Between sea and mountain:
5 nature getaways in the Catalan Country
Few territories in Europe offer a contrast as striking as the Catalan Country. Within just a few kilometers, the relief rises abruptly from the transparency of the Mediterranean coast to the granite peaks that reach heights of 3,000 meters. This unique geography makes the Roussillon a privileged playground for lovers of vast spaces and biodiversity. Choosing to travel Between sea and mountains: 5 nature getaways Catalan Country, It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of protected marine reserves, centuries-old forest massifs, and steep gorges carved by the water. Embark on an exhilarating adventure where every landscape seems to be taken straight from a postcard.
From the Marine Reserve of Cerbère-Banyuls to the mythical summit of Mont Canigó
The first adventure begins with your feet in the water, at the extreme south of the Côte Vermeille. The Marine Nature Reserve of Cerbère-Banyuls covers 650 hectares of sea that is completely protected. Equipped with a mask and snorkel, you can explore the marked underwater trail of the Bay of Peyrefite (access costs about 6 € with a submersible plate and acoustic snorkel). On a 250-meter course secured by buoys, you can swim amidst the golden rays, majestic groupers, sturgeon, and posidonia meadows. An aquatic spectacle of unparalleled clarity that will delight both young and old sports enthusiasts.
A radical change of scenery for the second stop: towards Mont Canigó, the sacred mountain of the Catalans, which reaches an altitude of 2,785 meters. Even without undertaking the sporting ascent of the final peak, the foothills of the massif offer sumptuous walks through the forests of pines and holm oaks. The hike leading to the Abbey of Saint-Martin du Canigou, perched on its rocky cliff above the gorges of the Cady, is a mystical and wild experience. Allow about 1 hour and 30 minutes of round-trip walk from the village of Casteil (free access to the outdoor site, guided tour of the abbey for about 8 €). The coolness of the altitude air and the alpine panorama contrast wonderfully with the seaside atmosphere of the coast. Catalan Country.
From the cliffs of the Côte Vermeille to the cool gorges of the Carança and geological sites
The third adventure takes us along the coastal path that winds from the beach of Paulilles to Cap Béar. The classified site of Anse de Paulilles, an old dynamite factory converted into a landscape natural park, is a preserved gem where the undergrowth dies in the dark gravel coves. The hike along the cliffs offers breathtaking views over a sparkling turquoise sea. The fourth adventure takes us deeper into the interior, to the famous Gorges de la Carança in Thuès-les-Bains. This spectacular route carved into the rock offers boardwalks and bridges suspended over the turbulent river. A thrilling outing for hikers seeking gentle sensations (paid parking costs about €5 per day; bring good walking shoes).
To conclude this quintet of natural wonders, the fifth stage stops at the site of the Orgues d’Ille-sur-Têt. This lunar and fairy-like landscape is made up of fairy chimneys made of sand and clay, sculpted by erosion over more than 4 million years. The approximately 1-hour walk through this maze of ochre and whitish columns evokes the settings of the American Far West (admission is about 5 € per adult, 3.50 € for children). These five sites illustrate the ecological richness of an exceptional territory where water, wind and rock have created spectacular decorations.
Why is camping Le Trivoly in Torreilles Plage well-positioned for this?
To fully enjoy this exceptional geographical diversity without having to change accommodation multiple times, the 4-star campsite Le Trivoly Located in Torreilles-Plage, it offers an ideal geographical position. Integrated into the Chadotel brand and run with passion by its director Charlotte, this warm and family-friendly campsite enjoys a privileged location in Torreilles, a seaside resort renowned for its long wild beach lined with dunes. You are only 800 meters from the sea (accessible on foot or by bike via secure trails) and in close proximity to the major roads leading to the gorges and the Canigó massif.
After an intense hike in the mountains or a snorkeling session on the coast, what a pleasure to return to the peaceful atmosphere of Trivoly! Families can enjoy an aquatic area featuring a heated outdoor pool, a playful paddling pool for little ones, and water slides. As for accommodation, the campsite offers spacious air-conditioned mobile homes starting at €62 per night, as well as shaded pitches starting at €27 per night for tents and caravans. This is the ideal address for combining beach holidays and adventures in the heart of the project. Between sea and mountain: 5 nature getaways in the Catalan countryside.
Ready to take on the challenge Between the sea and the mountains: 5 nature getaways in the Catalan countryside?
