Lagarde Fort, Military fort in Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, France.
Lagarde Fort is a military stronghold in Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste with about forty rooms arranged around a central round tower. The structure includes an armory, chapel, kitchen, powder magazine, and military living areas.
The fort was built between 1677 and 1682 under military engineer Vauban's direction. Its construction followed the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, which shifted French borders southeastward.
The fort serves as a gallery for modern and contemporary art today. Visitors find current artistic works displayed alongside the historic stone walls.
The fort can be reached by three routes: a traditional hiking path, an underground passage with around 140 steps, or a seasonal shuttle service. Visitors should plan for different physical demands depending on their chosen route.
A medieval signal tower stands at the fort's center, predating the Vauban fortifications around it. An underground escape route connects this tower directly to the town below the stronghold.
Location: Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste
Address: Fort Lagarde, 66230 Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste, France
Opening Hours: Saturday-Sunday 14:00-18:00
Phone: +33468397083
Website: https://pratsdemollolapreste.com/patrimoine/le-fort-lagarde
GPS coordinates: 42.40722,2.48139
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:44
The Eastern Pyrenees in France show the meeting of mountains and Mediterranean coasts. The region stretches from high peaks like Canigou to seaside towns with centuries-old fortifications. Medieval castles, historic railways, gorges, and thermal springs dot the landscape, while nature reserves...
The hermitage of Saint-Guillem Combret
5.3 km
Église Sainte-Cécile de Cos
6.5 km
Cabrenç Towers
6.9 km
Église Saint-Juste-et-Sainte-Ruffine
361 m
Chapelle Sainte-Marguerite du col d'Ares
3.9 km
Tour de Mir
3.1 km
City walls of Prats-de-Mollo-la-Preste
426 m
Serralongue conjuratory
6.2 km
Vil·la Denise
1.3 km
Porte d'Espagne
465 m
Église Sainte-Marie de Serralongue
6.3 km
Torre de Cos
6 km
Église Sainte-Christine de Lamanère
7.1 km
Église Saint-Sauveur de Lamanère
6.1 km
Mare de Déu de les Neus d'Espinavell
7.5 km
Chapelle Saintes Juste et Ruffine
450 m
Ville fortifiée de Prats-de-Mollo
395 m
Château de Perella
245 m
Bocabartella
7.6 km
Puig de la Clapa
4.9 km
Puig de l'Artiga del Rei
6.8 km
Marquesat de Montferrer
7.9 km
Église Saint-Roch de La Preste
6.3 km
Église Saint-Isidore de La Preste
5.5 km
Chapelle Saint-Antoine-de-Padoue de Serralongue
6 km
Arboretum De Saint Guillem
312 m
Mont Falgas
5.3 km
Église Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption du Tech
5.1 kmVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes