France > France regions > Languedoc-Roussillon > Pyrenees-Orientales > Mount Canigou
Mount Canigou
Mount Canigou is visible from many places in the southern Languedoc-Roussillon.
Mount Canigou, 2784m high, is found about 10km south of Prades as the crow-flies but is visible from much of the region.
It is, for the locals, more than just a mountain - it is also considered to be the spiritual home of Catalan, and Catalans from across both the French Catalan and Spanish Catalonia regions gather here for the summer solstice.
As a mountain, it is a reasonably straightforward hike, achievable by anyone in good health with general hiking ability, sturdy boots and a couple of bottles of water. For the more energetic there is an annual race, 33km long, that passes across Canigou! Not surprisingly, the views from the summit on a clear day are extraordinary and stretch a very long distance in all directions.
To approach the mountain, start from either Prades or Vernet-les-Bains. The ascent on foot starts from near the chalet des Cortalets. It is best to make the ascent in summer, leaving early to avoid the heat and to have a greater chance of solitude on the mountain.
One highlight near Mount Canigou is the Abbey Saint Martin at Sint-Martin-du-Canigou, perched high on a rocky peak at the base of the mountain. Access to the abbey is via a 30 minute walk from the D116 (take the road from Vernet-les-Bains). A lovely, tranquil spot.
Note: the first ascent of Canigou took place in 1285, by the King of Aragon. He reported that at the summet he had thrown a stone in a lake, and a vast dragon emerged from the water, and flew into the sky blotting out the light.
Mount Canigou: tourist information, map, travel plans and gites
Plan a visit to Mount Canigou, France
|
|
Map of Mount Canigou, France |
Places to visit - Mount Canigou
- Castelnou Most beautiful village
- Ceret Pretty artistic town
- Eus Most beautiful village
- Gorges de la Fou Dramatic gorge
- Villefranche-de-Conflent Most beautiful village
Any places listed above are within about 20-25 km (as the crow flies)
Information and photos
This travel guide has information, holidays and photos of Mount Canigou when available. If you have any photos or relevant information please send them to us! Full credit will be given if they are used.
