Hike to the Tour de la Massane, a breathtaking panorama

Située à près de 800 mètres d’altitude, la Tour de la Massane est une ancienne Tour de Guet datant du XIIIè siècle, situé dans les montagnes des Albères près de la frontière entre la France et l'Espagne. Souvent choisie comme destination de randonnée pour sa vue spectaculaire et son intérêt historique. Dans cet article nous allons explorer le sentier qui mène à la tour, les points forts de la randonnée.

A little history...

The Tour de la Massane was built in the 13th century, probably for surveillance and defense purposes. It was part of the towers which were used to monitor the movements of armies and ships in the region. Over the centuries, it lost its military function but remained an important point for hikers.

The hiking trail

To reach the Tour de la Massane you can access it from Argelès-Sur-Mer, the Château de Valmy. This marked trail crosses varied landscapes: cork oak forests and rocky ridges. The hike can be of moderate to high difficulty depending on the path chosen, with sometimes steep climbs, but the reward at the top is worth it (with 360-degree views over the entire plain, the Canigou massif, as well as the sea Mediterranean as far as the eye can see). Duration of the hike: approximately 5 hours, for approximately 12km. We recommend good shoes, water and leaving early in the morning in summer.

Discover the Côte Vermeille

La Tour de la Massane is located in the Côte Vermeille, a region renowned for its sandy beaches and rocky coves. You can visit Collioure and the surrounding area and take an introduction to diving in one of the many centers specially designed for this. Go up to Cape Bear by taking the coastal road, this point offers a breathtaking view. You will even have a small coastal path that runs along the entire coast to reach Paulilles beach. You will find many small coves and beaches to enjoy a little timeless swim.

Exploring the fortifications

The surroundings of the Tour de la Massane are also home to historic fortifications. Fort de Bellegarde, located near the Spanish border, is a former military fort built in the 17th century. You can visit this site to learn about the military history of the area and enjoy the spectacular views from the ramparts.

Tasting of Roussillon wines

The surroundings of the Tour de la Massane are located in a renowned wine-growing region, Roussillon. Wine lovers can visit vineyards and cellars to discover local grape varieties like Grenache, Carignan and Mourvèdre. Banyuls-sur-Mer is particularly known for its natural sweet wine, Banyuls, a renowned dessert wine.

Discovering the fauna and flora

The Albères mountains are home to rich biodiversity, with unique animal and plant species. As you walk the hiking trails, you might spot golden eagles, Pyrenees chamois and endemic flower species. The nearby Catalan Pyrenees Regional Natural Park is another ideal place to observe local flora and fauna.