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Today
Serres is a large village built in a semi-circle at the foot of rocky
outcrop. It is now Provençal, but once belonged to the Kingdom of Naples,
became part of the Dauphiné in 1298, and witnessed confrontations between
Catholics and Protestants
The
12th century Romanesque church and the remains of the towers and walls
of a 14th century fortress date from medieval times, when Serres was
a stronghold protected by defensive walls.
It's an exciting old town to discover. Take the stairway that climbs
up a steep slope, passing a square tower with a clock, the remains of
a "Guire portal" dating from 1556, and then you'll find yourself in
the main street.
Take
time to explore the sloping alleys, covered passageways and side streets.
This marvellous journey into the past will enable you to admire some
wonderful h istorical monuments such as the Lesdiguières mansion, which
once belonged to François de Bonne, a duke,
Marshal and supreme commander of the French armed forces in the 17th
century, presenting a superb blend of baroque frontage and Renaissance
windows.
As you wander down the alleys, you'll come across a little 12th century
church built in the Provençal-Romanesque style, while the most courageous
amongst you can climb right to the top of the old town, taking the Fades
footpath, to discover the delightful Bonsecours chapel, a Jewish tomb
(14th century)… and a marvellous view over of the Roman-tiled roofs
of Serres, with the lovely Buëch valley in the background !
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