Marveling at the picturesque village of Eus perched on a hilltop, one imagines that this town was specifically designed to afford every inhabitant a view of the highest peak in the eastern Pyrenees, Canigou, just across the valley.
As the trail leaves Eus we start the gentle climb through the Mediterranean landscape along a 2.5 mile track, first passing a walled-off vineyard of old grapes, to the hamlet of Comes. At its base, a strange sort of picnic spot dotted with goats and decaying autos boasts the same magical view of the peaks.
Just above sits the refurbished church surrounded by remnants of stone walls waiting to be rebuilt.
Of course don’t plan on leaving town in a hurry!
Getting There
Between Ille sur Tet and Prades on the N116 turn off at Marquixanes and follow D35 to Eus. Follow the signs to the parking area just below the upper town. Park and walk through the village to the fortress at the top of the town. Past the fortress to the left you will see a small parking lot and a road that goes straight back.
About 200 yards along this road the trail angles off to the left and immediately splits, with a clear sign indicating Comes to the left. Follow the red and yellow blazes. Up and back is about 5 miles with a 1200 foot change in elevation.
April 9, 2012
For links to all the posts in this series see the French Pyrenees page.
Merci pour cette très belle promenade.