©Randonnées sur les sentiers de Banyuls sur mer|Laurent Lacombe

Vos Envies

Paths to take

Take a deep breath. Lovers of wide open spaces, Banyuls-sur-Mer is the ideal playground for you. Be at one with a preserved nature by discovering the territory on foot, on horseback, by bike, or even by swimming… On the land side : let yourself be surprised by the breathtaking panoramas during hikes along the coast or in the hinterland. On the sea side: when you set sail, you will understand why the Côte Vermeille is called that way. Trust us… you will be amazed !

A rich hinterland

in hiking trails and gourmet walks

Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, Banyuls is full of possibilities for walking through the exceptional landscapes of the Pyrenees mountain range as it juts out into the sea (difference in altitude from 0 to nearly 1000 meters).

Whether on foot, horseback or mountain bike, you will follow fragrant paths lined with unforgettable views through vineyards, olive groves, small hamlets, streams, oak forests…

A guide to all the hiking trails is available at the Tourist Office. You can also download the Geotrek application which resents a part of our hikes and makes you discover the Côte Vermeille and the territory of the Albères.

©Randonnée à Banyuls sur mer dans les Pyrénées-Orientales|Laurent Lacombe

©Randonnée Madeloc Lever Soleil (9)|Office de Tourisme

©Faune Flore Mer Méditerranée Lever Soleil|P.MARZOLLA

©Faune Flore Paysages Vignoble|P.MARZOLLA

©Faune Flore Abeille Printemps (1)|P.MARZOLLA

A unique fauna and flora

Coastal Trail: you can find an endemic plant polycarp of Catalonia (fat plant), armeria (pink flower), shaggy thyme (small yellow flower), thyme, rosemary, tree mallow

Hinterland: prickly pear cactus, garter snakes, wild boar (late day or early morning), deer, red partridge, salamanders, green lizard. Wild peonies (between the pass of Banyuls and Sailfort).

Patience...

Next we will tell you about the stone towers dotted throughout Banyuls. What are they for, who built them, which paths to take to admire them up close? You will know everything!

Our must-haves
Survey the Mediterranean coast
Banyuls sur mer offers you many possibilities for superb hikes. First of all, it is the starting and finishing point of the GR 10, a mythical path crossing the Pyrenees and linking the Mediterranean to the ocean. There are also many links on this path that will allow you to access other peaks with panoramic views of the hinterland and the coast such as the Madeloc Tower, the Col de Banyuls or the Chapelle de la Salette.
Randonnées sur les sentiers de Banyuls sur mer
©Randonnées sur les sentiers de Banyuls sur mer|Laurent Lacombe
UnavoidableThe coastal path
From Banyuls sur mer, the coastal path allows access either to the north of Paulilles – towards Cap Béar and beyond towards Port-Vendres – or to the south, towards...
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Banyuls sur mer
©Banyuls sur mer |Laurent Lacombe
UnavoidableUnderwater Trail
Installed, in summer, at the start of Peyrefite beach within a sheltered bay, the underwater trail is visited by swimming on the surface equipped with a mask, snorkel and fins....
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In practice
Advice on how to make the most of it!
Safety tips
– Never leave alone and inform as many people as possible of your itinerary.
– Check the weather forecast before leaving (08 92 68 02 66 or 32 50 or www.meteofrance.com).
– Avoid straying from the marked trails.
– Be extra vigilant with children.
– Rescue : call 112 (European emergency number) or 18 (fire department). Dial the same numbers to report a fire. Fire is a real danger: never make a fire in the forest, do not smoke, do not throw matches or cigarette butts.
– Think about the hunting periods : ask the Town Hall or the Tourist Office.
Practical advice
– Remember to wear good shoes, avoid shoes with smooth soles and espadrilles…
– Pack a bottle of water, some food, a cap or hat and sun cream and sunglasses, including for half-day hikes.
– Outside of the summer months, bring warm clothes, a raincoat or windbreaker.
– Also remember to bring a first aid kit with small medical supplies.
– Walk at your own pace, take several breaks, eat and drink.
– Respect nature and flowers as well as the refuges or “casots”.
– bring back your waste! Do not throw toilet paper or empty bottles on the trails, they pollute our environment.
– Keep your dogs on a leash whenever possible.

Let yourself be inspired
Our ideas for walks
Hiking is not just walking aimlessly! Be inspired by our hiking suggestions. The right time, the right trail, the right company, and a simple hike can turn into an unforgettable memory!
Experiences
Family outings
Guided tours
Randonnée Madeloc Lever Soleil (4)
©Randonnée Madeloc Lever Soleil (4)|Office de Tourisme
Sunrise in Madeloc
What if you offered yourself a unique experience that will mark you for a long time? How about a walk in the early morning to reach the Madeloc Tower when the sun is shining on...
Bicycleta Banyuls 00969
©Bicycleta Banyuls 00969|Anthony Guillemer
Electric mountain bike to Madeloc
To go up to the Madeloc Tower (alt. 680m) by bike from Banyuls, without being a great sportsman, it is possible! You don’t need to have your own bike : you can rent one...
All experiences

Seduced?
Organize my stay
in Banyuls-sur-Mer
Où Dormir
©Où Dormir
Where to sleep?
Cote Thalasso 5895 Laurent Lacombe
©Cote Thalasso 5895 Laurent Lacombe
Restaurants
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©Dsc 0001
Business Directory

More facets
Banyuls, full of surprises
There is more to Banyuls than hiking! Discover our water activities to refresh yourself, our rich architecture and history, our gourmet local products, and the gentle Catalan way of life.
(66) Pyrénées-Orientales Banyuls sur Mer en automne
©vigne vendanges vignoble vin raisin|Laurent Lacombe
An exceptional vineyard
Kayak de mer
©Kayak de mer|Laurent Lacombe
Banyuls, the sea and its treasures
Terrasses Café Mer Méditerranée Lever Soleil
©Terrasses Café Mer Méditerranée Lever Soleil|PIERRE_MARZOLLA
Banyuls at its own pace
I let myself be inspired