Located on the border between Andorra and Ariège, the village of Porté-Puymorens marks the highest point of the route. Surrounded by majestic peaks, this area offers a first wild immersion into the heart of the Pyrenean mountains. It is an ideal stopover for lovers of the great outdoors, high-altitude lakes and alpine panoramas.

Things to do:

• Carol Valley and Passet Lake (2 hours 30 mins): Follow the marked trails starting from the village for a hike to Lake Passet. The route winds along the mountain stream in a preserved setting, ideal for spotting local wildlife.

• Col de Puymorens (1 hour): Drive up to the pass to enjoy an exceptional panorama of the Carlit massif. The site is a renowned starting point for mountain biking sessions or snowshoeing trips, depending on the season.

• Passet Giant Zip-line (1 hour 30 mins): Get your adrenaline fix above the gorges. This developed trail allows you to fly over the lake and experience the local via ferrata in complete safety.

Pyrenean ewe's milk Tome cheese: Taste a slice of artisanal tome produced in the mountain pastures of Cerdanya.

This section connects the Cambre d'Aze massif to the vast Capcir plateau, renowned for its large pine forests and bracing climate. In Saint-Pierre-dels-Forcats, the steep terrain dominates the valley, while Matemale offers a soothing backdrop centered around its large high-altitude lake. A perfect area for alternating between sports activities and outdoor relaxation.

Things to do:

• Cirque du Cambre d'Aze in Saint-Pierre-dels-Forcats (3 hours): Follow the GR36 towards Eyne to cross the Catalan Nature Reserve. The trail offers a breathtaking view of the rocky amphitheatre and allows you to observe preserved alpine flora.

• Lake Matemale: Take advantage of the lake facilities to try kayaking, paddleboarding, or cycling around the lake on an e-bike. The site features shaded picnic areas under the pines.

• Les Angles Wildlife Park: Observe emblematic mountain species during a walking tour in a 37-hectare forest area. You will encounter Pyrenean chamois (isards), wolves and bears in their natural habitat.

Catalan Ollada: Savour this traditional mountain stew prepared with pork, bacon, savoy cabbage, white beans and root vegetables.

As you head down towards Bas-Conflent, the landscape changes to give way to peach orchards and Mediterranean vegetation. Vinça is structured around its body of water and its historic centre enclosed by pink granite ramparts. This key area offers a constant view of the sacred peak of the Catalans, Mount Canigou.

Things to do:

• Medieval town of Vinça: Stroll through the historic heart on a walking tour to discover the Church of Saint-Julien, its Baroque altarpieces and its 14th-century fortified gates.

• Lake Vinça: Make the most of the leisure centre for a supervised swimming session or a pedalo rental. The landscaped promenade along the dykes allows you to admire the reflection of the mountains in the water.

• Orgues d'Ille-sur-Têt (1 hour 30 mins): Just a few minutes from Vinça, explore this unique geological site composed of sand and clay cliffs sculpted by erosion. The guided tour of the mineral labyrinth offers a landscape worthy of a canyon.

Welcome to the Fenouillèdes country, a transition land shaped by limestone ridges and dizzying gorges. Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet is the ideal starting point for exploring the natural faults carved out by the Agly. It is an unmissable gathering place for lovers of geology, canyoning and climbing.

Things to do:

• Galamus Gorges: Take the scenic road carved into the rock or go canyoning at the bottom of the gorge. Don't miss a visit to the Hermitage of Saint-Antoine de Galamus, suspended on the cliff face.

• Via Ferrata des Pichona & Panoramique (2 hours 30 mins): Climb the limestone walls above Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet on one of the designated routes. The trails offer spectacular views over the valley and surrounding peaks.

• Vic Chapel (1 hour): Take a short hike through the vineyards to this isolated Romanesque monument, surrounded by garrigue landscapes.

AOP Côtes du Roussillon Villages Lesquerde: Taste this appellation red wine with notes of black fruit and spices, produced on neighbouring granitic sand terroirs.

