Gravel ascent to the sanctuary of the Mare de Déu del Mont

This Route takes you to the highest point of this Collection, the Mare de Déu del Mont Sanctuary, located at a thousand meters above sea level and with fantastic views of both the Empordà plain and the eastern Pyrenees. It is a route of almost 100 kilometers that includes the demanding ascent to the sanctuary and whose route runs for more than half of its length on paved roads.

You leave Figueres heading west towards the mountains. Depending on the time of year you will be able to see the first snow-capped peaks of the Pyrenees. You head towards the area known as Garrotxa d'Empordà, where the agricultural mosaic begins to merge with the forests and where the plain gives way to narrow valleys that make their way between the first mountains of the Pyrenees.

After going through towns like Vilafant, Borrasà, Ordis or Navata, following quiet roads, you arrive at Lladó. It is at this point where the monastery of Santa Maria de Lladó is located, an excellent sample of the simple and austere Romanesque of the area. Before leaving Lladó, make sure you take enough water and, if necessary, food, since you will have a 16-kilometre climb to the top of the Mare de Déu del Mont sanctuary. It is a long road climb with a moderate drop until about halfway up. Then it hardens as you get closer to the top.

Before reaching the sanctuary, you will first pass by the ruins of the monastery of Sant Llorenç de Sous, seriously affected by an earthquake in 1428, and which are right next to the road. Despite its general state, parts of the cloister, remains of the abbey, and the church are fairly well preserved.

From the monastery to the sanctuary you have two and a half kilometers with quite a slope. However, the effort will be worth it. Its excellent views from its viewpoint of both the Empordà plain and towards l'Alta Garrotxa and the Salines massif will leave you speechless. In the same sanctuary there is a restaurant and guest house, open every Friday and weekends of the year as well as on holidays and their vigils.

The Route continues returning along the same access road to the sanctuary. However, after traveling ten kilometres, take a detour to the left to follow a track that will take you to Sant Llorenç de la Muga. Make sure you have enough water and some emergency snacks because, after leaving the sanctuary, you have 35 kilometers to the next town, Albanyà. This section alternates parts of a gravel track with cement and asphalt. In addition, the last ten kilometers to Sant Llorenç de la Muga are by road.

Sant Llorenç de la Muga is a spectacular medieval town, excellently preserved and whose walled streets are worth exploring. In the town there are several restaurants and a fountain where you can fill your fresh water canisters. After leaving Sant Llorenç de la Muga, you continue along the road and, after overcoming a couple of kilometers uphill, you will only have 15 kilometers left to reach the end of the Route in Figueres. However, before concluding the stage you will have to cross towns like Terrades or Llers, always by road and gently downhill.