The best walks and hikes around Réal
4.5
(874)
9,344
hikers
204
hikes
Hiking around Réal, located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of southern France, offers access to mountainous terrain and diverse natural features. The region is characterized by the dramatic landscapes of the Pyrenees, with elevations ranging from 1,379 to 2,340 meters. This area provides varied hiking experiences through wild areas, lush forests, and expansive mountain vistas.
Best hiking trails around Réal
- The most popular hiking route is Puyvalador Dam loop from Réal, a 4.4 miles (7.1 km) trail that takes 1…
Last updated: June 20, 2026
4.7
(17)
181
hikers
7.15km
01:55
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(18)
191
hikers
6.74km
01:48
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(2)
12
hikers
11.7km
03:40
460m
460m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
27
hikers
18.3km
05:54
750m
750m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
18
hikers
16.3km
05:14
680m
680m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
From here you can enjoy a wide panorama of the Catalan Pyrenees. To the left, towards the Carcanet biological reserve. To the right and straight ahead, towards the summits with the pic de Madrès, the highest mountain in the area.
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The Puyvalador dam is 160 meters long and 39 meters high. This concrete structure is used to regulate the waters of the Aude river to produce electricity. From the dam, the view is exceptional.
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The Oller refuge (not guarded) is located halfway up the Pic de Madrès from Odeillo. From this point, you will have privileged views over places such as Puyvalador and its lake, the old station and the Pic de Ginèvre area, the Llissa Cremada, etc. As for the shelter, it is not very big but it is very pleasant and well equipped. It has bunk beds for four people, a stove and firewood, some books, maps...
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The Oller refuge (not guarded) is located halfway up the Pic de Madrès from Odeillo. From this point, you will have privileged views over places such as Puyvalador and its lake, the old station and the Pic de Ginèvre area, the Llissa Cremada, etc. As for the shelter, it is not very big but it is very pleasant and well equipped. It has bunk beds for four people, a stove and firewood, some books, maps...
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Good morning all ! small unguarded refuge affordable to all! I trust you to keep it in good condition! 😉
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Réal?
Réal offers a wide selection of hiking opportunities, with nearly 200 routes to explore. These trails cater to various skill levels, including easy loops, moderate paths, and challenging mountain ascents through the Pyrenean landscape.
What types of terrain can I expect on hikes in Réal?
Hiking around Réal is characterized by diverse terrain, ranging from wild, mountainous areas to lush forests and expansive mountain vistas. You'll encounter paths through the dramatic landscapes of the Pyrenees, with elevations between 1,379 and 2,340 meters.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in Réal?
Yes, Réal has several easy routes suitable for families. A great option is the Puyvalador Dam loop from Réal, which is 7.1 km long and offers pleasant views of the dam and its surroundings.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Réal?
The hiking trails in Réal are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 800 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse terrain, the stunning Pyrenean vistas, and the variety of routes available for different ability levels.
Are there any moderate hikes with scenic views in the area?
For a moderate challenge with rewarding scenery, consider the Refuge d'Oller – View of the Pyrénées Catalanes loop from Puyvalador. This 7.7 km route provides excellent views of the Catalan Pyrenees.
Where can I find mountain huts or refuges along the trails?
The Réal area features several mountain huts and refuges that can serve as points of interest or overnight stops. Notable options include Camporells Refuge, Refuge d'Oller, and Refuge du Pla de Grill.
Are there any challenging long-distance hikes in Réal?
Yes, for experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Roc Negre – Refuge du Pla de Grill loop from Réal is a demanding 18.7 km trail that leads through significant mountainous terrain and typically takes around 6 hours to complete.
Can I find hikes that pass by lakes in Réal?
Absolutely. The region around Réal is home to several beautiful lakes. You can explore areas near Lake Matemale, Lake Balcère, and Gros de Camporells Lake, which offer picturesque settings for hiking.
What is the elevation range for hiking in Réal?
The hiking trails in Réal are situated within the Pyrenees, with elevations ranging significantly from approximately 1,379 meters to 2,340 meters. This provides a variety of ascents and descents across the different routes.
Are there circular walks available in Réal?
Many of the trails in Réal are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the easy Puyvalador Dam loop from Puyvalador and the more challenging Refuge du Pla de Grill – Roc Negre loop from Réal.
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