This section crosses the dry hills and wine-growing plains near Perpignan. From Cases-de-Pène, nestled at the foot of its rocky ridge, to Thuir, the economic capital of the Aspres, the route showcases Catalan architectural heritage and winemaking traditions.

Things to do:

• Hermitage Notre-Dame de Pène in Cases-de-Pène (1 hour 30 mins): Walk up the Stations of the Cross to this 16th-century building clinging to the cliffs. The upper terrace offers a 360° panorama over the Agly valley and the Roussillon vineyards.

• Byrrh Cellars in Thuir: Take a guided tour of the historic cellars to admire the world's largest wooden vat. The immersive trail retraces the industrial saga of this famous aperitif.

• Historic centre of Thuir: Stroll through the circular alleys of the town centre (the celleres) to discover the Saint-Sébastien tower and local artisan shops.

Byrrh & La Cargolade: Pair a tasting of Byrrh (an aperitif made from fortified sweet wine and cinchona bark) with a cargolade, the traditional Roussillon grilled snail dish.

Nestled deep in the Haut-Vallespir, the Amélie-les-Bains-Palada area combines the charm of a historic spa town with the beauty of a hilltop medieval village. Crossed by the Tech river, this stopover offers a particularly mild climate and an atmosphere ideal for relaxation and cultural discovery.

Things to do:

• Medieval village of Palada: Stroll through the sloping alleyways and stone staircases of this fortified village. Visit the Post Office Museum and admire the old houses overlooking the river.

• Roman baths and spa treatments in Amélie-les-Bains: Discover the remains of ancient vaults inside the thermal establishment and enjoy a relaxation session in the natural sulphurous waters.

• Gorges de la Fou (2 hours): Take a hike towards the entrance of this narrow limestone canyon to admire the rock walls rising over 200 metres high.

Catalan Rousquilles: An essential Vallespir delicacy, the rousquille is a soft ring-shaped cake, flavoured with aniseed and coated in a melting white icing.

Ideally located where the mountains meet the sea, Laroque-des-Albères is a village of character dominated by its medieval castle. The area is the starting point for numerous hiking trails criss-crossing the Albères massif, covered with cork oak and beech forests.

Things to do:

• Laroque Castle Tower (1 hour): Climb to the top of the 11th-century keep on a walking tour. The lookout offers an unobstructed view over the Roussillon plain and the Mediterranean coast.

• Hiking in the Albères massif (3 hours): Take the marked trails starting from the village for a woodland walk towards the Pic d'Aureille or the old ice houses.

• Jardin des Métiers d'Art: Meet local artisans working with wood, ceramics and glass in workshop spaces scattered through the heart of the old village.

Boles de Piconcle: Taste boles de piconcle, minced meat balls (pork and beef) simmered in a rich sauce with white beans, garlic, tomatoes and dried porcini mushrooms.

This final section brings together the Mediterranean coastline and the historic Salanque plain. From the rich religious past of Elne to the quiet alleys of Alénya, the route ends on the beaches and harbour of Argelès-sur-Mer, where the Pyrenean terrain plunges straight into the sea.

Things to do:

• Elne Cathedral and Cloister: Explore Sainte-Eulalie Cathedral and its 12th-century blue-veined white marble cloister, a major landmark of Catalan Romanesque art.

• Classified site of Le Racou in Argelès-sur-Mer (2 hours): Walk along the coastal trail connecting Le Racou beach to Collioure. This hike follows rocky coves and Mediterranean vegetation.

• Heart of Alénya village (1 hour): Take a historical walking tour to discover Saint-Côme and Saint-Damien Church as well as the Eco-citizen Cellar, an exhibition space promoting local initiatives.

Collioure Anchovies & Bunyols: Taste Collioure anchovy fillets prepared in olive oil on a slice of toasted bread, followed by a few bunyols (light Catalan doughnuts flavoured with orange blossom, traditionally eaten at Easter).