Vermillion Coast Trek (Collioure – Cadaquès)
€955
per person
This is a beautiful and quite scenic self-guided walking tour along the so called Vermillion Coast (La Cote Vermeille) of France and Spain, along ridges that overlook the Mediterranean and play leapfrog over the coves. The hiking trails follow the edges of the Pyrenees from French Catalunya over the border to Spanish Catalonia. Every day you can choose between a coastal path, or a climb to the Pyrenean foothills to enjoy stunning vistas, then a descent through vineyards and fragrant maquis that go down to the water. The options vary between 3,30 and 7,30hrs with accumulated height gains and descents of 450m to 1250m. Your walking trail goes along the Albères with their fourteenth century signal towers, and then descends down to the sea where you will find the most beautiful coves. You’ll be surprised how peaceful and quiet this lovely region is, from its hiking paths to its fishing ports.
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Destination
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Duration7 Days I Level: 3 (of 5)
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What is included1x 4* hotel, 3x 3* hotels and 2x 2* hotel incl. breakfast (en-suite rooms); 3x dinners (Days 2, 4 and 5); Detailed roadbook (route notes in English and walking maps, GPS tracks; Luggage transfers (max 20kg per person); Emergency hotline;
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What is not includedDrinks, other meals and transfers, entry fees
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Best periodMarch, April, May, June, September, October
FROM OUR GALLERY
Self-guided hiking and inn to inn walking tour along the Vermillion Coast (France & Spain)
1
Day 1: Arrive in Collioure.
Settle in at this charming old fishing port with a remarkable heritage, which saw the birth of the movement of Fauvist painters. Beautiful facades and colorful boats will keep your eyes busy if you sit for a coffee on the promenade. Check the Rates & Remarks tab for price details regarding optional transfers to Collioure from nearby towns/airports.
2
Day 2: Collioure – Banyuls (coastal: 4,30hrs, 14km, +950m/-950m I Pyrenean: 6hrs, 17km, +820m/-820m or easier option of 4,30hrs,+650m/-650m)
Climb the Madeloc tower for a superb view from the border to the Roussillon plain. Then descend back through the vineyards to the sea. An alternative hiking route can lead you through Cap Béar and l'Anse des Paulilles. Overnight is at Banyuls, a village dear to the French sculptor Maillol.
3
Day 3: Banyuls – Cerbère (coastal: 3hrs, 9km, +530m/-550m I Pyrenean: 4,30hrs, 13km, +890m/-890m or easier option of 4hrs, +600m/-600m)
Passage over Puig Joan and the historic Querroig Tower, crossing the border, then a beautiful descent to Port Bou. Or walk along the coast past the Marine Reserve and Cap Cerbère. Overnight in Cerbère.
4
Day 4: Cerbère – Llança (coastal: 4,30hrs, 13km, +650m/-650m or easier option of 4hrs, +400m/-400m I Pyrenean: 6,30-7hrs, 22km, +1250m/-1250m or easier option of 5,30hrs, +750m/-750m)
Walk along the waterside and the "Calas" (coves), then climb to Puig Tiffel for a panoramic view of the Cap de Creus. The coastal hiking option passes by the lovely Garbet beach and explores Cap Ras. Overnight in Llança. (*there is an option to shorten the today's walk by taking the train from Cerbère to Portbou)
5
Day 5: Llança – Port de la Selva (coastal: 4,30hrs, 15km, +530m/-550m I Pyrenean: 4hrs, 12km, +650m/-650m)
Take a super "monastic" route to reach the monastery of San Pere de Rodes, and then follow an even more magnificent descent facing the endless blue sea. The coastal walking option goes by the lighthouse of Sarnella and the secluded Fornells cove. Overnight in Port de la Selva.
6
Day 6: Port de la Selva – Cadaquès (coastal: 7hrs, 20km, +1000m/-1000m or easier option of 6,30hrs, +900m/-900m I Pyrenean: 4,30hrs, 13km, +615m/-615m)
Take the route over the mountains for a breathtaking arrival at Cadaquès. Or opt for the coastal walk with a sequence of "Calas" (coves) to the Cap de Creus Nature Park. Overnight in Cadaquès.
7
Day 7: Departure day
A short hike is possible to be taken even on this last tour day (to Cala Nans facing Cadaquès (beautiful at sunrise) (appr, 2,30hrs; +/-150m.). Optional transfers to Figueres , Perpignan or Collioure via Figueres and the Dali Museum (1h30 visit; time slot to visit should be pre-booked longer time in advance). Check the Rates & Remarks tab for price details regarding optional transfers.
TOUR LOCATION
Price
955 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (01/03-30/06; 01/09-31/10)
* Triple rooms for odd number of travelers available upon request (please contact us for details)
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 395 Euro
Solo traveler supplement (incl. sgl. room supplement): N/A (min 2 pax required)
Tips
Daily departures between the beginning of March and the end of October (excl. July and August)
This holiday features comfortable rather than challenging walking, and is suitable for anybody who enjoys "a good walk". Every day you have the choice of a walk in the mountains or by the coast with 3,30 to 7,30hrs walking and with accumulated height gains and descents of 450m to 1100m depending on the option you choose. Although the stages are not very long, in places the paths are quite rocky, with some steep parts early in the trip. If you are not used to walking over this type of terrain you may need to add a little time to the itineraries. We would recommend May, June and September as the best months but low season months can also be wonderful.
Optional transfers (check details with us): Perpignan (center or airport) - Collioure; Cadaquès - Figueres center or Vilafant station; Cadaqués - Collioure via Dali Museum in Figueres (or direct); Cadaqués - Perpignan via Dali Museum in Figueres (or direct); Cadaqués - Barcelona via Dali Museum in Figueres (or direct); Barcelona (airport or centre) - Collioure; Dali Museum: time slot to visit needs to be pre-booked well ahead of time (on spot this is rarely possible and for sure will involve long waiting time, which may not be possible for the taxi driver to accommodate).
Accommodation
1x 4* hotel, 3x 3* hotels and 2x 2* hotel incl. breakfast (en-suite rooms); 3x dinners (Days 2, 4 and 5); Dinners are based on set menus featuring regional specialities, fish etc. usually with 3 or 4 choices for each of three courses. Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Day 1: Collioure - Hotel Le Prince de Catalogne; Day 2: Banyuls - Hotel Le Catalan; Day 3: Cerbère - Hotel LaVigie; Day 4: Llança - Hotel La Goleta; Day 5: El Port de la Selva - Hotel Porto Christo; Day 6: Cadaqués - Hotel Le Llane Petit;
Send an enquiry about this tour
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