Mountains to the Mediterranean
8 Days Starting in La Preste, France and ending in Collioure, France
Visiting: La Preste, Prats-de-Mollo, Amelie-les-Bains, Le Boulou, Collioure
Tour operator:
Tour code:
JCS
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey from the French Pyrenees to the Mediterranean with our "Mountains to the Mediterranean" tour. This self-guided adventure offers a perfect blend of hiking and cultural exploration, taking you from high mountain cols to lush green valleys, and through fortified walled towns and castles. Discover the picturesque old quarter of Prats-de-Mollo, enjoy a ridge walk to Pilon de Belmatx, and marvel at the views from the summit of Puig Neulos. Along the way, visit the famous Pont du Diable and the ancient village of Laroque-des-Alberes. With comfortable accommodations and included transfers, this tour promises a seamless and enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive La Preste
Location: La Preste
Accommodation Name: Locally run 3* hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
La Preste Les Bains is the highest village of the Haut Vallespir Valley high on the frontier between France and Spain. This small hamlet has a large Spa so if you wish to relax in thermal baths or treat yourself to some pampering then plan to arrive early.
Accommodation: Locally run 3* hotel with views down the valley. The cosy rooms are all ensuite. The hotel has a panoramic conservatory, lounge.
Day 2 : La Preste To Mollo - 14 Km / 8.6 Miles, 4 - 5 Hours +650M/-650M
Location: La Preste
Accommodation Name: 3* hotel in Mollo
Meals Included: Breakfast
From La Preste (1000m) make your way up the forested slopes of the Haut Vallespir Valley on well graded paths, to the Col de Siern (1629m) on the Franco-Spanish frontier, with fine views west to the Pic de Costabonne (2465m). We descend on the Spanish side and follow the Rio Ritort Valley down to the Spanish village of Mollo (1182m). Note that baggage is not moved to this location, so you need to carry overnight items.
Accommodation: Our usual accommodation is a 3* hotel in a typical Spanish mountain village with views over the Pyrenean foothills and with Catalan and International food. All rooms are ensuite and there is a swimming pool.
Day 3 : Mollo To Prats-De-Mollo - 18 Km/ 11.18 Miles, 5.5 To 6 Hours +500M/-865M
Location: Prats-de-Mollo
Accommodation Name: Charming guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
We recommend an early start to allow more time to explore Prats-de-Mollo at the end of your day. From Mollo you take a more easterly route to return to France, following the Torrente de Fabert to recross the frontier at Collado des Prats (1596m). Here you descend a ridge between forested ravines to Prats de Mollo. This is the birthplace of Catalan resistance. Clinging to the southern slopes of Mount Canigou, this 1,000-year old town, with its picturesque old quarter and architecture by Vauban, has retained its original charm. The ramparts, the Gothic church with its Baroque altar, the old medieval quarter, Fort Lagarde and the nature reserve bear witness to its rich heritage. You can easily spend a couple of hours wandering around and walking up to the fort.
Accommodation: A charming guesthouse with a lounge, a large terrace and views of the hills, on the outskirts of the fortified town. All rooms are ensuite.
Day 4 : Prats-De-Mollo To Amelie-Les-Bains - 16 Km / 10 Miles, 4.5 To 5 Hours +480M/1160M
Location: Amelie-les-Bains
Accommodation Name: 3* Appart' hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a road transfer (included) to a farm, Pla Boula (900m), high up on the south flank of the Vallespir. A fine ridge walk takes you via Serre de la Garsa (1212m) to Pilon de Belmatx (1280m). At Col des Paracolls (902m) join the GR10 coast-to coast Pyrenean long distance trail to start the descent to Amelie-les-Bains (220m).
Accommodation: A former chateau by the river, converted into a 3* Appart' hotel with ensuite facilities. It is located 10 minute walk from the town centre, shops, restaurants and cafes.
Day 5 : Amelie-Les-Bains To Le Boulou - 20 Km / 12.5 Miles, 5 To 6 Hours +370M/-420M
Location: Le Boulou
Accommodation Name: 2* hotel in Le Boulou
Meals Included: Breakfast
A short road transfer (included) to Chapelle St Paul, followed by a walk via the famous Pont du Diable (Devil's Bridge) over the River Tech and up to the Ermitage St Ferreol. Then a traverse to the tiny village of Vives and the viewpoint of Puig Sangli (209m) and down to Le Boulou.
Accommodation: Our 2* hotel is on the edge of the town, at the foot of the Alberes mountains. All rooms are ensuite. There is a small fitness room and an outdoor swimming pool.
