Situated on a hill surrounded by marshland, la Tour de Bridiers dates from the late 12th Century. The fortified seat of the Viscount of Bridiers since the 13th Century, the site was unoccupied and abandoned for almost two centuries (the 15th and 16th centuries) and then underwent numerous degradations. Classified as a historic monument since 1968, the first round of consolidation work was undertaken in 1982 and were followed by excavations.
Today the site comprises three pentagonal corner towers and a large circular tower of 20m to 30m in height. The tower houses a partially covered cellar and three floors the last of which, open to the sky (a glass floor was built in 2007), offers exceptional views. The upper parts of the keep (frame and cover) were rebuilt, vaulted and decorated with four gargoyles in 1655. The dungeon is lit by two basement windows and is covered with earth, is fitted with a 14m deep pit . The first level is lit through two windows equipped with crosses and deep doorways decorated with coussièges. A fireplace decorated with mouldings occupies the eastern part of the room. To its right is a door leading to the old latrines. The ceiling is formed by a sexpartite arched vault. The 2nd and 3rd floors have the same layout as the first floor. The 2nd floor is covered with a ceiling and the third with a vault.
In the yard of the excavation work has uncovered a stable and ovens. These furnaces are used annually during festivities.
Since 2006, La Fresque Historique de Bridiers tells the story of the site, from prehistory to 1945. Performed by over 400 participants and using a great sound and light show, it has become an essential item on the summer calendar in the Limousin and takes place over the first weekend of August each year.
Annual opening times of the tower:
- June: All 15:00 to 19:00 weekends
- July / August: 7 days 7 from 15:00 to 19:00
- September: All 15:00 to 19:00 weekends
- Exceptional closing: July 30 (inclusive) to 12 August 2015 (inclusive)
Admission to the Tour: Single price of € 1.50
The medieval garden
The medieval garden is located at the foot of the tower. Covering an area of 1000m², it consists of two separate spaces with a medieval herbalist garden and a conventional garden. Each plant variety is accompanied by a slate displaying related information.