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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The fortified gate of Beaumont-lès-Valence, also called the clock tower by the inhabitants, is a medieval building built during the 2nd half of the 14th century. Located in the heart of the city, near the church and the town hall, it was once bordered by the Écoutay stream, whose flow was more important at the time. Its current architecture, marked by a clock tower and a campanile, is the result of many changes over the centuries. Traces of gonds and locks, still visible today, make it possible to estimate the imposing size of the old entrance door. Upstairs, a room and a side opening, vestige of probable access to a round road, recall its defensive role in local fortifications.

The door played a central role in local history: it housed the town hall during the French Revolution, testifying to its administrative importance. In 1860 its demolition was voted by the city council, but the opposition of the inhabitants led to its restoration. Classified as a Historic Monument since 16 October 1969, it is now owned by the municipality. Its tower nickname reflects its past use, while its strategic location, near municipal institutions, underscores its anchor in community life.

The preserved architectural elements, such as the traces of the closing mechanism or the supposed access to the round path, provide an overview of medieval defensive systems. The adjacent stream, now less imposing, reminded residents of the hydrological and strategic importance of the site. The door, though transformed, remains a symbol of local heritage, mixing military, civil and watchmaking functions throughout the eras.

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