FROM COLLIOURE TO THE CASTLE OF VALMY

A loop from the town of Collioure to the Castle of Valmy with its magnificent scenery!

HIKING TOPO:

• From the tourist office, turn left as far as the bell tower, also known as the Church Notre-Dame des Anges.
• Before that, take the stairs on the left, which will take you to Rue de la Paix and Rue du Mirador. Once at the top, you can admire the bell tower. If you look around carefully, you can see a reproduction of a painting by Matisse with his friend Derain in 1905.
• On the left, head towards Argelès-sur-Mer along the pavement on the right just after crossing the roundabout. Be careful, it's a steep climb.
• Once you reach the stadium car park, turn right and walk along the stadium until you reach the coastal path.
• All along the path you can see the Vauban fortifications. The view is incredible all the way to the Ouille beach.
• Once there, take the stairs to the back of the "Criques de Porteils" campsite.
• After the campsite, take the coastal path to enjoy the lovely view of the Porteils coves and the beaches of Argelès-sur-Mer.
• The coastal path starts with a steep climb that ends with a staircase in front of the hamlet of Racou. Follow the yellow markers all the way to the port of Argelès-sur-Mer. 
• Follow the RD 81 along the cycle path from the Holiday Village to the Castle of Valmy, set between vineyards and the Albères mountains.
• Admire the magnificent panorama before continuing back to Collioure. Leave the car park and head towards the winery along the path that starts at the car park.
• Drive through the Château vineyards for around 1 km, before following the dual carriageway through a tunnel.
• At the exit, turn left towards Mas Perillot and then take the D114.
• Turn left towards Le Racou behind the low wall. Once you have crossed the cycle path, go to the hamlet of Racou via the roundabout.
• A wooden footbridge behind the roundabout leads to a forest. Take the path around the hamlet and enjoy the superb views.
• You will come to the coastal path and take the same route you took on the outward journey. 
• You can choose to follow the same path as on the outward journey or take the path to the bottom of the cove at the staircase that will take you to Collioure.