Canigou & Saint-Martin-du-Canigou

The Catalans' sacred mountain

The Canigou (2 784 m) dominates the view from all over Roussillon. The Saint-Martin-du-Canigou monastery clings to a cliff above Casteil – a steep 45-minute walk.

Ascent

Height: 2,784 m
Massif: Canigou
Country: Pyrénées-Orientales, France
Grade: T3 · Moderate
Days: 1 day
Season: June–October
Starting point: Chalet des Cortalets (2 150 m), 4x4 track or taxi
Mountain hut: Refuge des Cortalets (2 150 m)
Elevation gain: approx. 650 hm
Time: 4–5 h round trip
First ascent: according to tradition, King Peter III of Aragon in the 13th century (1276 or 1285)

According to the chronicle, the king climbed with his retinue, who turned back. Alone, he found a lake from which a dragon rose out of the water – and came down with the story. For a long time Canigou was thought to be the highest mountain in the Pyrenees because it rises so distinctly from the plain. Every year on 23 June the Flama del Canigó is lit on the summit.

How to get up – the normal route step by step

From Cortalets along the path south and up onto the ridge.
The last stretch over boulders to the summit cross with the Catalan flag.
Descend the same way.

SafetyEasy from Cortalets. The classic route from Refuge de Mariailles finishes with la Cheminée, a steep gully where you use your hands.

Other routes up

From Refuge de Mariailles in the south, via la Cheminée.

Day hike

Starting point: Chalet des Cortalets (4x4 track or taxi)
Distance: approx. 10 km return
Elevation gain: 650 hm
Time: 4–5 h
Level: Moderate
Season: June–October

Up to the Catalans' sacred mountain, 2 784 metres. On Midsummer's Eve the Flama del Canigó is lit on the summit and carried down to bonfires all over Catalonia.

Open in the interactive map Directions Places to stay nearby Things to do Affiliate link

42.5190° N, 2.4570° E

Trails passing here

GR 10 – the Pyrenees on the French sideapprox. 900 km · 50–60 days