TOWER, MARKET HALL AND CENTRAL SQUARE OF REVEL

The town of Revel was founded by the French King Philippe VI in 1342. This bastide is organized around a central square where the streets organized in checkerboards converge. This square with its polychrome galleries of brick, wood and stone is a real showcase for a splendid medieval market.

About

The 14th century market is one of the largest in France. The market is 39 m eahc side and is supported by 79 oak pillars. It is at the heart of the life of the people of Revel, especially on Saturday mornings when one of the 100 most beautiful markets in France takes place.

The Revel Belfry/tower, in neo-classical style, dates from 1834. He is the one who rings the bell for the whole town. The country guard and town crier lived there until 1965. The previous half-timbered, brick tower was reported to have burnt down in 1829. It had several functions, including that of a prison.

The two interlocking buildings are the subject of a major restoration campaign scheduled to run from late 2024 to early 2026. Climbing up the belfry will no longer be possible.
The roof will be re-roofed, tired beams replaced, pillars reinforced, the bell tower restored to make up for the weakness of certain stones, the dome re-capped with fish-scale slates, the clocks repositioned to their original height, and the terrace cladding removed to reveal the terracotta floor tiles it conceals. The terrace door will be returned to its original position. The interior of the tower will also be refurbished to provide the best possible conditions for welcoming the public after the works. In the meantime, the Tourist Office will be moved to the Musée du Bois et de la Marqueterie.