La tour carrée

Standing proud above the old village of Colombières-sur-Orb,the tour carrée dates back to the 11th century and is the last remnant of a previous château.Unfortunately the rock on which the tower was built has split and it is in danger of falling down so the village of some 300 inhabiatants is trying to raise the money to save it.

Of course the first step in any project is to find out whether  a grant(subvention) is available from the local mairie, the department or the state.Fortunately as this has been declared a heritage site  a large percentage of the cost will be available in the form of a grant but the villagers  will still have to find €25,000.So this summer there will no doubt be  a busy round of picnics,dances and fêtes of all kinds to raise money.

I feel strongly that those of us who are fortunate enough to enjoy the delights of living here,and there are many,should contribute to saving these wonderful heritage sites, testimony to the fascinating history of  the France that we love.Fortunately the French state encourages people to support the “patrimoine” by allowing French residents a reduction in income tax in the following year of 60% of the sum donated.Thus if you give  say €100,you will have €60 deducted from your tax,so the net cost to you is €40.Vivent  les subventions!