Tour des Anglais, Medieval fortified tower in Saugues, France.
The Tour des Anglais stands at the center of Saugues, built from black lava stone with defensive features like machicolations and arrow slits across its walls. The structure rises about 42 feet (13 meters) and offers views of the surrounding landscape from its summit.
The tower was built in the 13th century and became a strategic focal point during the Hundred Years War when English forces launched a surprise attack on Saugues in 1362. This event reinforced the site's importance as a fortification.
The tower hosts rotating exhibitions of paintings, photographs, and artworks that document regional traditions and daily life across different periods. These collections help visitors understand how people in this area lived through various eras.
The tower is accessible from mid-June through September 15th, with extended hours during July and August. Wear sturdy shoes, as the interior staircase is narrow and steep.
The tower's construction from black lava stone is a rare architectural feature in the region. The material comes from local geological formations that give the structure its distinctive dark appearance.
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