On fire protection routes

These routes are actually closed to public traffic. They are fire access roads, meaning tracks located away from populated areas that the fire department uses in case of a fire in difficult terrain. Luckily for the off-road community, there are exceptions—fire access roads are occasionally open to the public, often to reach remote settlements and farmhouses or for tourist purposes.

One such road is located south of the Têt River, leading up to the mountains near Castelnou. To access it, leave the N 116 in the Têt Valley at Ille-sur-Têt, pass Saint-Michel-de-Llotes, and turn left onto a paved road that later turns into gravel after about four kilometers. The road is wide, covered with fine gravel, and easy to navigate. A short detour leads to a chapel, then you continue on the main track. Eventually, it crosses the D 48 and winds its way through a low mixed forest in many curves. After a long detour, it meets the D 48 again at the hamlet of Bosc del Pouill. From there, turn right to continue on asphalt towards Castelnou.