Tours de Merle, Medieval fortress in Saint-Geniez-ô-Merle, France.
Seven defensive towers rise on a rocky promontory surrounded by the Maronne River, creating a medieval stronghold spanning 10 hectares.
Between the 12th and 15th centuries, different noble families built separate towers within the fortress, establishing a shared defensive settlement.
The fortress represents a rare example of medieval co-lordship, where multiple noble families maintained individual towers within the same fortified complex.
The site opens from Easter to All Saints Day, offering guided tours, educational treasure hunts, and informative booklets about each tower.
The fortress contained a village of thirty thatched houses and supported over 100 inhabitants in 1350, including craftsmen, woodcutters, and priests.
Location: Saint-Geniez-ô-Merle
Accessibility: Wheelchair inaccessible
Address: Les Tours de Merle, 19220 Saint-Geniez-ô-Merle, France 19220 Saint-Geniez-ô-Merle
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:30-18:00
Phone: +33555282231
Website: http://toursdemerle.fr
GPS coordinates: 45.06417,2.07472
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:40
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