Fort de Buoux, France
We took a trip to Fort de Buoux, which is this amazing fortress that during its heyday was almost impenetrable. This large complex is set into the side on the Luberon Mountains and by it’s layout created a extreme stronghold over several hundred years. The area has been occupied sense medium Paleolithic times by people taking shelter in small caves. Many different groups occupied this area including the Celts, the Albigensians, and the Waldensians. During the high Middle Ages the fortress really started being built. The people living during that time would stay mostly in the mountain valley but before an upcoming invasion they would move up the mountain and into the fortress. This stronghold had many strategic advantages. One being there was only one way up the mountain, which made it very difficult for people to attack. They built the fortress on a cliff-like part of the mountain so there are very large drops on either side of where you walk up. Another advantage is the rough terrain. It was extremely hard for people trying to attack to scale the rocks and steep inclines. Lastly one great advantage to this complex is their ability to store food and water. They were able to stay up in the mountain for weeks at a time.
Finally, in 1660 Louis XIV dismantled the fortress subsequently because it became a refuge for Huguenots. This was mostly accomplished because of the invention of canons. This enabled them to destroy the walls with out climbing up the mountainside.
This was an amazing site to see. They climb up the mountain was fairly challenging and I couldn’t even imagine doing it with in full armor during the Middle Ages. The drops off the side of the cliff were pretty scary. The French have a completely different idea of safety then the United States. The few hundred foot drops were not blocked by gates and you could walk up to the edge and look over. I guess they just give their people the benefit of the doubt that they aren’t idiots unlike in America where anything that could possibly cause a lawsuit is blocked off with hundreds of warnings. The view from the top of the cliff was amazing as well. You could see for miles. It’s a shame that this amazing fortress was destroyed.
Here’s some photos from the trip.
The path leading up to the fort.
The view just shy of half way up the mountain.
The hike.
Sara The start of the fort.
Climbing and climbling.
The few hundred foot drop with no guard rail.
The view from the top.
The view from behind the fort.
The secret and very steep escape stairs in the back of the fort.
Great photos!