Day 6 : Le Boulou To Collioure - 12 Km / 8 Miles, 4 To 5 Hours +350M/-1150 M
Location: Collioure
Accommodation Name: 2* hotel in Collioure
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take a taxi transfer (included) via the border town of Le Perthus to join the GR10 at Coll de L'Ullat at 930m. The route starts with a steep climb bringing sweeping views to the west. Forest paths reach the border ridge at 1130m with views to the coast and the summit of Puig Neulos, which is reached by an open ridge walk. The views are magnificent to the mountains and the Mediterranean. Descend to the ancient walled village of Laroque-des-Alberes for refreshment and a taxi transfer (included) to Collioure.
Accommodation: for two nights, you stay in a 2* hotel furnished in Catalan style. It overlooks the harbour and the citadel of this picturesque town, which has long attracted artists. All the rooms have ensuite facilities. There are numerous good restaurants in the town and along the waterfront to sample the local cuisine.
Day 7 : Collioure To Banyuls, Train To Collioure 15 Km / 9 Miles, 5.5 To 6 Hours - 820M
Location: Collioure
Accommodation Name: 2* hotel in Collioure
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Pack your swimming costume and towel for today. Walk up from Collioure (sea level) to Tour Madeloc (656m), then descend to Col des Gascons and follow the GR10 long distance trail among vines to down Banyuls. Explore Banyuls, take a swim or try some of the local wines. Catch the train back to Collioure for your last night accommodation.
Day 8 : Arrangements End After Breakfast.
Location: Collioure
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart Collioure after breakfast.
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights in 2-3 star hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse -
7 breakfasts, 1 dinner
Enjoy 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner during your stay.
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7 nights accommodation in 2-3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Stay in 2-3 star hotels for 7 nights with ensuite facilities on a twin share basis.
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One piece of luggage (max 20kg) per person transferred between your accommodation
One piece of luggage (max 20kg) per person will be transferred between your accommodations, except on Day 2.
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Information pack including route notes & maps
Receive an information pack that includes route notes and maps.
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Emergency hotline
Access to an emergency hotline for assistance during your trip.
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Taxi transfers on Days 4, 5 and 6
Taxi transfers are included on Days 4, 5, and 6.
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GPS files
GPS files are provided for navigation.
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Train ride from Banyuls to Collioure
A train ride from Banyuls to Collioure is included on Day 7.
What's Not Included
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6 dinners, all lunches & beverages
6 dinners, all lunches, and beverages are not included.
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Entrance fees
Entrance fees to attractions are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
Travel to the starting point and from the end point of the trip is not included.
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Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls are not included.
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Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
Unscheduled transfers required during the trip are not included.
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Guide - this is a self guided holiday
A guide is not included as this is a self-guided holiday.
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A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
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Excess Luggage
Excess luggage beyond the allowed one piece (max 20kg) per person is not included.
Grading
This walk is best described as moderate but should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking. Day stages: All of the day stages are 4-6 hours of actual walking. An overnight change of clothes also has to be carried on two days because one hotel is too far by road to transport baggage.
Accommodation
6 nights in 2-3 star hotels, 1 night in a guesthouse. The hotels described are our usual choice of accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used and if these are of a different standard you will be informed at the time of booking. Baths/showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space. Some hotels/guesthouses may however have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests.
Mode of Transport
Taxi transfers on Days 4, 5, and 6 are included. Note that baggage is not moved to the location on Day 2, so you need to carry overnight items. A train ride from Banyuls to Collioure is also included on Day 7.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in 2-3 star hotels for 6 nights and 1 night in a guesthouse. The hotels are usually our preferred choice, but alternatives may be used if they are unavailable. Most rooms have ensuite/private facilities with showers, and some hotels/guesthouses may have a separate room with a bath available to guests.
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Are there any meals included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Other meals such as 6 dinners, all lunches, and beverages are not included.
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Will my luggage be transported between accommodations?
Yes, one piece of luggage (max 20kg) per person will be transferred between your accommodations, except on Day 2 when you need to carry overnight items.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
You will receive an information pack that includes route notes and maps, and you will have access to an emergency hotline for assistance during your trip. GPS files are also provided for navigation.
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Are there any transfers included in the tour?
Yes, taxi transfers are included on Days 4, 5, and 6. Additionally, a train ride from Banyuls to Collioure is included on Day 7.
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What should I expect on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in La Preste, the highest village of the Haut Vallespir Valley. The village has a large spa, so you may want to arrive early to relax in thermal baths or enjoy some pampering. You will stay in a locally run 3-star hotel with ensuite rooms and views down the valley.
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What is the walking difficulty level of this tour?
