the day
Accomodation: "a la carte": gites or B&B or **hotels
Dinner: restaurants & "tables d'hôtes"
Guiding: bilingual guide specialist of Catalonia
Availability: all year (minimum 4 people)
Included: all transfers to start of walk and back
Optional: transfer to railway station or airport

Highlights:
Some of the most renowned monasteries & abbeys in Catalonia
The unique panoramas over Massif of Canigou and Cerdagne
The listed towns of Villefranche de Conflent and Mont-Louis
An inspiring pilgrim's itinerary unpublished so far