This tower stands at the junction between the city walls and those of the Sous-Murs suburb. Built - or extensively modified - during the 1470s, it protected the Henri-IV gateway, which provided a link between the town and the suburb. Unlike the contemporary Saint-Ferjeux tower, its design does not appear to have benefited from any technical input from outside Langres. As a result, its fire openings were clumsily executed and its range was limited. Originally, a roof covered with flat stones - laves - protected its terrace.
A little background information:
Originally, these structures were adorned with meticulous iconography, clearly referencing the coat of arms of the king, the town, the bishop or the governor of the province.
The Virot Tower was no exception: in November 1481, 193 gold leaves and half an ounce (around 15 grams) of fine azure powder were purchased to decorate the escutcheons of the king and the city as well as the two banners placed on this work. These specific supplies were ordered from Jehan Thibault, "prêtre chappellin en l'église de Langres", who carried out the decoration work himself.
With the exception of a few major works (Tour de Navarre, Tour Saint-Ferjeux), and in the absence of an official name, most of the towers had several names.
The present-day Virot Tower was called: Tour Neuve de Sous-Murs, Tour de Baudricourt and Tour de la Dizaine.
Tour Virot
