Tour del Far, Medieval tower in Tautavel, France
Tour del Far is a stone tower standing on a ridge in southern France that separates the Verdouble valley from the Roussillon plain. The structure sits at about 500 meters elevation and commands views across both landscapes from its position.
The tower first appears in written records in 1341 when a feudal lord and his family lived there, and a weapons inventory was recorded in 1374. These entries show the fortress served as a lived-in residence and defensive position for a long period.
The name combines Torre meaning tower and Far from Latin Pharus for light, reflecting its role as a signal tower in the medieval communication network. The structure was part of a system of lookout posts that watched over the valleys and plains below.
To reach the tower, visitors follow a marked hiking trail from Tautavel village that takes about an hour and a half to complete. The terrain is steep in sections, so sturdy footwear and plenty of water are recommended for the walk.
The structure featured an iron cage used for signaling purposes that was repaired in 1430 to keep it functional. This detail shows how resourceful medieval communication methods were for sending messages across large distances.
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