From Le Barcarès, the route leaves the open lagoon landscape and turns inland through the Pyrénées-Orientales. Canals, vineyards and views towards Canigou shape the early kilometres, before the Albères foothills rise closer to the road. Near Le Perthus, the border is crossed almost quietly, and Catalonia opens up: La Jonquera, cork oaks, dry hills and the broad plains of the Empordà. Via Figueres and quiet country roads, the stage rolls into Girona — green, lively and made for bikes.
