Tour randonne, Medieval chapel in Nyons, France

Tour Randonne is a stone chapel set in the hills surrounding Nyons, with thick walls and architectural features typical of southern France. The structure displays a clear division between sacred spaces and fortified areas designed for defense.

The tower's origin is dated to around 1280, when Dame Randonne de Montabon is said to have built a castle here as a military prison; only a defensive tower with 2 m thick walls survives. In 1633 the prison was dismantled when Nyons opened up and its fortifications were destroyed under Louis XIII. In 1862 the priest Francou bought the tower and had the neo-Gothic upper structure built, inaugurated on 3 May 1863.

The name Randonne comes from Dame Randonne de Montabon, to whom the 1280 origin of the tower is attributed. The chapel is dedicated to Notre-Dame de Bon-Secours, after the cure Francou recovered from a grave illness in 1854 and had the neo-Gothic upper structure built. The wooden altar inside, gilded and late 17th century, holds the Virgin statue blessed on 15 August 1864.

The chapel is accessible via marked trails from downtown Nyons, and the paths are generally walkable for most visitors. Morning visits are recommended to benefit from sunlight and experience the site in quieter conditions.

The tower's lower defensive walls are 2 m thick, and the neo-Gothic upper structure was designed by architect Adrien Boisson. Its three tiers carry statues of four saints, four holy women and angels, a scheme meant to show prayer rising from earth to the Virgin. The 3.50 m statue at the top was blessed on 15 August 1864.