Multi-Levels of Roussillon and Bell Tower

This photo demonstrates perfectly the levels of the mountain-top villages of Provence.  Here in Roussillon, you can see three levels of the town.  The church is always at the highest point.  In this photo, the bell tower is topped with a wrought-iron belfry which is very Provencal.  It is almost like a bird cage for the bell.

Wrought Iron Belfry and Clock Tower

(click for larger image)

This wrought iron belfry is very Provencal in design.  This particular one is on the active church in the village of Eygalieres.  In days gone by, villagers lived their lives according to the clock tower and church bells, and here, like in many villages, the two instrument to mark the times of the day are combined in one.

The Bell

This bell is like a door bell. However it is made to be heard across the courtyard. You ring it outside the walls and the occupants open the gate to the courtyard.

Ochre Village Bell Tower

Roussillon is the ochre village. There are large deposits of ochre and most of the town is coloured in ochre. This is the bell tower of Roussillon as seen from a lower tier of the village.