La tour du Canourgue

Information

Archaeological excavations carried out at the Tour du Canourgue have shown that it was the keep of a château, which was probably abandoned in the late 14th or early 15th century. A whole set of buildings once backed onto the keep outside the fortifications. Their ruins are today covered by vegetation. Mediaeval castra were built for both prestige and defensive purposes. Did Le Canourgue castrum ever have to defend itself? For two centuries, scholars have evoked the existence of a network of “signalling towers” designed to keep locals safe. Was that Le Canourgue's purpose?

Practical Advice

Steep path with sections that are slippery when wet. Be sure to hold children by the hand. Going all the way around the tower is dangerous. After Marker 10, it is advisable to retrace your steps to reach Marker 11. Horse-riding or mountain-biking are not allowed on or adapted to discovery trails.