Best huts around Port-Vendres are found in a coastal town in the Pyrénées-Orientales region of France, known for its natural harbor and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees mountains. The area offers a diverse landscape, from rugged coastlines to forested hills, providing varied terrain for outdoor activities. It serves as a gateway to the Côte Vermeille, characterized by its unique blend of maritime and mountainous environments. This geographic setting makes it a notable location for exploring the natural…
Last updated: July 5, 2026
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In poor condition and dirty, usable in case of emergency
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The Green MEPs Jordi Solé and François Alfonsi, and the Social Democrat Éric Andrieu, launched a letter to Pedro Sánchez and Emmanuel Macron, presidents of Spain and France respectively, calling for the reopening of the crossings to be discussed at the 27th Franco-Spanish summit on 19 January in Barcelona. The letter, signed by 31 MEPs, was presented at a press conference at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Two days later, on 20 January, residents of Espolla reopened the coll for the annual Feria de l'Oli y de l'Olivera in the village. However, on 23 January the French authorities closed the crossing again.
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Once at this point you will have to decide whether to continue through French or Spanish lands. If you decide to go to Alt Empordar, the first town you will find is La Espolla and you can reach it through a trail with a significant difference in level where the weeds cover part of it and I do not recommend MTB (it will take 2.30 hours). The Route of the 4 refuges of the Tramuntana is a linear route in stages that goes from Roses to Albanyà, with an ascent of 5379 m and a descent of 5204 m. It passes through the 4 shelters of the Empordanès Excursionist Center (Coll de Banyuls shelter, Forn de Calç shelter, Les Salines shelter and Bassegoda shelter).
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The Coll de Banyuls is a mountain pass and border crossing between France and Spain, located in the Albera Massif, the easternmost extension of the Pyrenees. This pass connects the Spanish municipality of Rabós (Alt Empordà, Catalonia) with the French commune of Banyuls-sur-Mer (Pyrénées-Orientales, Occitania). The saddle point of the Coll de Banyuls is located at about 357 meters above sea level. This pass was blocked with large rocks by the French government on January 11, 2021, under the pretext of curbing irregular immigration and the terrorist threat. However, a grassroots organization that was committed to opening the closed border crossings (Esborrem Fronteres) reopened it on January 20, 2023 using an excavator.
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Mythical pass of the east of the Pyrenees. Mythical pass of the east of the Pyrenees.
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Perfect refuge to rest, make a fire or take a breath. In my case I had to stop to warm my hands a bit because I was frozen.
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Super great panorama. Enjoy it. Greetings Marcus
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Around Port-Vendres, you can find various refuges and huts, often located in mountain passes or secluded natural settings. These structures typically provide basic shelter and resting points for hikers exploring the diverse terrain. Examples include publicly accessible refuges like Banyuls Pass, cozy hidden shelters such as Tomy Refuge, and rentable houses like Madeloc Refuge.
Yes, Banyuls Pass is notable for its historical significance. It served as a passage for many people fleeing repression, and memorial plaques at the pass commemorate these events. The refuge itself is a small, solid, publicly accessible shelter.
Amenities vary by hut. For instance, Banyuls Pass offers a table, oven, and an extra bedroom, with a spring nearby. Tomy Refuge is windproof and waterproof, suitable for up to 3 people, and includes a stove and a nearby water source. Madeloc Refuge is a house that can be rented, accommodating up to 5 people.
Absolutely. Madeloc Refuge is known for offering solitude, providing a peaceful escape. Similarly, Tomy Refuge is hidden among large rocks at 960 m above sea level, offering a secluded and cozy experience away from crowds.
The area around Port-Vendres offers diverse terrain for outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, gravel biking, and mountain biking. Many routes pass by or near these huts, offering challenging and moderate options. For example, you can find routes like the 'Banyuls Pass – Madeloc loop' for mountain biking or the 'Coastal path from Port-Vendres to Banyuls-sur-Mer' for hiking. You can explore more options on the hiking, gravel biking, and MTB trails guides for Port-Vendres.
Yes, Refuge de la Tanyareda is situated in beautiful old oak forests. It's an unmanaged refuge, perfect for resting or making a fire, and can accommodate up to 12 people.
Visitors appreciate the unique locations and the shelter these huts provide. Tips for Banyuls Pass mention the pleasant, lonely landscape on the approach. For Tomy Refuge, the coziness, windproof nature, and the neat terrace with distant views of Banyuls are highlighted. The solitude and the possibility to rent the house at Madeloc Refuge are also highly valued.
The capacity varies. Tomy Refuge can accommodate a maximum of three people. Madeloc Refuge can host up to five people if rented. Refuge de la Tanyareda has a larger capacity, suitable for up to 12 people.
Yes, the 'Route of the 4 Refuges' is a linear, multi-stage route that passes through several shelters, including the Coll de Banyuls shelter (near Banyuls Pass). This challenging route goes from Roses to Albanyà, with significant elevation changes, and is popular among experienced hikers.
Many huts offer stunning views due to their elevated or secluded locations. From Tomy Refuge's terrace, you can see Banyuls in the distance. The region itself, with its blend of Mediterranean coast and Pyrenees mountains, provides panoramic vistas from various viewpoints and passes.
Refuge de la Tanyareda is described as a perfect refuge to rest, make a fire, or take a breath, especially if you need to warm up. Its location in old oak forests makes it a pleasant stop.
The Port-Vendres region offers a diverse landscape suitable for outdoor activities throughout much of the year. However, for hiking and accessing mountain huts, spring and autumn generally provide the most pleasant weather conditions, avoiding the intense heat of summer and potential winter snows at higher elevations. Always check local weather conditions before your visit.


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