Tour du Masque, France

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- Sep 19, 2023, 1:33pm
- ☀️ 82 °F
- Altitude: 85 ft
- France Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Cannes Musée de la Castre 43.55015, 7.01140943°33’1” N 7°0’41” E
Day 6
Tour du Masque
September 19, 2023 in France ⋅ ☀️ 82 °F
Tour du Masque (Mask Tower)

The Man in the Iron Mask was a prisoner during King Louis XIV region. He was confined to various French prisons--including the infamous Bastille. The man wore a black velvet mask covering his face, and his identity has never been discovered.

It is unknown when the man was born. He was arrested around 1670 and died in 1703.

The Man in the Iron Mask found sanctuary in this XIIth century "Mask Tower" for the last years of his life. The story was made famous by writers Alexandre Dumas and Voltaire. In Voltaire's retelling, the man wore an iron mask. Historical records show that the man wore a velvet mask, but Voltaire's version has proved popular.Read more
Traveler Dumas also had his guy wear an iron mask. In his version, the Man in the Iron Mask was the identical twin brother of Louis XIV, and he was imprisoned to keep the succession from being questioned (I think). Did Voltaire and Dumas live at the same time? How did it happen that they both thought it was an IRON mask instead of a velvet one? How great to visit the prison where he was kept (whoever he was)
9/20/23Reply
Traveler Nope. About 1.5 Centurie apart. Voltaire corresponds with Catherine The Great while Dumas Pere catches demise of Napoleon, Crimea War and our ACW.
9/20/23Reply
Traveler I don't rightly know for sure but in the context of this thread it's possible that Dumas "borrowed" from Voltaire. We didn't really visit this place because we didn't get inside, but just wait until you see what tomorrow brings!
9/20/23Reply
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