Tour de Crest

The Tour de Crest is a square stone tower rising 52 meters above the Drôme valley, defined by thick walls and multiple levels connected by internal staircases. Its construction used dressed stone, giving it substantial weight and endurance.

Construction of the square tower was completed in 1394, strengthening the fortifications of the original Château de Crest. It later survived Cardinal Richelieu's order to destroy the castle, while the rest of the fortress was demolished.

The walls of the tower contain inscriptions left by prisoners held there from the 17th century until 1873. These marks and names tell the stories of people who spent years confined within its stone walls.

The tower is located on Rue de la Tour in Crest, with guided tours available throughout the year to explore its military and prison history. Visitors should note that climbing involves narrow stairs and viewing platforms are limited.

The tower is the tallest medieval keep in France and the sole survivor of the original castle after demolition orders. Visitors often miss that this structure alone withstood destruction, making it a rare testament to medieval engineering.