Massane Tower, Medieval watchtower in Argelès-sur-Mer, France
The stone tower stands at 753 meters elevation in the Albères massif, offering views of the Mediterranean coast and the Pyrenees mountains.
Built in the 13th century by the Kingdom of Majorca, the tower served as a strategic lookout post to protect coastal populations through smoke signals and cannon fire.
The tower path reveals ancient dolmens and dry-stone shelters that reflect the architectural methods and defensive strategies of medieval builders in the region.
The round trip hike from Château de Valmy parking area covers 12.6 kilometers with a 792-meter elevation gain, requiring approximately five hours to complete.
In March 1701, scientist Cassini II used the Massane Tower as a geodesic reference point for measurements between Dunkirk and Paris.
Location: Argelès-sur-Mer
Elevation above the sea: 753 m
Address: 66700 Argelès-sur-Mer, France 66700 Argelès-sur-Mer
GPS coordinates: 42.49810,3.02590
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:45
The Eastern Pyrenees region of France features mountains, coastal areas, and historical sites. The territory extends from Pyrenean peaks to Mediterranean beaches, containing medieval fortresses, historic railways, deep gorges, thermal springs, and nature reserves. Notable elements include the 2,784-meter Canigou peak, the Yellow Train railway, coastal fortifications, and protected marine areas. The region presents archaeological sites, mineral formations, mountain lakes, and religious buildings from various periods.
Argelès-sur-Mer features Mediterranean beaches, medieval monuments, and protected natural areas. The town combines historical sites like the Tour de la Massane and the Memorial of Camps with leisure activities including water parks and coastal trails. Nearby offer cultural sites such as the Dalí Museum in Figueres and the Palais des Rois de Majorque in Perpignan, as well as nature reserves like Mas-Larrieu.
Tour Madeloc
4.1 km
Château de Valmy
3.7 km
Reserva Natural del Bosc de la Maçana
2.2 km
Ermitage Notre-Dame-de-Consolation de Collioure
3.7 km
Camping Les Criques de Porteils
5.3 km
Château d'Ultrera
4.3 km
Valbonne abbey
1.9 km
Parc Municipal de Valmy et circuit botanique
3.6 km
Fort Dugommier
5.2 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame du Château d'Ultrère
4.5 km
Beech Forest of Massane
1.7 km
Église Notre-Dame del Prat d'Argelès-sur-Mer
5.4 km
Ermitage Notre-Dame-de-Vie d'Argelès-sur-Mer
4 km
Fort carré et tour de l'Étoile
5.7 km
Chapelle Saint-Jérôme d'Argelès
4.1 km
Dolmen des Collets de Cotlliure
2.6 km
Cova de l'Alarb, Argelès-sur-Mer
4.8 km
Église de Saint-Ferréol-de-la-Pave
4.1 km
Chapelle Saint-Laurent-du-Mont d'Argelès-sur-Mer
2.6 km
Église Saint-Martin de Lavall
2.7 km
Mémorial du Camp d'Argelès-sur-Mer
5.3 km
Église Sainte-Marie de Torreneules
3.2 km
Église Sainte-Marie des Abeilles
5.4 km
Croix de cimetière de Collioure
5.5 km
Waterfly
5.4 km
Puig de Pradets
4 km
Fort Mirador de Cotlliure
4.1 km
Sentier Littoral, Cerbère - Argelès-sur-Mer
4.9 kmReviews
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