The Mont Bessou viewing tower is a purpose-built panoramic tower, north of the town of
Meymac in the
Corrèze department of the
Limousin (region)
Limousin (; oc, Lemosin ) is a former administrative region of southwest-central France. On 1 January 2016, it became part of the new administrative region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine. It comprised three departments: Corrèze, Creuse, and Haute-Vienn ...
of
France
Location
The tower is situated in the Forest of Mirambel, on the raised south-eastern edge of the
Plateau de Millevaches. It is set in an area of woodland belonging jointly to the department of
Corrèze and the commune of
Meymac, at an altitude of approximately 1000 metres. It overlooks and affords wide vistas across the lower area between the plateau and the
Cantal mountains. Both the town of Meymac and the more distant and larger town of
Ussel are easily visible.
History
The tower was planned on the initiative of the departmental and regional councils. The consulting architect was François Bonnin. It was opened on 17 June 2005.
Construction
The construction of the tower was deliberately planned as a bringing together of modern design and traditional local materials. It is built of
Douglas fir
The Douglas fir (''Pseudotsuga menziesii'') is an evergreen conifer species in the pine family, Pinaceae. It is native to western North America and is also known as Douglas-fir, Douglas spruce, Oregon pine, and Columbian pine. There are three va ...
, braced with steel cables, and is triangular in plan. 188 steps and six intervening landings, take the visitor to the main viewing platform, which is above the ground.
Gallery
Image:Bessou Tower 01.JPG, A general view of the tower.
Image:Bessou Tower 02.JPG, The main viewing platform.
Image:Bessou Tower 03.JPG, View towards Meymac.
Image:Millevache Plateau near Meymac.JPG, View south, over the edge of the plateau and towards the Cantal mountains.
External links
*
Meymac and the Mont Bessou, its observation tower, photos of the panorama and the surroundings
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Buildings and structures in Corrèze
Massif Central
Towers in France
Tourist attractions in Corrèze