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Towers of Merle

Explore an eerie, abandoned medieval citadel.

Saint-Geniez-ô-Merle, France

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Kathryn Lloyd
A view of the 14-century towers.   nampak / Atlas Obscura User
With their imposing height and strategic location, the towers were once key to defending the area.   nampak / Atlas Obscura User
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Not far from the beautiful village of Salers lie the ruins of a medieval village hidden in a lush forest in the Dordogne Valley. From a small pull out on the twisting road, you can see the vine-draped village in the distance. Once you descend into the valley, you realize the true height of the towers, which stand guard atop a 30-meter cliff.

The Tours de Merle, so named for the blackbirds found throughout this forest, were once a part of seven impressive castles in the 1300s. During the 100 Years War and the War of Religion, the mighty towers repeatedly came under attack. Centuries later, they lie in ruins, but curious visitors can still climb the stairs to the top for an impressive panoramic view.

 

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Published

May 11, 2023

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