Step out of Les Volets Bleus and the hamlet of Lo Serrat opens straight onto the Catalan mid-mountains. GR trails, mule paths, forest tracks — everything starts literally at the door. No need to drive for most walks, and that's the magic of Prunet-et-Belpuig.
Why hike from Prunet-et-Belpuig?
The village sits in the Conflent valley, on the threshold between the mid-mountains and the iconic Canigó massif (2784 m / 9,134 ft). Three reasons make it ideal for hikers:
- Starting altitude: at around 600 m (2,000 ft), you're already above the heat of the plain and inside the Mediterranean forest
- Trail density: PR (short walks), GR10, GR36 and village loops, all marked and maintained by the French Hiking Federation
- No crowds: unlike the classic starting points (Vernet-les-Bains, Les Cortalets), you'll meet very few people on these paths
The Catalan climate lets you walk almost year-round. In winter, the summit stays snow-capped (Canigó keeps its white until June), but the mid-mountain paths remain accessible. Autumn is the gentlest season — golden light, chestnut trees, leaves crunching underfoot.
The 6 recommended trails
From contemplative stroll to sporty climb. All start on foot from the cottage, except trail 6 which requires the car.
1. Lo Serrat hamlet loop — easy
The perfect first-morning walk, coffee in hand. Leave the house, follow the lane down to the river, climb back up the other side through chestnut and holm oak. Views of the Trinity chapel bell tower, panoramas across the valley. Ideal for understanding the local geography before venturing further.
2. River and fountain trail — easy
My favourite for hot summer days. Walk down the lane to the river (5 min), then upstream along the water. Several pools let you swim or just dip your feet. Higher up, the path passes two old fountains, untouched since the 19th century. Bring a picnic.
3. Chapel of the Trinity — easy to moderate
The Chapel of the Trinity is a gem of Catalan Romanesque art, perched on a rocky outcrop at 800 m. Built in the 11th century, it houses an exceptional 13th-century painted wooden altarpiece, a listed historic monument. The climb follows an ancient mule track through holm-oak forest. The view from the forecourt embraces the Tech valley and Canigó.
The chapel is open from May to October. Catherine has the key in winter — feel free to ask if you'd like to visit out of season.
4. Roc del Tabal & Pic du Pilon — moderate
For a true 360° panorama. Join the GR36 from Prunet, climb steadily through the state forest to Roc del Tabal (1,100 m). If your legs are still up for it, push on to Pic du Pilon (1,290 m). From the top, the whole Canigó massif unfolds, from the snow-capped summit to the wooded foothills. To the east, the Mediterranean shines on a clear day.
Bring 2 litres of water per person — there's no water source at altitude.
5. To Boule-d'Amont via the ridges — moderate
A loop linking Prunet-et-Belpuig to Boule-d'Amont, the neighbouring village famous for the Serrabona Priory, another Romanesque jewel. The path runs along the ridges, alternating forest and open glades, crossing old terraced farmland. Don't miss the priory on arrival (11th-12th century) — its pink marble choir is unique.
6. The Canigó summit from Les Cortalets — challenging
The legendary climb. From the Refuge des Cortalets, the trail crosses alpine meadows, skirts Pic Joffre, then climbs the final rocky ridge to the summit at 2,784 m. The horizon opens for 200 km: Mediterranean to the east, Catalan Pyrenees to the west, Spain to the south, all the way to the central Pyrenees.
This is a real high-altitude hike. Check the weather, leave early (before 8 am), bring a waterproof jacket, head torch and 3 litres of water. A night at Cortalets refuge is unforgettable — book ahead.
Practical tips for hiking here
When to come
The best season runs from mid-May to late October. In July-August, set off early — heat can be intense on exposed slopes. Autumn (October-November) is magical for chestnut colours. In winter, lower trails stay walkable, but Canigó requires snow gear (snowshoes or crampons depending on conditions).
Minimum kit
- Walking shoes with ankle support
- Water (1.5 L minimum, 3 L for Canigó)
- Hat or cap, sun cream
- Light waterproof jacket (mountain weather changes fast)
- IGN TOP25 map n°2349ET "Massif du Canigou" or the IGN Rando app
Safety
Always tell someone your route before leaving. Mobile coverage is patchy. In emergency, the European number is 112. For mountain weather, check Météo-France (Pyrénées-Orientales bulletin) the night before.
Back at Les Volets Bleus
The joy of a long walk is also the return. At Les Volets Bleus, you'll find:
- A walk-in shower in the lower-ground bathroom, with linen provided
- A wood-burning stove in the kitchen for autumn evenings (wood provided in season)
- The 40 m² enclosed garden with garden furniture for stretching out in the sun
- The rear balcony overlooking greenery, perfect for late-afternoon tea
- The lower-ground snug with its linen day-bed for a well-earned nap
Catherine always keeps regional maps to hand and knows the variations of every trail. Don't hesitate to ask in the morning before setting off — depending on the weather and your form, she'll point you to the right path.