Le clocher de tourmente de Mas de Truc

Tourmente bell towers are particularly common in hamlets. It is a simple masonry structure supporting a bell and often surmounted by a cross. Built at the beginning of the 19th century by the inhabitants of these hamlets, the original purpose of these bell towers was to help travellers avoid getting lost and perishing if they happened to be caught in "la tourmente". This term refers to the dreadful weather that occurs at high altitudes during harsh winters, when snowfalls and gusts of violent wind combine. As soon as the storm raged, but also in foggy weather, the bells were rung, sometimes night and day, providing travellers with a sound reference point, rather like a lighthouse, so that they could find their way home.

Located in the heart of the hamlets, the tourmente bell towers set the pace of life there, and their role extended to replacing the church, which they did not have, unlike in larger villages. They are used to ring the angelus or to mark events such as births and deaths. Local belief even goes so far as to attribute protective virtues to them, such as warding off storms to neighbouring villages.

With communications having improved dramatically since the 19th century, bells are no longer rung in times of turmoil.

Throughout the year : open daily.

Free of charge.