Take A Walk Back In Time On A Pyrenees History Hike

Those interested in Catalonia’s fascinating past can now take a walk back in time on a history hike through the Pyrenees. Hiking and History, a new cultural tourism project in the region, has organised a number of routes, inspired by the paths and frontier crossings at important times in history.

The Routes

The routes follow in the steps of Jewish exiles during the Second World War, fleeing to Spain to escape the Nazi Holocaust, while others track the paths of the Spanish republicans at the end of the Spanish Civil War, crossing into France.

A Step Into History

Republicans during the Spanish Civil War

Over The Border

The main route covers a distance of 36 miles and takes 11 days to complete. It crosses the Eastern Pyrenees from Catalonia into France (or vice versa). Along the way, visitors will pass through Ripollès in the Girona province, as well as Alt Vallespir in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France. Those who don’t want to do the whole route can undertake smaller hikes that last around three or four days.

Historical Sights

Some of the main sights to see along the way include Torre de Mira, a watch tower standing at 1540 metres, which sent out smoke and fire signals for communication; Prats de Molló, a charming medieval village and strategic place along the border; and the Notre Dame du Coral monastery, dating back to the 13th century.

Practicalities

Trekkers can fly to either Barcelona, Girona, Perpignan or Toulouse to begin their hikes, which are designed to be self-guided and are of varying levels of difficulty. Visitors can also choose to travel the routes by bicycle or on horseback, adding a whole different dimension to the journey.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.