The walk is best described as moderate and should present no difficulties for anyone in reasonable condition and accustomed to walking. All day stages are 4-6 hours of actual walking.
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What happens on the last day of the tour?
On the last day, you will depart from Collioure after breakfast, marking the end of the tour arrangements.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided holiday, so a guide is not included.
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Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Yes, additional costs include 6 dinners, all lunches, beverages, entrance fees to attractions, travel insurance, travel to the start and from the end point of the trip, personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls, unscheduled transfers required during the trip, and a supplement if you are traveling solo or book a single room. Excess luggage beyond the allowed one piece (max 20kg) per person is also not included.
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Self-guided holidays - inclusions
We have designed our self guided walking and cycling tours to include a number of elements to help you enjoy your holiday more, while leaving out some things to give you more freedom to tailor the trip to your needs and interests. Refer to the Trip Notes for more information on the specific inclusions for each trip. What’s included: - Detailed Route Notes - Accommodation - Luggage transfers - Any scheduled transfers as per Trip Notes - Emergency support - Some meals (mostly breakfasts) What’s NOT included: - Transport to/from start/finish points - Most meals - Any entrance/park fees - Travel insurance - Personal expenses along the way - Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
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Trip Grading & Preparation
Match your level of fitness & requirements Please read this information carefully to find out which grade is most suited to your level of fitness and requirements. To make the most of your Walkers' Britain holiday it is essential and your responsibility to choose a trip that is well within your capabilities. All our active holidays are graded and clearly marked in each trip description. All mountains have uphill and downhill sections and by definition walking and cycling demand some effort. However all things are relative, and these grades assume that you are a reasonably active person who enjoys walking or cycling. Few trips are extreme and most allow ample time for sightseeing and enjoying the scenery. If in doubt about the grade of any holiday, please contact us for advice or request the tour dossiers, you can also chat with our team about the right travel insurance for you. Grade 1 – Introductory These trips involve walking for four to five hours per day or cycling for 15-50 km per day at a slow but steady pace. You will need a reasonable level of fitness and good health. Suggested Preparation 30 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (either road cycling or jogging), three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 2 – Introductory to Moderate These trips involve a combination of what is described in our Introductory and Moderate levels. The emphasis is on introductory activity but including several moderate stages. Grade 3 – Moderate These adventures involve walking for up to six hours per day or cycling for up to 65 km per day, at a steady pace. You will need a good level of fitness and be in good health. Suggested Preparation 45 minutes of aerobic-type exercise (road cycling or jogging) three times a week for three months leading up to your trip. Grade 4 – Moderate to Challenging This trip grading involves a combination of what is described in our Moderate and Challenging levels. The emphasis is on moderate activity but including several challenging stages. Grade 5 – Challenging These active holidays involve walking up to nine hours per day in mountainous terrain with steep ascents and descents, pass crossing & alpine weather conditions, or cycling for up to 80 km per day over undulating terrain, with some steep and sustained hills. You will need an excellent level of fitness, be prepared to carry a daypack weighing up to 8 kg and be completely comfortable in adverse weather conditions. Suggested Preparation 1 hour of aerobic-type exercise five times a week for three to six months leading up to your trip. We also recommend regular hill walking with a pack in variable weather conditions or road cycling.
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Route notes
While our tours vary in terms of difficulty, route finding is made simple and convenient with our specially prepared package of maps and route notes. On many of the walks it is easy enough to navigate carefully using the route notes provided with a cursory glance at the map. As holidays reach the higher grades, you will need to take more care and we would expect you to have at least some knowledge of using a compass. Maps for our tours also vary considerably, from up-to-date GPS referenced additions, to old map copies which may still be the only ones obtainable for a particular area. The differences in style, grade and destinations of our tours are features that make them of continual interest and delight to our walkers & cyclists. Each set of route notes can contain the following elements relevant to the route: History and information on the region and the route you are walking. Detailed maps including points of interest and accommodation. Detailed step-by-step descriptions (with pictures) of the route and information on detours/optional additions. Transport timetables and information for getting there and away. Safety information and advice. Contact details of accommodation, transport, local representatives and emergency support. Advice for things to do along the way. Suggestions for dining and self catering.
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How our self-guided holidays work
Self guided walking and cycling holidays offer freedom, independence and choice, allowing you to tailor your holidays in the UK & Europe to your interest and travel style. Our detailed Route Notes will contain all of the information you need to plan how you would like to approach each day, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. As you are not limited by the constraints of group travel, you are free to shorten or lengthen your walk as the terrain permits and can even take a day off, although you may need to travel onto your next accommodation by taxi or public transport in order to do so.
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Low Deposit
Walkers' Britain requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of walkers' britain charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.