3-038-969 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Valley of the Loire, with the Lanterne de Rochecorbon, [France], 1871. View of the Loire Valley, '...about five miles from Tours, with the ancient beacon-tower of feudal times, called the Lanterne de la Roche Corbon, which commands an extensive and agreeable prospect. This singular old tower, in shape resembling a modern factory chimney, stands about 50 ft. high, and is built on the verge of a limestone cliff, in the face of which are excavated some of the dwellings of the villagers of La Roche Corbon. They are snug and comfortable, faced with walls having doors and windows, prettily festooned with vines, and provided with neat little front gardens. A large castle formerly stood here, but only a few fragments, besides the tower, with the underground dungeons and passages, remain to show what it was. The point of view is from La Roche Corbon, on the right or north bank of the Loire, looking in a south-westerly direction. The city of Tours lies down the river, to the right hand'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.