Circuit VTT : Circuit des châteaux - CASSAGNES

Logo Circuit VTT : Circuit des châteaux - CASSAGNES
Logo Circuit VTT : Circuit des châteaux - CASSAGNES
Tour data
19.96km
232 - 500m
Distance
374hm
346hm
Ascent
02:15h
 
Duration
Brief description

This rather physical loop starts from Cassagnes, which leans against the back of a hill. It will take you past the Château de Cuxous (10-11th century with a pre-Romanesque church), and its more recent counterpart, the Château de Caladroy (13th century), which you can admire clearly from the Col de la Bataille. These are built on either side of the Pic Aubeill, meaning you will get to see both sides of this vast dry dome, and its panoramic views over the valley of the Têt.

Difficulty
difficult
Rating
Technique
Fitness
Landscape
Experience
Starting point

GPS Coord. 42°44'16.3"N 2°36'27.9"E

Route
Cassagnes
0.3 km
Cuxous
3.0 km
Pic Aubeill (540 m)
16.8 km
Cassagnes
19.3 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption
19.4 km


Best season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Description

Cuxous Castle is located close to what used to be the border between France and Aragon, as defined by the Treaty of Corbeil in 1258. Because of its strategic position, this castle was able to send warnings to the Castle of Quéribus as well as to the Trémoine and Lansac signal towers. Today the Cuxous Castle is a private residence. Today this castle is a private residence. Just before reaching the D17, there are stone markers, originally marking the boundary limits of Castle Cuxous, situated a few hundred metres away. Also worth a visit near Cassagnes: the Dam on the Agly, which came into service in 1995. It serves the entire valley, and its stretch of water is 7 kms long ; the pic Aubeill (541 meters high, orientation table) ; and in the vineyard, many capitelles (small dry-stone huts built without mortar).

Directions

Starting point : Set out from the tourist information board. Go towards the centre of the village, then take road D17 towards Bélesta (az 260).

1. 0,3 km : Go up the first (concrete) street to the ← (az 150) which becomes a track.

2. 1,4 km : After a rapid descent which leads to a road on the → (az 30), take road D17 to Cuxous Castle.

3. 3,1 km : In front of the domain of Cuxous, at the corner with a cypress hedge, take →  the DFCI track n°131 which runs along the right-hand side of the castle (az 100).

4. 3,25 km : At the far corner of the estate, turn → (az 170), then go ↑.

5. 3,5 km : At the fork, take the main track on the → (az 160).

6. 4,6 km : When you reach an X junction, take the track nost at the → (az 180).

7. 5,3 km : This leads you to a tarmac road. Continue ↑ on 25 m, and then ↑ again on a track (az 190), which becomes a tarmac road again until Pleus.

8. 5,7 km : Cross the hamlet of Pleus. After a stone well, take the downhill road to the ←, which turns into an uphill track.

9. 6,6 km : Continue ← on the main axis (az 170).

10. 6,9 km : At the crossroads adorned with a remarkable oak tree, take the uphill track ↑ (az 210) and follow this axis up to the domaine de Caladroy.

11. 7,7 km : Turn ← onto the tarmac road and ← again onto the D38.

12. 8 km : Turn → on the DFCI track n°179 (az 170), and at the fork, turn → (az 210).

13. 9,5 km : Just in front of the Mas de la Juliane, turn → in an uphill hairpin bend (az 290).

14. 9,9 km : When you reach plots of vines, turn ← (az 210), and at the bottom of the hill, turn → (az 300) to go up the hillsides on the (az 220).

15. 10 km : When you reach the pass, take → on the track which progressively climbs up to a balcony (az 280). Very nice view over the Têt valley.

16. 12,05 km : You reach a small tarmac road and you slide down to the ← (az 270).

17. 12,95 km : When you reach the ruins of the mas Llèbres, continue ↑ (az 290), then ↑ again at the fork.

18. 13,6 km : Head back up the D38 on the → (az 90).

19. 13,7 km : Look out ! You have to cross a departmental road ! Go up to the ← taking first small road between two low walls (az 260).

20. 14,1 km : Continue ↑ to climb up via the DFCI track n°134 (az 300).

21. 14,55 km : Stay on the left branch (north azimuth), and at 300 m continue straight ↑.

22. 16,35 km : Look out! In the fast descent, take a ← on a track which heads back up (az 280).

23. 17,4 km : When you reach the pass of the Pic Aubeill, continue on the → the track which goes down overlooking Cassagnes (signpost az 250).

24. 18,5 km : In a sharp bend, take the downhill tarmac road to the ← (az 340) and stay on the tarmac.

25. 19,1 km : This will take you to the cemetery on the D17. To head back to the tourist information panel, take a small road ↑ for a short incursion into the village of Cassagnes.

20 km : End of traill.

Highest point
500 m
Height profile
© outdooractive.com

Equipment

Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
Check your bike regularly.
Even in summer, take a backpack with you with essential accessories (first aid, flashlight, compass, all-weather cycling clothing, repair accessories kit).
Remember to take enough water; avoid drinking water from streams.
Pack high-energy foods, rich in protein, carbohydrates and fructose such as cereal bars, fruit pastilles, dried fruit, etc.

Safety instructions

Alert : call 112 (European emergency number).

Before leaving : 

Avoid going alone. Leave your itinerary with a friend or relative. Do not overestimate your capabilities: plan your route and select it according to your physical abilities. Do not forget the map of the area (preferably IGN Top 25), and a compass Avoid leaving in bad weather and adapt your route to the seasons (violent thunderstorms in summer and autumn, strong winds, etc.). In the event of a thunderstorm, avoid using the telephone and electrical devices, do not take shelter under trees, do not cross waterways (even dry ones).

In case of emergency, please call :

Medical Urgency : 15 Firefighters : 112

5 key information to give when you report an accident :

Where did it happen ? Who is concerned ? What happened ? When did it happen ? What were the weather conditions.

Moutain biking code of conduct :

For your own safety, always stay on the marked paths and observe the provided directions. Do not overestimate your abilities and always be in control of your speed. Be careful and courteous when overtaking or when passing hikers; pedestrians have right of way. Be respectful of private property and crops. Beware of agricultural and forestry machinery. Observe instructions during traditional hunting periods - www.fdc66.fr. Be respectful of the facilities provided and respect fences, close all gates behind you. Do not disturb wildlife, protect the fauna and flora. Do not litter, take your rubbish away with you, be discrete and show respect for the environment.
Tips

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Additional information

For further information, feel free to visit our website : https://perpignanmediterraneetourisme.fr/


Arrival

Via D117 (Estagel) and D17 (Latour-de-France, Cassagnes) or via N116 (Millas), D612/D38 (Bélesta) and D21/D17 (Cassagnes). Signpost on the D17 opposite the old cooperative wine cellar, at the tourist information sign (at the exit of the village on the right towards Latour-de-France).

Public transportation

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General info

Refreshment stop
Cultural/Historical
Insider tip
A lot of view
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