Latour-de-France is a commune in the Pyrénées-Orientalesdepartment in southern France. Latour de France is situated by the original frontier between France and Catalonia and is rich in history. Its military significance ended with the Treaty of the Pyrenees peace between Louis XIV of France and Philip IV of Spain that ended the Franco-Spanish War of 1648–59 but is still evinced in street names such as place de l’hôpital and place d’Armes. This little village of approximately 1,000 inhabitants boasts its own Appellation Contrôlée associated with the forward-looking cave co-operative, a garage, pharmacy, post office, primary school, bakers, two restaurant / bars, a small grocery store and a blacksmith. There are two tennis courts, a skate park, a charming children's playground, and several locations used by petanque enthusiasts. At its perimeter, there is a mix of ancient and modern while the old central village is a labyrinth of narrow streets. While the Mairie has assiduously maintained and developed its many hidden small squares, the village has managed to remain unspoilt and authentic. Thirty years ago, in common with many villages, there were a fair number of derelict properties. These have virtually disappeared having been renovated for the most part by local families. Latour de France is now home to a growing number of foreign residents including families from Belgium, Britain, Germany and Norway. Those who are there have always found a real welcome and look on it as a little piece of heaven. There are many well-mapped walking and biking trails through the vineyards with points of interest such as derelict chapels, mines, etc. – all surrounded by scenic views of the mountains. The village is twinned with Port Erin in the Isle of Man.
Latour-de-France is called La Tor de França in Catalan and La Tor de Trinhac or La Tor de Fenolledes in Occitan. The first known name is Turris Triniago in 1020. The name Tor de Fenolledés appears in 1423. This name will remain until the 18th century. La Tour de France appears in 1750 and is the name used today.
Population
Sites of interest
The village is dominated by a castle which has its origins in the 11th century, but most of the present structure is from the 16th and 17th centuries. It stands at the highest point of the village, perched on a hill overlooking three valleys.
