Sarrazine Tower

This tower was built between the 12th and 13th centuries, but its name (derived from 'Saracen') refers solely to its typical, solid, square construction. 19m tall, it was originally three storeys high and movement between floors was via ladders or steep staircases.The thick walls provided a passive form of defence, and the roof was added later. The tower was probably used as a residence as well as a strategic observation post over the surrounding villages and valleys. The ground floor was most likely used for storing provisions (this level was partially filled in when the Bonrieu stream broke its banks) and the second floor by nobility. The upper levels were private quarters.An ostentatious symbol of the local lords' power, the tower was surrounded by a series of buildings of unknown size and nature. Open from mid July until the end of August, from 15:00 until 19:00, except on Saturdays.