11 March 2021 | Tourism
The Fort de Salses in Pyrénées-Orientales
Discover the Fort de Salses, its rich history, its districts, its ramparts and its dungeon, located near the Etangs de Salses and the Corbières. Red brick fortress, it is a masterpiece of military architecture, built to guard the Franco-Spanish border.
Salses-le-Château was originally built in 1007. The castle was destroyed in 1496.
At the end of the 15th century, the Spanish architect Francisco Ramiro Lopez built the Fort de Salses.
The Fort de Salses consists of three areas. The residential quarters, the ramparts and the keep. It is surrounded by a 20 meter moat, its imposing stone structures measuring 110 x 84 meters were meant to deter attackers.
In 1503-1639, and in 1640 the site was besieged and captured. In 1503, the fortress survived a fire. In 1639, it was captured by the French, then recaptured by the Spaniards in 1640. In 1682, Louis XIV transformed the fort into a prison. In 1886, its status as a classified historical monument saved the fort from destruction.
Follow the guide
Follow the guide and listen to anecdotes and explanations to learn more about the history of this famous fortress.
A place rich in history
Do you come together with your family ? Choose a rally tour, a circuit specially adapted for children so that they can make the most of the fortress! Many workshops are also organized throughout the year, the opportunity to come and test your knowledge of aromatic plants and herbs or even participate in the creation of games of yesteryear! For astronomy enthusiasts or simply for those who want to live an original experience, know that the place opens its doors at night on certain summer evenings.
A strategic location
Located between the pond of Salses-Leucate and the Corbières, it has a strategic location due to its limit with the Spanish border.
A one-of-a-kind fortress
Salses is unique in its kind with its advanced defenses, its thick walls, its baffles, its rooms, counter-mine galleries, it is a real transitional architecture between the medieval castle and the bastioned fort. It was conquered by the French in 1642. It was able to resist modern artillery and receive in time of war a garrison of 1,500 men. Admire the remarkable viewpoints offered by Salses - More information on the Fort de Sales website.
