The Madeloc Tower "without difficulty"

de fr

This hike, which is short but includes some steep sections, is undoubtedly the easiest and quickest way to climb to the Madeloc Tower, where you can enjoy a superb panorama.

Details

n°2844804
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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 3.73 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 1h 40 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate
  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 212 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 208 m
  • ▲
    Highest point: 653 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 452 m
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Photos

Panorama on the way up to the Madeloc Tower
View of the valley and beaches of Collioure
view from Coll du Gascon
view of the Banyuls vineyards

Description of the walk

Departure from Les Casernes de Gauche, at a fork between the D86 road and an old small road now closed to traffic, at a sort of pass. A hiking post indicates the altitude (454 m) and the direction of the Madeloc Tower. Park along the D86, taking care not to obstruct traffic.

No markings

(S/E) Head south-east and take the small road closed to traffic uphill. Pass an old military building from the late19th century and reach an old battery at a hairpin bend.

Yellow markings

(1) Continue on the tarmac road. The slope becomes steeper and the road winds around a few bends. Climb steeply up to the ridge and reach the Madeloc Tower (extensive views).

(2) Pass the tower, descend slightly and follow a rocky path towards a prominent antenna. Arrive at the antenna and a platform offering another viewpoint.

(3) Return via the same route to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 452 m - Signpost 454m - Les casernes de gauche
  2. 1 : km 0.48 - alt. 493 m - Batterie 500
  3. 2 : km 1.66 - alt. 653 m - Madeloc (670m)
  4. 3 : km 1.87 - alt. 644 m - Platform - Antenna
  5. S/E : km 3.73 - alt. 452 m - Signpost 454m - Les casernes de gauche

Notes

Up to the Madeloc Tower (2), the hike follows an old tarmac road where good trainers are sufficient. The rocky section between the tower and the platform (3) may require hiking boots.

No water sources were found along the route.

Hike completed by the author on 30 December 2019.

Worth a visit

The Madeloc Tower (Torre de Madaloc in Catalan), a former watchtower built in the 13th century, is the destination of this hike. It offers a sweeping view of the vineyards and the sea, including the ports (from north to south) of Argelès, Collioure, Port-Vendres and Banyuls.

The platform (3) provides a more bird's-eye view of Collioure. The route offers beautiful views of the mountains on the east side. Several military remains fromthe 19th century mark the route.

Reviews and comments

4.9 / 5
Based on 11 reviews
Reliability of the description
4.8 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.9 / 5
Route interest
4.8 / 5
JWWJ
JWWJ
• Edited:

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 22, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We really enjoyed this fairly quick and easy hike up to the Madeloc tower, which offers superb views of Argelès-sur-Mer, Collioure and Port-Vendres, as well as the mountain landscapes on the opposite side, with a beautiful sunset visible to the west behind the peaks silhouetted artistically against the sky in a contrast of dark colours. Admiring the eastern end of the Pyrenees from the Albères massif is a wonderful way to start your holiday!
-For asthmatics like me, be sure to bring a few puffs of Ventolin so you don't put yourself in danger on the steep slopes leading to the pass. Take the opportunity to take a few breaks to admire the coast and the coastal plain along this climb!
-As other comments have pointed out, there is no shade or water along this walk.
-At the start of the hike, parking is limited to about fifteen cars, so choose the day and time of your visit carefully, or choose another starting point (there are other hiking routes to this tower).

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User 26349122

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jul 03, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

MAGNIFICENT HIKE, with exceptional views of the coast, vineyards and Pyrenees. Fairly easy and quick climb on a paved path, with sunshine and wind... The access road by car is quite narrow and steep with very limited parking, so I recommend choosing a quiet time to visit to ensure you find a space...

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Vejapi
Vejapi

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Very easy hike with breathtaking views and some remains of the old batteries.

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Vivi77
Vivi77

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A magnificent hike with breathtaking views all along the way, and even more to enjoy on the way back down.

The start is quite steep, so you need good footwear.

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nimesULM
nimesULM

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 26, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

There are superb views throughout this easy hike (some people do it by bike).
However, avoid periods of intense heat as there is little shade along the route.

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MileneCD
MileneCD

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Aug 21, 2023
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We really enjoyed this short climb on a nearly paved road to the Madeloc Tower. The starting point is clear and the view is incredible.
Be sure to bring a light jumper. When the wind blows, it gets chilly!

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Minipitbull
Minipitbull

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 17, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A superb short hike, suitable for dogs in October (not too young and/or excitable, as some areas overlook drops or very steep slopes) with breathtaking views! Very quiet at this time of year. Accessible to beginners, but you still need to be in good physical condition and have good hiking boots.

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P. Lorm
P. Lorm

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 03, 2022
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

superb hike. It's even better to start from the Col des Gascons car park.
Superb views of the coast, the sea and the Banyuls hinterland

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Patrick P14.
Patrick P14.

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 17, 2021
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Very busy route : Yes

a superb hike that is best started from the Col des Gascons, where there is a car park. This adds 100 metres of elevation and 10 minutes to the hike

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damice767982
damice767982

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 28, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Easy route: the path is paved. However, the climb to the tower is steep, but the view is splendid, with magnificent views of the Côte Vermeille and the Têt valley.

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pasperdus69
pasperdus69

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 21, 2020
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A very interesting route with almost constant sea views, the first part being a little steep among the rocks.

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