Blizzard belltowers

Caught in a violent storm, peddlers, farmers or the local abbot might hesitate over which track to take in the fog. Perhaps they missed a turning. Then they would hear the tolling of the invisible but reassuring bell, signalling the right way. The Serviès belltower is unique in having a shelter, which kept the bell ringer dry and comforted the passer-by. These small belltowers were also used to ring the Angelus bell in the morning and evening. It was also said that, as well as saving lost travellers, their sound waves kept hail away. The bishop of Mende prohibited this practice which, he declared, had more to do with superstition than observation. (B. Mathieu)