Tour Philippe-le-Bel — Attraction in Nîmes

Visited at 2pm on a Thursday in mid October. Entry 4.50 euro. About 2 people there! You'll need to walk up the 124 step narrow stone spiral staircase with views out the narrow slit windows as you go. There are 3 levels - first level up there is a large room with several audiovisual booths - you can sit on a stone seat to listen in French or English. It was quite peaceful and cool there, hearing about history and construction. And one could look out the windows too. Level 2 was another large room with what looked like some stone walls with original painted designs. I didn't spend long here. Up further to the roof, one passes through an old hinged wooden door (keep it closed to stop pigeons coming in!). The top has parapets and another round tower which is inaccessible. The views are 360° - beautiful! Of the rooftops of Villeneuve-les-Avignon, the Rhône river, Palais des Papes and Pont d'Avignon. Being mid-afternoon the light was gorgeous - reflecting off the dark grey clouds and silvery Rhône of the west. You can observe life happening below on and off the river. I think the ambience of the place was heightened by being there totally alone - and thinking of what had taken place in this area over the centuries. Well worth the climb...

The tower, built around 1302 by King Philippe IV of France (Philippe le Bel), served as a strategic watchtower to monitor both the Pont Saint-Bénézet and the nearby Papal territory of Avignon. The original bridge once connected directly to this tower before partially collapsing in later centuries. Architecturally, the structure blends Gothic style with military pragmatism, reflecting its dual role as a symbol of royal authority and a defensive outpost. Today, it houses a small exhibition space inside, and from the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Rhône River, Avignon, and Villeneuve-lès-Avignon. ※ Included in the...

The king of France Philippe le Bel ordered in 1292 the construction of a fortress around the city and the abbey of Saint-André. The tower was attached to the Pont Saint-Bénézet (aka Pont d'Avignon) which was then abandoned in 1669 and the fortress ceased to have a useful function. After the French Revolution the building was abandoned and fell into ruins. In 1822, the city of Villeneuve-lès-Avignon decided to demolish the entire fortress, except for the...