The White Tower seems today a strange monument: a useless tower overlooking the old town. Yet it is a monument that is dear to the hearts of Issoldunois and historians alike. It is not common for a 12th century tower in the heart of a town to be so well preserved. From a distance la Tour Blanche is clearly visible but as you get closer, it disappears behind the roofs of the town. From the top of the tower you have a stunning view.

Watchtower or fortification.

The men stationed at the tower’s summit could monitor any approaching armies from a great distance. The White Tower was the centrepiece of imposing fortress. The interior was defended by thick ramparts, twelve towers and deep moats. It was an independent quarter which wielded political and religious power. In the 17th century it was still separate from the rest of the town, as can be seen on the model on the top floor of the Tower. It was accessible from the belfry by drawbridge.

A singular architecture

The White Tower is not round. It is a unique example of a "tear drop" shaped tower. The diameter is 14 meters without and 18 meters with its spur, which points eastwards towards Bourges. Its walls are 3.40 metres thick and up to six metres thick in the spur, which now contains two spiral staircases (the second was constructed in 2000 to allow public visits). The tower is 28 metres high, further emphasised by the fact that it is built on an artificial mound called a "medieval clod."

Ground floor

The opening through which one enters the monument today was cut through the wall in 1811. This high dark circular room, divided into two levels, housed the reserves of food, wood and weapons. It was accessed through a trapdoor from the level above. It was encased halfway by the feudal clod.

First floor

The octagonal ceremonial hall is decorated with a pointed, ribbed ogive vault supported by eight columns. Fragments of an ochre decoration can still be seen on the dummy joints of the vaulted ceiling. Such architectural flair for what is a military building, emphasises its symbolic and political importance. The monumental chimney, the stores and the well, drilled through the wall, made it easier to survive a long siege. There were two entrances from the parapet walkway to the hall. 

Second floor

Also octagonal in shape, it was originally divided into two floors. The first floor was the stately apartment, where the governor of the tower lived. The top floor, also circular, served as a guard room. At the time of Philippe Auguste, the garrison of Issoudun is estimated at 135 infantrymen, archers and horsemen.

Terrace

The terrace’s current appearance dates from the early 19th century restoration of the building. The glass roof was installed in 2000, as well as the large circular staircase and the model that show the city as it was in the 17th century. In the 13th century, the keeps were crowned with a hourdage; A wooden gallery which was decorated with corbelling, allowing an overhanging so would be attackers could be pelted with boiling oil and other projectiles. From the outside, you can see the putlog holes that would have held the structure’s wooden supports.

Visit

Giovanna Piraina’s design offers the visitor a sensitive, historical approach to this monument that has miraculously survived eight centuries of history.
The additional elements (mirrors, lighting, soundscapes) highlight the tower’s sobriety and elegance.

On the ground floor, a video projected onto the stone wall tells the story of Blanche de Castile and her time.

 Blue

Blue lines showcase the tower's interior architecture. In the Middle Ages, under the influence of Blanche de Castile, blue became a fashionable colour. Her son Louis made it the official colour of the Kingdom of France.

 Architecture

Look up to see the beautiful octagonal vaults in the ceremonial hall.

 Guards Room

Here, take a moment to listen…

 Panorama

And from the top of the tower, the view is breath-taking.