The Tour Barberousse is one of Gruissan’s not-to-be-missed landmarks. We recommend that you start by visiting it on your arrival in town, before taking advantage of the other attractions of this authentic village, which has so much to offer its visitors. A visit to the Tour Barberousse is a not-to-be-missed activity during your camping holiday in the Aude region, for the view, the culture and to make the most of the Gruissan landscape.
The history of the Tour Barberousse in Gruissan
This 35-metre-high castle overlooking Gruissan provided a global view of the Gruissan area, and was used to keep an eye on the coast to protect against Saracen pirates. The port of Narbonne The nearby port of Narbonne also needed to be visible to guard against intrusion and attack. Built in the 10th century, the name Barbarossa attached to the Tower is still a source of mystery, even if one suspects that there is a link with the world of pirates. The Château was enlarged by Archbishop Guillaume de Broa of Narbonne in the 12th century, and despite the success of this defensive system during the Middle Ages, Cardinal Richelieu decided to demolish the monument during the 16th century. The tower is one of the few remaining vestiges of this past, and has been listed as a historic monument since 1948.
Visit the Tour Barberousse
#during your visit to Gruissan
To enjoy the superb panoramic view from the Barbarossa Tower, you obviously need to climb the stairs. It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes and hold onto the handrail, as the stones can be slippery. The climb up the steps doesn’t take very long, and a few minutes is usually enough to reach a spot that offers some of the finest panoramic views in the Gulf of Lion. You can take your time admiring this beautiful commune with its salt marshes, the pond, the port and the sea in the distance, as well as the roofs of Gruissan‘s charming houses. Under blue skies, the view is truly magnificent, and the urge to get out your cell phone or camera to immortalize the scenery will often be felt. The Tour Barberousse is open all year round from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, with free admission. Please note that in strong winds, access may be prohibited for safety reasons.
Also to be done near Tour Barberousse in Gruissan
There are many other walks and outings to be enjoyed in Gruissan during a camping holiday in the Aude, and we’ll be sure to tell you more about them in the meantime.
In the meantime, after a visit to the Barbarossa Tower, you can :
- visit the Eglise Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, at the foot of the Château de Gruissan, a beautifully decorated building with a unique atmosphere.
- recognize the sets of Jean-Jacques Beinex’s film 37.2° le matin by visiting the Chalets district.
- stroll along the beaches and enjoy the sea air (and give in to the call of the waves when the weather’s right!).
- discover the region’s wines by visiting passionate winemakers.