The “gâches”
Cité épiscopale d’Albi
The “gâches” or watch towers were placed at the gates of Albi.
The etymology of the word “agachar,” which means to watch or to spy, indicates the original purpose of these towers: surveillance, as well the maintenance of the gates and the “gâchils” (from the same root and meaning minor watch posts).
Each was represented by a consul who was responsible for the administration of the city and the repartition of taxes.
The “gâches” are administrative divisions. At Saint-Salvi a tower was raised in which a watchman could lookout from the “gachôle.”
"Albi, biographie de ma ville", Jean Roques
