Pic de Nore transmitter, Communication tower at Montagne Noire summit, France
The Pic de Nore transmitter is a concrete tower at the top of the Montagne Noire massif in southern France, built to broadcast radio and television signals across a wide area. It stands at the highest point of the range and operates across several frequencies at once.
A severe storm destroyed the original mast in 1976, which led directly to the construction of the current concrete tower. The rebuild allowed for stronger transmissions and broader coverage across southern France in the decades that followed.
The Pic de Nore is a well-known destination for cyclists who climb up from the surrounding villages as part of a personal or group challenge. The summit road draws riders throughout the warmer months, making the top a natural meeting point after the ascent.
The tower is reached by a mountain road that can be difficult in bad weather, so it is worth checking conditions before heading up. Wind and cold are common at this height even in summer, so bringing an extra layer is a good idea.
Parts of the original mast destroyed in the 1976 storm were never removed and now carry mobile phone equipment. This means two generations of broadcast technology share the same mountaintop, which is easy to spot when you look closely at the structure.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
