Larressingle
The Vía Podiensis
Larressingle is about 5 km west of Condom on the GR65, and it's one of the most memorable stops on the entire Via Podiensis. This is the smallest fortified village in France -- 270 meters of crenellated walls connecting eight towers, enclosing a space barely 50 meters across. You enter through the single gate (once accessed by drawbridge) and it feels like stepping back 800 years.
Inside the walls: a three-story 13th-century keep, a 12th-century Romanesque church with two naves, and medieval houses built against the inner ramparts. The whole ensemble is classified among the Plus Beaux Villages de France. Outside the walls, a recreated medieval siege camp with trebuchets and catapults adds context (and entertainment for families).
The village can be walked in 10 minutes but deserves more. The keep and church interior are visitable. There's a seasonal cafe inside but no accommodation within the walls.
Larressingle was first documented in the early 11th century, when the abbots of Condom became lords of the manor. The fortifications date from the 13th century, and the castle keep was remodeled by the bishops of Condom through the 16th century. By the early 20th century the village had fallen into picturesque ruin, largely overgrown and practically uninhabited. In 1921, Edouard Mortier discovered it and organized restorations financed by American patrons from the "Boston Committee" -- an early example of transatlantic heritage preservation.
Accommodation in Larressingle.
| Gîte Accueil à la Ferme de Tollet 20€ 12 |
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| Gîte et chambre d'hôtes La Halte de Larressingle 32**€ 5 |
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