Força Réal, Mountain summit near Montner, France
Força Réal is a mountain summit near Montner that rises to about 507 meters, standing above the landscape of the Roussillon region. The peak offers views across the surrounding plains and toward the Mediterranean on clear days.
After the Treaty of Corbeil in 1258, a fortress was built on this summit to protect the northern border of the region. This structure worked together with Château de Salses and Opoul as part of a defensive system.
The name comes from Catalan language and means Royal Castle, reflecting historical ties between French and Catalan-speaking regions. Visitors can still see this linguistic connection today in the place names of surrounding villages.
You can reach the summit by car or follow a hiking trail that takes about four hours and includes informational panels about local nature. The best time to visit is during good weather when views extend farthest.
The summit still holds the remains of a medieval signal tower that once served as a beacon for ships approaching the ports of Roussillon. This old navigation aid shows how important the location was for maritime communication in the region.
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