Driving a military road to Puig de la Tossa in the Pyrenees
Puig de la Tossa is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,032 m (6,666 ft) above sea level, located in the Occitanie region of France. At the top, there are the installations of old 19th-century military fortifications.
Where is Puig de la Tossa?
The peak is located west of Pic de Figuéma, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department, in the southern part of the country.
What’s at Puig de la Tossa?
Set high in the Pyrenees, a range of mountains in southwest Europe that forms a natural border between France and Spain, at the summit there are the remains of an old military fort. It is an ancient lookout and artillery position built in the mid-19th century as a complement to the Montlluís citadel. Some underground galleries, a notable ditch, and a few rooms that could have been ammunition depots can be seen. The entire site is abandoned, although it also seems that military personnel visit occasionally for camps.
How long is the road to Puig de la Tossa?
The road to the summit is totally unpaved, curvy, narrow, and steep. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended. It is closed to private vehicles. Starting at Col de la Llose, the road is 3.2 km (1.98 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 171 meters. The average percentage is 5.34%.
Pic: Christian Boisseaux