THE MADELOC TOWER

Rising to an altitude of 652 metres, the Madeloc tower enjoys an exceptional panoramic view overlooking the plain and coast of Roussillon. A former signal tower, it was once used to keep watch over the sea and Spain to ward off any attacks.

HIKING TOPO:

• Pedestrian access : Go as far as the Ermitage de Consolation, take the stairs, then the very steep path that rises quickly through the rocky terrain to reach the RD86 to reach the heights above the Côte Vermeille.
• Follow the ridge path
• Turn right to reach the Col de la Serre, then left towards the Batterie Taillefer, where the peak with the Tour Madeloc at its summit can be seen on the horizon.
• Descend towards the Col de Taillefer and continue along the path opposite.
• The path climbs up through the garrigue and takes you above Port-Vendres.
• After a few bends, the Tour Madeloc awaits you at an altitude of 656 metres!

You can also get there by bike and get closer by car.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY: The tower was built at an altitude of 654 metres in the 13th century. It is part of a vast network of signal towers in the Roussillon region. It controlled the coast. In the 18th century, a garrison of soldiers occupied the site. It is 30 metres high and has a circumference of 25 metres. Its walls are 2 metres thick and pierced by several loopholes. Inside, there are three storeys