St. Jean de l'Albère - Col de l'Ouillat

St. Jean de l'Albère - Col de l'Ouillat

On our hiking in the Pyrémées Orentales we stayed overnight in Le Boulou as there is no hotel in Le Perthus. By taxi we reached St.Jean de l'Albère and had a coffee in the rural restaurant Can Joan in St. Jean de l'Albère. From there the path follows the road for a short distance along cork oaks. Abfter about 200 a small path leaves the road to the right up the hill. After a short but steep climb through the brushes one reaches a plateau where a well preserved dolmen can be seen. The path climbs now more gently through light woods with occasional glimpses out on the mountains and plains. At 808 m one reaches a plateau and enjoys a beautiful view over the Roussillon and the Mediterranean Sea. One can now follow the steep path up to Puig de Sant Cristeau but we opted for taking the easier way along the hillside below Puig de Sant Cristeau. At the fountain (905 m), we climbed a short path up to the crest. Now one follows the ridge up and down through fields, woods and brush, always offered with spectacular views until one finally traverses a beautiful pine forest and reach Col de l’Ouillat with the accommodating Chalet de l’Albère.