BASTIDES
Bastides are fortified towns built in medieval France starting around 1229, the date of the first recorded bastide. All bastides have a grid layout and a central market square with a covered weighing and measuring area. Bastides began to appear as feudalism began to wane in medieval France , and were an attempt by landowners to generate revenues from taxes on trade rather than tithes (taxes on production). Farmers who elected to move their families to bastides were no longer vassals of the local lord -- they became free men.

A few Bastides close to this Chambre d'hôte are:  Libourne,  Blazimont,  Sauveterre de Guyenne,  Cadillac,  Monsegur,  Levignac,  St Foy le Grande.

More information on:      http://bastidess.free.fr/interest.htm

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Email:   kevin@wilkinsons-chambre-dhote.com