The Medieval Tower of St Laurent
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The Medieval Tower of St Laurent |
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In the mists of time, the Tower of Saint Laurent les Bains rises majestically, a monolith of stone enveloped in mysteries as dense as the forests that surround it. Its silhouette, like an unchanging sentinel, stands out against the sky, testifying to a past where history and legend intertwine.
At the heart of the Carolingian era, between the 8th and 9th centuries, the tower is said to have taken root. Its exact origin is lost in the meanders of history, but echoes of its construction still resonate through the ages. It is in the 10th century that the veil over its past is slightly lifted, when a pot filled with coins minted under Charlemagne's reign is discovered, insinuating the existence of the tower during this tumultuous time.
The lords of Saint Laurent, masters of these lands, are said to have erected this tower as a refuge against marauders and an observatory to monitor their domains. The lordly residence, nestled in the heart of the village, formed an inseparable duo with the tower, watching over the inhabitants like a precious treasure.
Rumors, carried by the wind, said that the Tower of Saint Laurent communicated with its sisters - the towers of Borne, Brison, Loubaresse, and Luc - through smoke or light signals, weaving a warning network against dangers. But the truth, revealed by the capricious terrain, belies these beliefs: the mountains and valleys did not allow for such silent dialogue.
Dominating the village at 110 meters, the tower, in its original splendor, rose to a height of 17 meters, spread over six majestic floors, plus a cellar or cistern, and stretched about 5 meters wide. Its square shape, aligned with the cardinal points, gave it the role of a giant sundial, guiding the villagers through time. The walls, with a thickness of 1.50 meters at the base, are the remnants of its past strength. A fire, whose flames licked the stone and wood, has marked its flesh, leaving indelible scars.
The rebirth of the Tower began in 1992, with emergency work that prepared the ground for a complete restoration. Between the spring of 1996 and the autumn of 1997, the Tower was carefully rehabilitated, allowing it to defy time once again and continue to watch over Saint Laurent les Bains, as it has done for centuries.
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The Legend of the Lost Tower
Once upon a time, in the days of the Carolingians, there stood a tower proudly above the village of Saint Laurent les Bains. Its construction, shrouded in mystery, was attributed to the time of Charlemagne, the great emperor who unified Europe under his banner.
The tower belonged to the noble line of the lords of Saint Laurent, valiant warriors and wise protectors. They had erected this tower not only as a refuge in case of invasion but also as an observatory to monitor the surroundings.
One night, as the moon shone brightly and silence reigned over the village, a flash of light crossed the sky. The villagers, frightened, thought it was a bad omen. But the lord of the tower, a wise and learned man, reassured them by explaining that it was a shooting star, a sign of good fortune.
Years passed, and the tower became the heart of a legend. It was said that it communicated with the other towers in the region through smoke or light signals. But one day, a fire ravaged the tower, leaving behind smoking ruins. The villagers believed that the tower had lost its power and that the legends were merely children's tales.
However, during restoration work in the 20th century, an old manuscript was discovered in the tower's cellar. It told the story of a secret communication network between the towers, using not visible signals, but sound vibrations that only the lords could hear thanks to a special device. The tower had not lost its power; it had simply kept its secrets.
Today, the Tower of Saint Laurent les Bains is restored and continues to watch over the village. Visitors come from afar to admire its structure and feel the echo of its legendary past. And sometimes, on a clear night, one can hear the whispers of the ancient lords, still sharing their stories and secrets with those who know how to listen.
This story, inspired by the rich historical past of the Tower of Saint Laurent les Bains, blends reality and fiction to bring to life a legend that could very well be part of the region's oral heritage.
Former holiday hotel with a garden along the Allier, L'Etoile Guest House is located in La Bastide-Puylaurent between Lozere, Ardeche, and the Cevennes in the mountains of Southern France. At the crossroads of GR®7, GR®70 Stevenson Path, GR®72, GR®700 Regordane Way, GR®470 Allier River springs and gorges, GRP® Cevenol, Ardechoise Mountains, Margeride. Numerous loop trails for hiking and one-day biking excursions. Ideal for a relaxing and hiking getaway.
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