The “Capitelles” - The Scrubland Steam
In this garrigue landscape, farmers and Andorran herds have given way to fragrant plant species. Here, one finds the priceless remnants of this past.
A landscape that changes from one valley to the next, dotted with little stone gems: "capitelles", “assietadous”… names bringing Mediteranean sun to your ears!!
Description
Green Markings
From the starting sign, turn right twenty meters ahead and keep turning right; the green sign for the “Le ruisseau de la Garrigue” trail invites you to venture into the very dense vegetation.
Soon, the first "capitelle", named “La Mignarda,” comes into view.
It features a distinctive four-sided dome. From there, green arrows mounted on posts will guide you along the entire loop.
At the following "capitelles", notice the protruding stones built into the outer wall—known locally as “assietadous”—which serve as seats.
Further along, one “capitelle” is distinguished by its dome, covered with earth to protect it from erosion.
Every year in the spring, when the irises bloom, it becomes a sight to behold, taking on shades of blue and yellow. When you reach a trail, head straight ahead.
Continue walking through very sparse scrubland toward a small valley.
When you reach a trail, turn left onto it and climb up to the trail junction, then pay close attention to the trail markers.
Turn right and continue along a trail through the sparse garrigue, facing the Pyrenees.
Back on a trail, turn left toward the last "capitelle" on the loop, “La Semparella.”
It features a mule shelter whose roof was covered with tiles until the 1940s, when it was last used.
Ideal family hike !
- Departure : CONQUES-SUR-ORBIEL – Capitelle Sign
- Arrival : CONQUES-SUR-ORBIEL – Capitelle Sign
- Towns crossed : Conques-sur-Orbiel
Forecast
Altimetric profile
Recommandations
Access and parking
Just outside Conques-Sur-Orbiel on the D101, then the D901, which runs alongside the "Rieu Sec" stream.
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