The “Capitelles” - The Cocalière Plain

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In this scrubland area, Andorran farmers and herds have given way to fragrant plant species.

Here, one can find the priceless remnants of that past.

A landscape that changes from one valley to the next, dotted with little stone gems: capitelles, assietadous… names bringing Mediterranean sun to your ears!

The restoration of the “capitelles” is the result of the work of volunteers from the Foyer Laïque de Conques-sur-Orbiel.

Forty-five “capitelles” - dry-stone shelter - mark five trails in a magnificent setting.

Description

Trail Markings: Orange

Start to the left of the large sign. Follow the trail markers on the wooden posts; the path descends slightly.

The first "capitelle" you come to is quite an impressive structure. Be curious and feel free to wander around it.

At the trail junction, take the path straight ahead, slightly offset to the left. After 200 meters, turn left toward a "capitelle" and continue deeper into the fragrant garrigue. Discover the “Siamoises,” a pair of adjoining "capitelles" unique to the region.

Shortly after, cross the trail again and continue straight ahead for 50 meters, then turn right onto a long straight stretch.

Leave the trail to the left; further on, at a right-hand curve, on the outside of the curve, a surprising, perfectly round "capitelle" comes into view. When you emerge onto a trail, head right until you reach a star-shaped intersection.

At the intersection, turn right again, and then right once more at the next intersection. After about 150 meters, leave the path on the left and take a narrow trail.

Further on, when you rejoin the trail, turn right, then shortly after, at the trail junction, turn left.

You’re already on your way back!