The 5 most beautiful hikes to do at Canigou

Canigou

Discover the legendary peak of the Pyrenees-Orientales with this selection of the best Canigou hikes!

From the top of its majestic silhouette, the Canigou peak watches over the Pyrénées-Orientales. Culminating at 2,784 metres above sea level, it can often be seen from Catalonia. For Catalans, in fact, the  » Canigó  » massif has long been a mythical place steeped in legend!

Climbing this high mountain peak means discovering a variety of spectacular landscapes. But it’s also a bit of a sporting challenge, as the ascent to the summit is pretty steep! Check out our guide to the best hikes on the Canigou to find the one that suits you best.

There’s no doubt about it, hiking to the Pic du Canigou will be an unforgettable experience. And we wouldn’t be surprised if, as the writer Rudyard Kipling described himself, you were soon to be counted « among the loyal subjects of Canigou »…

1. Climbing Canigó from Cortalets

Canigou

Photo credit : Alltrails

  • Duration: 4 h
  • Distance: 8.2 km
  • Difference in altitude: 698 metres
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • See the route

This hike is the most accessible route to the summit of the Pic du Canigou. Although it’s a challenging climb, you’ll cover a reasonable distance and climb from the Cortalets refuge. It’s worth noting that this route is particularly recommended in summer, whereas it could prove dangerous in winter.

In addition to the pride of reaching the summit and the cross planted there, you’ll enjoy spectacular views. All along this loop, you’ll discover splendid landscapes oscillating between boulders and gentle wooded slopes. As for the passage along the pretty Estanyol lake, it’s the perfect opportunity to take a well-deserved break!

On arrival, you can take advantage of the refuge’s terrace with its superb view to recharge your batteries before hitting the road again!

2. From Col de Jou to Refuge de Marialles

Refuge de Marialles

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Ingmari

  • Duration: 2h30 h
  • Distance: 8.4 km
  • Difference in altitude: 594 metres
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • See the route

This medium-difficulty hike will let you enjoy the scenery of the Canigou while avoiding the more technical ascent to the summit. We suggest a round trip starting from the Col de Jou. On a shady walk towards the refuge de Mariailles, you’ll discover pretty springs and streams… You’ll even come close to a small waterfall!

What’s more, you’ll be immersed in the massif’s pastoral history. You’ll see the ruins of a sheepfold, as well as orris, the dry-stone huts used by shepherds.

At the Mariailles refuge, at an altitude of 1,700 metres, you can recharge your batteries before tackling the return journey. Or spend the night and then attempt the ascent to the summit…

3. Climbing Canigó via Mariailles

Canigo Mariailles

Photo credit : Alltrails

  • Duration: 2 h
  • Distance: 8.4 km
  • Height difference: 1,046 metres
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • See the route

Reserved for sports enthusiasts, this hike is the most beautiful and intense way to reach the summit of the Canigou. Starting from Mariailles, you’ll make a long, superb ascent of the peak. Please note that due to the distance and steepness of the ascent, this hike requires a bit of training. It is also not recommended for those prone to vertigo, as the « chimney » passage before the summit is quite impressive!

If you feel up to this adventure, don’t hesitate! This absolutely superb hike will bring you close to the very best of the Canigó. Green pastures, coniferous forests, rugged reliefs, lively torrents, stony « chimneys »… You’ll enjoy some of the region’s most spectacular scenery! At the summit, you’ll discover a breathtaking panorama.

More demanding than the ascent from Cortalets, this difficult hike has the advantage of being less crowded and quieter. To make the most of it, you’ll need to start early in the morning and finish during the day.

4. Cabane Estables at Pic de Canigou

Cabane Estables au Pic de Canigou

Photo credit : Alltrails

  • Duration: 8 h
  • Distance: 17.1 km
  • Ascent: 1,658 metres
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • See the route

With its steep gradient, this ascent of the Pic du Canigou is very difficult. You can choose to do it with a guide. It’s a little-frequented round-trip hike, starting not far from Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste. The trail is mainly used for hiking, but also for nature observation. Along the way, you’ll pass a lake and reach the Pic du Canigou after a long day’s walk.

5. Climbing Canigou

Ascension du Canigou

Photo credit : Alltrails

  • Duration: 2 days
  • Distance: 54.4 km
  • Vertical rise: 4,082 metres
  • Difficulty: Difficult
  • See the route

This challenging 55 km ascent of the Canigou takes place over 2 days. On the first day, you’ll follow a pleasant trail through shady undergrowth. After a substantial climb, you’ll reach the Cortalets refuge to rest and regain your strength for the following day.

The ascent of the Canigou is on the second day. You’ll need to do a bit of climbing (nothing impossible) and pass through the famous Canigou chimney, one of the emblematic passages that spice up the Haute Route Pyrénéenne. This hike will undoubtedly offer you many breathtaking panoramic views.

With four ways to reach the summit and a more leisurely route along the flanks, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to exploring the Canigou from every angle.