The Clock Tower in Anduze, guardian of Cevennes time

Here, every moment is a parenthesis in the heart of nature, a call to authentic discovery. Just a 6-minute drive (3.9 km) from Slow village, a stone silhouette looms over the Anduze skyline, watching over the town for centuries. It's theTour de l'Horloge in Anduze, a landmark steeped in history that patiently awaits those who take the time to observe it. From our open-air hotel in Anduzelocal history awaits you.

With its massive square ashlar base and wrought-iron cap, and an airy campanile added in the 16th century, it has set the pace for the lives of Anduziens for centuries. It's a landmark, an object of local pride and a silent witness to the turbulenthistory of the Languedoc region.

At 23 metres high, it doesn't just tell the time; it tells a story of resilience. Each stone seems to carry the memory of the town. A visit to the Anduze clock tower is a must if you want to grasp the soul of this region, understand its defensive architecture and how it has evolved over time.

What is the history of the Clock Tower?

Thehistory of Anduze's Tour de l'Horloge is closely linked to that of the Wars of Religion that shook France. Built in 1320, it was originally part of a powerful defensive system of ramparts and towers that encircled the town. At the time, Anduze was one of the country's main Protestant strongholds, sometimes nicknamed " Little Geneva " for its fervor. It played a leading role in the Huguenot resistance to royal rule.

In 1629, after a long siege and the surrender of the town to the royal troops, Cardinal de Richelieu, in a bid to pacify the town and assert the authority of the State, ordered the complete dismantling of the ramparts. Why was the tower spared from this systematic destruction? The reason was primarily practical: it housed the public clock, a service deemed useful for all inhabitants, whatever their faith. It is thanks to this civil function that this vestige of the fortifications has survived the ages.

Classified as a historic monument in 1978, it continues to watch over the city, symbolizing its tumultuous past and its ability to preserve its heritage.

• An ancient treasure on the first floor: even before you start climbing, a discovery awaits the curious. The first floor is home to a Gallo-Roman votive altar, a gift to the town that anchors the site's history in a period well before the construction of the tower itself.
• Climb into the stone: the interior staircase, secured during the 2017 renovation, leads you through the tower's three levels. On each floor, you can feel the weight of the centuries in the thickness of the walls.
• The reward at the top: once on the terrace, a 360-degree view unfolds. It's an unparalleled panorama of the red-tiled roofs of Anduze, the green ribbon of the Gardon winding below and the first undulations of the Cevennes mountains. It's the ideal place to take superb photos of Anduze's Tour de l'Horloge and its surroundings.

Are there any events at the Tour de l'Horloge?

The tower is not a static monument. It regularly comes alive to the delight of residents and visitors alike. The European Heritage Days (JEP) in September are a particular highlight. These events at the Tour de l'Horloge in Anduze are a unique opportunity to enjoy free, detailed guided tours. Enthusiasts share the history and secrets of the building, bringing the discovery even more to life.

Practical information: preparing your visit

To help you plan your visit, here's what you need to know. Remember to check with the Anduze tourist office before you leave, as the opening hours of the Tour de l'Horloge in Anduze may vary according to the season.

• Address: Plan de Brie, 30140 Anduze, France.
• Opening hours & days: Generally open in summer (July-August) and during the JEP. Often in the afternoon.
• Admission: Admission is usually free. A fee may be charged for guided tours.
• Parking: Several parking lots (paid or blue zone) are available nearby in Anduze town center.
• Accessibility: The narrow staircase makes the visit inaccessible to people with reduced mobility and strollers.