Discover Meranges: Pyrenean panoramas, glacial lakes and Romanesque culture

From the summit of Puigpedrós, the panorama extends across large parts of the Pyrenees, from the Canigó massif to the Maladeta massif, and includes Pica d’Estats.

Landscape and mountains

At the Mirador de Meranges, the view opens across the Meranges Valley, a valley shaped by glaciers. There, the Duran River receives the streams flowing down from the steep mountain slopes.

From the viewpoint, the village of Meranges, grazing land and individual deciduous trees can be seen. Black pines grow mainly in the higher parts of the valley, while the highest areas are covered by alpine meadows.

In the protected Tossa Plana de Lles-Puigpedrós area, the glacial lakes of Meranges above granite bedrock shape the physical environment of the area.

The route through the Circ d’Engorgs passes through a protected natural area of particular conservation interest within the municipality of Meranges.

Hiking and trails

The route to Estany de Malniu can be reached from Meranges via the uphill forest track to the Refugi de Malniu mountain refuge.

On the Puigpedrós route, forest tracks lead from Meranges to the Refugi de Malniu mountain refuge. This route takes a total of 3 hours and 30 minutes: 2 hours for the outward journey and 1 hour and 30 minutes for the return journey.

For the route to Estany de Malniu, the total duration is 1 hour, with 35 minutes for the outward journey and 25 minutes for the return journey.

The hike to Estany de Malniu is possible year-round; in winter, it can be undertaken with snowshoes, although the access route to the mountain refuge is often closed.

The Pla de Tarterès, also known as Pla de la Tartera, forest park is located on the route to the Refugi de Malniu mountain refuge; from there, you can climb to Estany de Malniu.

The Mirador de Meranges can be reached via a path connecting Éller and Meranges that is suitable for 4×4 vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians.

Culture and crafts

Sant Sadurní (Sant Serni) is an 11th-century Romanesque church with a single nave and granite walls.

The Romanesque portal has a semicircular arch with five granite archivolts and sandstone capitals from Isòvol featuring zoomorphic and plant motifs.

A polychrome Pantocrator is preserved inside.

The Museu de l’Esclop explains the history and manufacture of the wooden shoe. This includes the specially suitable wood, the tools used, the way the shoes were made and their sale.

It is dedicated to the wooden shoe, one of the objects most deeply rooted in everyday life in Meranges; these distinctive shoes made in Meranges were exported throughout the country.

The Museu de l’Esclop is closed for renovation work.

Annual cycle and mountain tradition

Ski mountaineering is practised in Meranges.

The Aplec de la Xicoia is a gathering held in Meranges in May. Participants climb into the mountains to collect xicoies and then have lunch together near the Refugi de Malniu.

More destinations to discover: Garrigoles, Ordis, Cabanelles, Santa Llogaia D'àlguema, Begur, Sant Feliu De Pallerols, Can Jordi, Vilamaniscle

To the main travel overview: Girona.