La Reserve de Jujols, French Pyrenees

Another great training hike with a steep climb up the opposite face of the Têt Valley from the hike to Saint-Martin du Canigó, affording stunning views of the Canigó Peak.

The turnoff for Jujols is southwest of Prades on the N116, just before Olette. Note that it’s an impossibly sharp right turn coming from Prades. Park in the lot just above the church on your left as you first enter the village. Follow the yellow blazes going back down to the main road through town. Turn left and pass in front of the maison de la Réserve naturelle. In town follow the yellow blazes and signs to La Reserve de Jujols.

At a small square beneath a gîte on the left take the cobblestone road that climbs to the left. Continue on the high road out of the village passing a fountain with a small picnic area just outside of town.

From here the trail is well defined and marked with yellow blazes and sometimes red circles. Climbing the valley wall the trail affords fabulous views of the mountain peaks and valley below.

About halfway up the valley wall there is a sharp switchback marked with a sign (#3 on the map below). Continue following the yellow blazes further up the valley face eventually descending into the pleasantly shaded Jujols Reserve.

Shortly after leaving the reserve the trail seems to abruptly end at a winding dirt road with a small reservoir in sight. The trail follows this road back towards town although you can cut through the hairpin bends greatly shortening the way down. Herds of sheep frequent this area.

Just outside of the village look for the yellow blaze marking the trail back through town. Wind your way back through the village to the church and parking lot. From this side of the church there are great views of the Canigó peak.

8.2 kilometers with a 540 meter change in elevation.

From Les Pyrénées-Orientales – balade et randonnée à pied, #16 La Réserve de Jujols

May 16, 2012

For links to all the posts in this series see the French Pyrenees page.