Redoute de la Franqui, Listed historical monument and former coastal fort in Leucate, France

The redoute de la Franqui is a listed historical monument in Leucate, in the south of France, preserved as a former coastal fort. The rectangular stone building with rounded corners features narrow double-splayed openings running all around it and a semicircular platform on the sea side, sitting on a cliff edge above the water.

Built in the 17th century, the redoute watched over the Leucate coast together with two other forts that have since disappeared. It also served as an old beacon aiding navigation. It was listed as a historical monument on 3 October 1967.

The name "redoute" refers to a small defensive work, and the building also served as an old fanal, a navigation light for sailors, as its Catalan name Antic fanal Redoute de la Franqui records. It stood watch over the coast together with two other forts that have since disappeared. The structure is inscribed as a monument historique since 3 October 1967.

The site is accessible on foot and sits on the edge of a cliff with an open view of the sea. Wear sturdy shoes and take care in windy or wet conditions, as the ground near the edge can be uneven.

The redoute de la Franqui served as a fanal, a navigation light guiding ships along this stretch of the Aude coast, a role documented alongside its use as a coastal lookout. It was inscribed as a monument historique on 3 October 1967. Its curved facade is built of small rough stones below and larger rectangular ashlar blocks above, with tall narrow openings and a low-pitched roof of reddish-brown curved tiles.