Tour del Far, Medieval tower in Tautavel, France
Description
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.
History
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.
Culture
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.
Practical
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.
Did you know?
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.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Tautavel).
Arago cave
3.9 km
Musée de Préhistoire de Tautavel
1.5 km
EcoZonia
2.1 km
Château de Tautavel
1.4 km
Ermitage Notre-Dame-de-Pène
4.1 km
Église de la Nativité-de-Notre-Dame de Baixas
7.2 km
Église Sainte-Marie d'Espira-de-l'Agly
6.8 km
Église Saint-Étienne-et-Saint-Vincent d'Estagel
6.3 km
Ermitage Sainte-Catherine de Baixas
7 km
Église Saint-Vincent d'Estagel
5.8 km
Estagel war memorial
6.5 km
Église Sainte-Marie de Las Fonts
7.3 km
Église Saint-Paul de Calce
5.2 km
Église Sainte-Colombe de Cases-de-Pène
3.6 km
Ancienne église Saint-Paul de Calce
5.2 km
Château de Calce
5.2 km
Château de Pène
4.1 km
Chapelle des Saintes Puelles
2.8 km
Église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption de Vingrau
4.9 km
Fortified town of Baixas
7.3 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Conseil de Vingrau
5.2 km
Église Saint-Génis de Tautavel
1.6 km
Chapelle de l'Immaculée-Conception d'Estagel
6.4 km
Pont de l'Aglí
3.6 km
Institution Notre-Dame-des-Anges de Espira-de-l'Agly
6.8 km
Ancienne église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption de Vingrau
5.1 km
Les Santes Puelles
2.8 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Montserrat d'Estagel
6.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes