This incredible train journey allows you to reach Collioure from Toulouse via the Pyrenees
By Hugues-Olivier Dumez
Published on
You will leave the fastest route to others, the one that goes to Narbonne before joining Collioure. As warm weather approaches, the Regional Committee for Tourism and Leisure (CRTL) of Occitanie you encourage people to take the crossing paths by train to reach the Vermilion coast “How about an adventure in TER-liO to connect Toulouse in Collioure by the Pyrenees ? “A long journey of three days.
Three Day Shipping
This expedition on rails will take you on a journey through the mountains with, as a highlight, a day aboard the mythical yellow train. Here are the stations on the route: Foix, Ussat-les-Bains, Les Cabannes, Ax-les-Thermes, Latour-de-Carol, Mont-Louis, Thuès, L’Ille-su-Têt, Perpignan and Collioure.
As part of the “Fabuleux Voyages” imagined by the CRTL, “which give pride of place to public transport”, three days are necessary for this getaway.
On the first day, a first stop at the count’s castle of Faith prevail. This emblematic fortress of the Ariège prefecture is located just 15 minutes on foot from the station.
A quick hop later (25 minutes) and you’re at the train stationUssat-les-Bains from where the famous cave of earthwormsone of the largest in Europe.
Just one mini-stage by train (14 minutes) and you’re at Ax les Thermes where you will spend the night. The resort is renowned for its sulphurous hot waters.
Direction Latour de Carol
From Ax-les-Thermes, the traveler is invited to board a TER, direction Latour-de-Carol. You will cross sumptuous high mountain landscapes, follow impetuous torrents, admire impressive waterfalls before taking the Puymorens tunnel.
At Latour-de-Carol (Eastern Pyrenees), change of train ! Climb aboard the “Canari” (the little name of the Yellow Train), a TER like no other! On the menu: three hours of aerial walks where the train often touches the void…
During this day, the Regional Committee for Tourism and Leisure suggests a stopover at the station of Mount Louisthe “City of the Sun King” (citadel Vauban listed as World Heritage by theUnesco), even at the station of Thues to approach the spectacular Carança gorges (15 minutes on foot from Thuès station).
More than 35 minutes by train and you have arrived at Villefranche-de-Conflent where another Vauban citadel awaits you: Fort Liberia. Climb it! It offers a splendid view of the mountains and the valley, just to end this day in style.
A bit of the Far West
On the third day, the mountain moves away, the relief becomes softer. Here you are in Mediterranean land amidst vines and prickly pears, orchards and rows of cypresses. A first stop is proposed at the station of theIlle-sur-Tet to access (a 15-minute walk) a setting worthy of the Far West.
From Ille-sur-Têt, direction Perpignan. Lose yourself in the maze of alleys of the Saint-Jacques district and climb to the Palace of the Kings of Majorca for its panoramic view of the whole city.
A final in apotheosis
In 20 minutes by train, you are at Collioure, pearl of the coast vermilion. Put down your backpack and head to the Pointe de l’Anse, beyond the Notre-Dame-des-Anges church.
Then, before going to bed, end with a succulent fish dinner facing the beach or along the quays. And now, get your train tickets!
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