Château d'eau du Lioran, Historical water tower near railway line in Laveissière, France.
The Château d'eau du Lioran is a water reservoir in Laveissière built to supply steam trains traveling the railway line with water for their engines. The structure combines a cylindrical stone base with wooden cladding that protects the metal storage tank inside.
Built between 1898 and 1903 on the Figeac-Arvant railway line using designs by Wilhelm Nördlinger, this structure gained official historic monument status in 1991. It was constructed when water towers were essential infrastructure along rail routes.
This structure exemplifies 19th-century railway engineering innovations and stands as the last intact water tower along this particular railway line.
The water tower is easily accessible from the village and can be viewed from the exterior. Interior ladders allow access to the top, though visitors should check the current status of access before making a visit.
The base displays opus incertum masonry, an irregular stone technique typical of late 19th-century construction methods. This handcrafted approach remains visible in the stones forming the foundation today.
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