 'Bastides'
were something of a new concept in the 13thC and
were built for strategic purposes - the need to
defend itself and the need to secure an important
trade route. They are in effect early examples
of town planning, and were built to a grid system
with roads crossing at right angles.
Bastides
were in fact established by both the King of France
and the King of England to control the surrounding
lands. The English Bastides were especially built
to keep the river open to trade. For example,
the French established Villeneuve-sur-Lot (1264),
Laparade (1261), and Aiguillon (1300). The King
of England established Granges (1281), Ste Livrade
(1289), and Nicole (1291).
At
the centre of the grid is the market square; in
most cases the square is arcaded. The rights to
a market or fair were established from early on,
and special privileges and freedoms granted to
people who moved to the new bastides - they could
fish for free, even buy their own houses and marry
their children to whom they pleased! Bastides
often have commanding views of the surrounding
countryside, a vantage point for self-defence.
You can still capture something of the atmosphere
of bustle and huddle of the medieval bastide.
Monflanquin and Villeneuve-sur-Lot are among the
loveliest bastides in the Lot Valley. Both are
in Lot-et-Garonne (where the River Lot joins the
River Garonne before going out to sea) which boasts
about 40 bastides altogether. Other bastides in
the area include Aiguillon, Montfaucon (built
by the English), Tournon d'Agenais and Labastide-Montcabrier.
There
are many who'll tell you that the only way to
truly explore a place is on foot. They are not
wrong. You'll walk along picturesque footpaths,
with the chance to linger and enjoy the spectacular
scenery of the Aveyron Gorges and Lot Valley and
the vast open spaces of the Causse, walking
15 to 20 kilometres per day. Pause to
admire the local flora, which change with the
seasons. Explore the charming bastides
and medieval villages of historic
Rouergue. Savour the local gastronomy.
You'll be staying at 2-star and 3-star hotels
(depending on your length of stay). Your luggage
will be transported for you. Najac is the starting
point for your trip; transfers between Najac railway
station and your hotel are included; so too the
rail transfer back to Najac from your final stop.
Price
(2006) ~ full-board (bed & breakfast, picnic
lunch & evening meal):
3-days/2-nights:
188€ per person (sharing double room)
6-days/5-nights:
450€ per person (sharing double room)
7-days/6-nights:
550€ per person (sharing double room)
Available:
from 01 April to 31 October 2006
Booking
reference: AYTRAND1
To
book:
Loisirs
Accueil Aveyron
Tel:
05 65 75 55 50
Email:
sla.aveyron@wanadoo.fr
Web:
www.reservation-aveyron.com
Towns and Villages: Beautiful villages | Spa towns
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