Planoles: Forests, Routes and Romanesque Heritage

Forest landscapes, routes of varying lengths and difficulty, and historical heritage shape the themes of a stay in Planoles. If you are looking for a hotel in Planoles, you can plan your trip around the area’s natural and cultural attractions. The routes vary in length, course and possible modes of transport.

Forest Landscapes and Nature

In the Obagues del Rigart area, species-rich riverside alder woods alternate with Scots pines and various deciduous forests of ash, birch, lime and large-leaved oak. Another distinctive forest landscape is l’Avetar: the Volta a l’Avetar runs through this mainly municipal fir forest in Planoles. Some of the firs are considered monumental because of their size and age; the forest is also notable for its wide variety of animal and plant species.

Planoles is one of the municipalities within the Parc Natural de les Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser. The nature park covers 14,750 hectares. Nature lovers can explore a range of tree species and forest types, as well as diverse animal and plant life.

Compare Hiking Routes

The Ruta de l’Isard i les Marmotes is a 5 km circular route starting at the Collet de les Barraques and passing through the Pinatar forest. It lies within the Parc Natural de les Capçaleres del Ter i del Freser and the Freser–Setcases National Hunting Reserve. The Itinerari romànic i natura a la Vall del Rigart follows a different course: this linear route is 13 km long and takes an estimated 4 hours and 45 minutes. Some sections are marked with GR and Itinerànnia waymarks, and it is possible to return by train. The route links the valley’s landscape with its Romanesque heritage and allows visitors to see up to five Romanesque churches. If you are planning to return by train, check the timetable for your travel date.

The 42 km Ruta del Rigart is on a different scale. This valley route can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, and passes through Campelles, Nevà, Fornells, Dòrria and Planoles. The routes therefore differ not only in length, but also in whether they focus on a loop, a linear trail or a valley route suited to different modes of transport.

In 2022, the municipality created The Trail Zone, with six routes to promote mountain sports and provide access to the natural surroundings. The Ruta de les Mines explores a different theme: it passes on foot by numerous mining relics in the Planoles valley, bringing its historical and industrial heritage to life.

The Ruta dels veïnats de Planoles starts at Plaça del Casino, near the church of Sant Vicenç. It goes as far as the village of Planès and then returns directly to Planoles. This provides a clearly defined starting point in the village, a named destination and a return to Planoles.

Churches and Other Attractions

The church of Sant Vicenç de Planoles was first mentioned in 1141. Sant Marcel de Planès has a distinctive apse: it is horseshoe-shaped on the inside and semicircular on the outside. These two forms give the church a specific architectural feature that can be appreciated independently of route length.

The region’s butterflies are another part of what Planoles has to offer. La Casa de les Papallones houses a macro-lepidoptera collection that was moved to Planoles in 2005. Its educational focus introduces visitors to the region’s diversity of butterflies. This adds a distinct natural-history theme to the area’s landscape and cultural heritage.

Discover more destinations: Vilobí D'onyar, Sant Miquel de Cladells, Les Llosses, Susqueda, Sarriá De Ter, Beget, Cistella, Les Olives.

For the broader travel overview: Girona.