Ceret Waterfall & Le Balcon de Ceret
You have two options: 1st- only go and return to the waterfall. 2nd - arrange for a longer hike can take 3 hrs. Both options you start and finish by foot in Ceret.
First we'll arrive to the waterfall. Between 20 to 30 minutes calm walk from Ceret center, you'll arrive to a nice and calm waterfall with a nice shaded pond. The waterfall is located HERE. Name in French is: “Cascade de Ceret”. On the way to the waterfall its advisable to stop in one of the many boulangeries and buy baguette, some cheese and good wine. The waterfall is a wonderful place for a romantic picnic. Shortest option is to walk directly from the center of Ceret according to the map below. You walk in the city up to that point Here and than exit to the trail heading to the waterfall. Just before the waterfall you will have to cross the stream to the path on the other side of the stream, turn right and few more minutes and you are there. Don't cross if the stream is too strong.
If you are only for a short walk, than when you finish- just return in the same trail that you have arrived.
If the stream is too strong and you cannot cross - take this alternative way:
It is possible also to walk or drive with a car till the end of Chemin de Falgueroles. You park the car and follow straight to a walking trail ahead- that just before entering the forest -turn sharply to the right. There is a sign. Just make sure that immediately after you have turned right, you need to take another slight right to a smaller trail and not follow the main dirt road (which is private). A mere 15 minutes walk and, and here you are in the bottom of the waterfall.
This walk can be combined with a longer 3 hours walk called “Le Balcon de Ceret” and can be viewed Below.
Total distance till the waterfall: 1.8 km. Total climb: Almost flat
To download GPS file click HERE (Only to waterfall)
To continue to the hike of "Le Balcon de Ceret":
Follow the trail of the according to GPS file above, or the map below or just follow the yellow signs on the trees and the occasional signs with the title of the circle.
So after the waterfall, start your way back on the same trail that you have arrived. Don't cross the stream back to Ceret, but continue with the trail straight, and it immediately slight right and up. You walk till you reach a sign to the right and up into the mountain still in the forest.
You climb up till you reach a small rural house overlooking the wonderful views,and than continue till you reach a paved road. On the narrow road you turn right and you reach an area with a Swiss style green surrounding(watch-out -it is rare -but still there are cars driving on that road). Continue few kilometers on that road,catching magnificent views of the Canigou mountain, and than (immediately after a sharp right curve of the road)turn right to a trail going down from the paved road. The entry to the trail in signed (but rather small). From here you keep descending till you reach Ceret again. Part of the descents is along a water tunnel and the trail might be narrow.
The trail itself crosses the road few times. Lookout to find the sign of the continuation of the trail on the other side of the narrow road.
Technicalities:
Length: 8.2 km from Ceret to Ceret (circular).
Total climb: 290 meter
GPS File is HERE (All Circle)
