Emerging from the vineyards, this half-buried fortress is on an imposing scale. The rose hue of its stone and the patinated red brickwork today soften its rugged profile. Built in the 15C, it is France's only example of medieval Spanish military architecture, reinforced by Vauban in 1691 to withstand artillery. Though no longer of strategic importance, the site is very pleasant, at the point where the waters of the Etang de Leucate almost wash over the Corbières vineyards.