Randonnée sur la côte Vermeille 18

Hiking in the vermilion coast

Between mountains & sea

I made a hike this summer on the coastal path between Argelès-sur-Mer and Collioure and I’ve discovered the beauty of the vermilion coast. A walk of three hours where I’ve seen mountains jumping in the Mediterranean sea,  and where I was breathing fresh air full of sea-spray.

Located south-east of the eastern Pyrenees, bounded by the Mediterranean sea on the East and on the West by the mountain massif of the Albères, the vermilion coast with its 20 km lenght goes from the Racou beach to Cerbère, the last stop before Spain.

On a cloudy day, I’ve abandoned the idea to go swimming and decided to hike. I’ve started from the sandy Argelès beach passing by the harbor where it’s full of boats offering tours with a subaquatique view. After the Racou beach small and big cliffs started to appear with some beautiful creeks. Some people where swimming there while others where just relaxing between mountains and sea, a typical Mediterranean landscape.

On my way to Collioure

I took some pictures of those cliffs dressed by prickly pears and some maquis and garrigue on the hills flank. I’ve found a bunker from the Second World War tagged and updated to the 21st century style and a medieval fort making the landscape more unique. Just before the end of my trek appeared the Mont Louis and the National Commando Training Center. I’ve went away of the military field and walked toward the the Collioure bay and I got lost in the magic of the town…