Beffroi de Millau, Medieval tower in Millau, France
The Beffroi de Millau is a siege tower with a square base that transitions into an octagonal upper section, rising prominently above the roofline. The structure displays a blend of medieval and later modifications that connect different construction periods together.
The tower was built in the 12th century as a symbol of Aragonese royal authority and later converted into a prison holding local offenders. Its transformation from a fortification into an administrative building marked important shifts in how the city governed itself.
The tower served as the center of city governance for centuries, and its architecture shows how authority shifted from distant rulers to local officials. Walking around it today, you notice how different building phases reflect the changing role the structure played in community life.
The interior is accessible via a staircase leading to an upper viewing area where you can see out over the city and surrounding valley. Access is available during warmer months, so check beforehand to find out when the entrance is open for visits.
Originally the tower had a pointed spire extending much higher, but it was destroyed by lightning and never rebuilt to its original height. This missing spire shapes how the tower looks today and serves as a reminder of how nature can alter even solid structures.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
