Massane Tower

Massane Tower is a medieval watchtower built from stone, standing at 753 meters (2,470 feet) elevation in the Albères mountains with views extending toward the Mediterranean coast and the Pyrenees range. The structure has a round shape and thick walls constructed to withstand mountain weather and exposure.

The tower was built in the 13th century by the Kingdom of Majorca as a lookout post to protect coastal settlements using smoke signals and later cannon fire. It formed part of a larger defensive network that guarded the region's borders and trade routes.

The tower sits within a region shaped by the need to watch over trade routes and coastal lands, with its placement reflecting how people organized their defense of this border area. Walkers often notice the intentional layout of the structure, which shows how medieval communities prioritized visibility and communication across the peaks.

The route starts from the Château de Valmy parking area and follows mountain paths that require sturdy footwear and a steady step. There is no road to the tower, so expect uneven terrain and steep sections along the way.

The tower sits near ancient dolmens and dry-stone shelters that reveal how residents lived and built on this mountainside over many centuries. These older structures show that the location held importance for people long before the medieval tower was erected.

Location: Argelès-sur-Mer

Elevation above the sea: 753 m

Address: 66700 Argelès-sur-Mer, France

GPS coordinates: 42.49810,3.02590

Latest update: December 26, 2025 17:48