UPDATED APRIL 2026

Tour del Far (Tour de Far) Walk

This is a steep but rewarding walk above Cases-de-Pène, taking 2–4 hours depending on pace and picnic stops. Good walking boots are essential.

The route is well marked with yellow PR markers, but it is exposed, rocky, and steep in places. If you have a fear of heights, parts of this walk may feel uncomfortable.

The reward? Outstanding 360° views, fragrant hillsides of wild herbs, and a real sense of history.

🌿 What makes this walk special

The landscape is classic Mediterranean garrigue—low, aromatic scrub filled with wild thyme, rosemary and lavender. In April and May, the hillsides are covered in flowers, but the walk is beautiful year-round.

On clear days — especially after the Tramontane wind — visibility can stretch from the Mediterranean Sea to the Pyrenees.

🧭 Getting started 

The walk begins on the D59 near Cases-de-Pène.

Drive through the village and continue out toward the area of EcoZonia (a wildlife park). Parking is available in designated roadside areas nearby (check signage) The old Ferme Auberge Bernard is no longer operating, but the building remains near the EcoZonia entrance

From here, look for yellow waymarks to pick up the trail.

🚶‍♂️ The walk

The ascent

Follow the yellow markers uphill. The path starts gradually and becomes increasingly steep and stony. After a while, you’ll reach a yellow signpost for “Tour de Far” (approx. 1h30).

Turn left and continue climbing. After about 30 minutes, you’ll see a yellow cross.
Turn right (watch carefully for markers)

From here, it’s a sustained climb—steep in places. If you lose the yellow markers, retrace your steps.

👉 Don’t forget to turn around occasionally—the views open up quickly behind you.

The summit – Tour del Far

Eventually, you reach the ruined tower.

The Tour del Far is a medieval watchtower, likely built between the 12th and 14th centuries. It once formed part of a network of signal towers, relaying warnings across the Roussillon plain using smoke by day and fire by night.

You can climb carefully inside the tower and walk around it for different viewpoints. This is a perfect picnic spot, with spectacular 360° views.

🏰 A landscape shaped by history

These hills were once a frontier zone between France and Spain. Control of the region shifted over centuries until it became part of France after the Treaty of the Pyrenees.

Nearby, in Tautavel, lies the famous Caune de l’Arago, where remains of early humans dating back around 450,000 years were discovered—making this one of Europe’s most important prehistoric sites.

🐺 A modern twist

Near the start of the walk, EcoZonia is home to European predators such as wolves, bears, and lynx. On quiet days, you may even hear wolves howling—an echo of a wilder past when such animals roamed these hills freely.

⛰️ The descent

From the tower, walk around to find a gap in the wall and pick up the yellow markers again

The descent is very steep at first, quite rocky and can be slippery after rain

Follow the path down to a road, turn left, passing vineyards, and after a couple of hundred metres, take a signed path on the right

This leads down briefly, then slightly uphill again to a wall

Turn left at the wall, and continue downhill until you reach your original signpost.

From there, retrace your steps back to the parking area.

⚠️ Practical tips

• Start early in summer – it gets very hot

• No shade for much of the walk

• Bring plenty of water

• Strong winds (Tramontane) are common

• Paths can be slippery after rain

• Mobile signal can be unreliable

This walk combines wild landscapes, deep history, and breathtaking views. From prehistoric humans to medieval watchmen scanning the horizon, the Tour del Far has long been a place of observation—and today, it remains one of the most rewarding viewpoints in the Roussillon

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