This U-shaped artillery tower with its elongated sides was designed to control the north-western corner of the enclosure and the road to Paris running along its foot. With its huge embrasures and walls up to seven metres thick, its interior layout follows the slope of the land. The two rooms with their powerful vaults are linked by a monumental staircase and support a vast artillery terrace.
The exterior facings, decorated with bosses and gargoyles, enhance the relief and aesthetic impact of the tower.
Taking advantage of the work involved in constructing such a building, the Town Hall obtained the digging of a public well, initially with a curbstone.
Naturally defended by steep slopes, this part of the enclosure did not require such an overabundance of resources. A particularly skilful, impressive and oversized composition, this work showcases the military vocation of Langres in the early 16th century.
A little background information:
On 1 August 1589, a royal army corps (700 cavalry and 1,000 infantry) clashed with a League army of over 7,000 men. After a violent skirmish lasting an hour and a half, and despite their numerical superiority, the Ligueurs had to retreat and give up hope of besieging the town, which had remained loyal to the king.
During plague epidemics, the sick were usually taken out of the town: many found refuge in Brevoines, in a place called Saint-Sauveur, in makeshift huts that were burnt down after they died.
Tour du Petit Sault ou du Marché
