The French tower near Borisov.

Two hundred years ago, there was a view of the Berezina River from here, and French observers monitored the movement of troops. Today, this place equally attracts lovers of history, scenic panoramas and extreme motorsport. The French tower is one of those points on the map of Belarus where the past and present are intertwined in a tight knot.

The hill rises on the high right bank of the Berezina. The road here is not the easiest, but this is what adds to the charm of the place - you can drive up both in a regular car in dry weather and in an SUV if you want to immediately experience the spirit of off-road driving. From the top there is a breathtaking view of the river, the Brilyovskoye field, the surrounding villages and endless forests. On a clear day, the view reaches several kilometers, which is why military observers once chose this place.

The most amazing thing is that, contrary to the name, no tower has ever existed here. Locals called the "French Tower" the natural hill itself, which was used by Napoleon's army as a key observation post during the Patriotic War of 1812.

November 1812 was a turning point for the Great Army. Retreating from Russia, the French approached Berezina, and it was here that one of the most dramatic crossings in military history took place. The camp of Napoleon's troops was located on this hill before crossing the river. The advantageous strategic position made it possible to control the entire surrounding territory - every maneuver of the enemy was in full view.

From the height of the French tower, the emperor and his marshals watched as sappers built bridges, as the army tried to maintain order in conditions of chaos, as Platov's Cossack detachments and Chichagov's regular units tightened the ring. Orders left here, fateful decisions were made here. Today it is difficult to imagine that the quiet hill was once the epicenter of a military drama, where the fate of not only the army, but also the whole of Europe was decided.

Interestingly, local peasants remembered the presence of the French for a long time - buttons, bullets, and fragments of weapons were found in the surrounding villages. Over time, the memory became overgrown with legends, and the hill remained a "French tower" - without a tower, but with a powerful historical aura.

Two centuries later, the place gained a completely new fame. Due to the difficult terrain, the former military training ground near the French Tower has become one of the most popular venues in Belarus for jeep trial and Eurotrial competitions.

What attracts athletes? Steep ascents, sharp descents, natural obstacles in the form of pits, washouts and rocky areas. The track here is a real challenge, a test of strength for both experienced crews and beginners. In dry weather, the terrain seems difficult, but after the rain it turns into a real test for technique and nerves.

Competitions are held here every year, bringing together dozens of participants from all over the country. Reaching the top of the hill is already an achievement, and descending the steep slope to the Berezina requires skill and precise calculation. The audience is placed at the very top, enjoying both the panorama and the spectacular races. The noise of engines, screeching tires, applause - this is how the French Tower lives today.

The French tower is a universal place. For some, this is a historical memorial, reminiscent of great events. For others, there is an observation deck with some of the best views of the Berezina. For the third, it is a training ground for extreme driving.

Here are some reasons to visit this place.:

· History. You are standing where Napoleon stood. You are looking at the same shores that saw the retreating Great Army. It's a rare feeling of connection with the past.

· Panoramas. The birch tree below winds through forests and fields. It is especially beautiful here in autumn, when the foliage turns gold and crimson, and in spring, at high water.

· Photography. Unique bird's-eye shots (without a drone, just from a hill), portraits against the sunset, dynamic competition shots - the scope for creativity is huge.

· Extreme. Even if you are not a participant in the competition, you can try your hand at simple areas or just look at the skills of others.

Practical advice:

· The best time to visit is from May to October. The roads are dry, and access is available for most cars (although it's better to have four-wheel drive in the rain).

· Be sure to bring water and snacks with you - the nearest shops are only in the village of Bolshoe Stakhovo.

· Do not forget about repellents - the riverbank and the forest area are rich in mosquitoes during the warmer months.

· If you are coming to the competition, check the calendar of events in advance - many events are announced in the jeep trial communities.

· Respect nature: the hill is a natural landmark, there is no civilized infrastructure here, so take the garbage with you.

The French tower is not just a point on the map. This is a place where history comes to life, where nature has created the perfect amphitheater for the events of all time, and people continue to write a new chapter. You can come here for the sake of silence and contemplation, or for the sake of adrenaline and speed. Both are real here.

It's worth it to turn off the highway, overcome a couple of kilometers of dirt roads and climb to the top. To breathe in the wind from the Berezina, to feel the scale and understand that the story does not end - it simply passes into another dimension.