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The Porte Saint-Jean is one of the old city gates of La Souterraine. What you see now is modest, but in the Middle Ages it was a serious entrance to the walled city. Why it's nice: This was literally the city's checkpoint. Anyone who wanted to enter was examined here. The name probably refers to a nearby chapel or hospital of Saint-Jean. You're essentially walking through a 13th-14th-century section here, without it being ostentatious. What many people miss: La Souterraine was an important stop on a side route of the pilgrimage route to Santiago. It's likely that pilgrims, traders, and soldiers passed through here centuries ago.

The Tour de Bridiers is what remains of a medieval castle from the 12th–13th centuries. What you see now is mainly the enormous round keep—and it's not subtle. What makes it cool: That tower is over 30 meters high. That's seriously impressive when you stand next to it. It stands slightly apart from the landscape, giving it an almost cinematic feel. The castle was part of a major trade route between Limoges and Berry. So this wasn't a romantic fairytale castle, but a pure display of power. In the summer, a historical evening show is held here with lights, projections, and knights. Then the ruins literally come back to life. What almost no one knows: The name "Bridiers" probably comes from "bride" (rein). The castle was intended to keep the region in check.

An eco-responsible and shared refuge for pilgrims. I spent a night there and was able to leave the bike under a shelter outside. Perfect. Nice meeting and especially a meal all together for a friendly moment along my adventure. Refuge which takes its name from the legend of the Hummingbird.

Fortunately, there is a place at this point where you can refill your drinking water.

The Saint-Jean gate is one of the emblems of La Souterraine. It was used to defend the city and was remodeled in the 15th century. We admire the two round turrets visible on the exterior facade. The door can be visited independently. To do this, simply ask for the keys at the Bar du Marché.

This castle, also called Château de la Fôt, was built in 1894 under the aegis of Viscount Paul de Curel, then owner. He called on the architects Louis Chauvet and Alfred Coulomb. Absolutely remarkable, it was transformed into a hotel in the 1980s.

It is the Bridiers Tower which makes this site famous. Dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, the site had a defensive function. It has been the subject of conservation since 1993 and excavations. These made it possible to discover the pentagonal fortress located at the foot of the tower. There is no guided tour, but access to the site is free. Climbing the tower is organized by the municipality and requires a modest payment of two euros.

In the 12th century, a tower was built on this site. But not the one you see today, it was built in the 13th and 14th centuries. What happened to the first tower? According to a written chronicle dating from 1202, it collapsed!