How modern French people live in the Languedoc in medieval tower houses

What is the lot of medieval castles? Some have become ruins perched on proud cliffs. Others have been restored - more or less authentically - and turned into hotels. From the castle of Count Foix in Tarascon, stones were taken to make such a white clock tower from them.

But it should be borne in mind that in medieval Languedoc (in the south of modern France), as well as in Italy, castles were owned not only by counts and viscounts. All eminent people considered it necessary for themselves to acquire, if not a donjon (square or round in terms of a tall structure with loopholes), then at least a tower. If you look at the engravings of medieval cities, it is easy to see that formidable fortifications rise inside the walls. It is clear that such a tower did not have a defensive function, especially in the face of a formidable enemy. Rather, she was a symbol of noble birth.

Looking at the small turrets hanging over the steep bank of the Ariege in Tarascon, you wonder - how could a Noble family huddle there, numbering, by the way, 8-12 children? History does not answer this question.

However, you can look, albeit because of the low fence, into these towers today. We will pass along the street, which runs at the edge of the cliff. The towers are still in private ownership. Of course, the concept of comfortable housing has changed over the centuries. And looking through the hedge, you can see a garden and a quite comfortable house, into which a medieval tower is embedded, like a jewel in a brick setting.

Some of these buildings serve as staircases - naturally spiral - between floors. Others have become verandas with observation decks offering stunning mountain views.

And the third - alas, the master's outbuildings.

Of course, keeping medieval buildings alive is not easy and costly. But I am more impressed by such a street with the walls of houses chipped by time than in the panel houses that are visible below, on the other bank of the Ariege. And you?

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