Le Circuit de Bastides Albigeoises
carte du circuit des Bastides albigeoises
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In the 12 century a spirit of democracy began and the Counts of Toulouse created New Towns- Fortified towns and Bastides. The bastides were built in a grid pattern with a central square surrounded by a covered arcade.
In the middle was the town hall dedicated to commerce and public affaires.
Many of these bastides and medieval villages such as Lisle sur Tarn, Castelnau de Montmiral, Puycelsi , Bruniquel, Penne, Cordes sur Ciel, and Salvagnac have kept their historic buildings intact and they will enchant you.
Puycelsi
Puycelsi

Castelnau de Montmiral
Castelnau de Montmiral

bruniquel
bruniquel

Salvagnac
Salvagnac

penne
Penne

Lisle sur Tarn - situated on the river, was a flourishing port connected with the wine trade and this was the basis for the creation of this Bastide. It was possibly here that the first 'charter' for a New Town was signed.
Castelnau de Montmiral - created in 1222 is one of the first bastides. Medieval houses and narrow alleyways surround the magnificent central square. Wonderful buildings to discover.
Bruniquel - was a thriving old commercial centre trading particularly in Saffron. Worth seeing are the chateau with its 12 century dungeons, the church and the wonderful views.
Puycelsi - a fortified medieval village built on a rock outcrop that dominates the valley of the river Vère. There are two towers and fortified gates contained within the ramparts.
Cordes sur Ciel - always very popular with visitors. Here you can discover all the wonders of a fabulous town created in 1222 and notably the stone sculptures on the facades of the buildings - a true open air museum.
Salvagnac -, a very old town - first mentioned historically in 1220 with the creation of a Benedictine Monastery initiated by Raimond VI Compte de Toulouse. A Barony until the revolution, this fortified town was sieged during the wars of religion. From 1838 to 1950 Salvagnac was an important site for markets and fairs.
Penne -surrounding the remains of its chateau, Penne is like an eagle's nest perched on a rocky outcrop that dominates the Aveyron valley. The village has kept its medieval appearance almost intact.
VILLAGES TO DISCOVER ON THE “CIRCUIT DES BASTIDES ALBIGEOISES”: Larroque, Les Cabannes, Villeneuve-sur-Vère, Noailles et Cestrayols.
Not to be missed on the circuit are: Vaour- site of a siege during the crusades by a knight of the order of the temple, and also not far from the dolmen de Peyro Lebado;; Milars, with its ancient foundations and chateau, (illuminated at night in summer); Castelnau de Lévis- has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The Romans built a river port here.; Labastide de Lévis is a 12 century bastide which still has traces of its original town planning.
château de Castelnau de levis
Castelnau de levis

Forêt de Grésigne
Forêt de Grésigne

Base de loisirs Vère-Grésigne
Base de loisirs Vère-Grésigne
Discover also on this circuit –The Grésigne forest – more than 3000 ha, it is one of the most beautiful oak woodlands in the south of France (signposted walks); The forest of Sivens - forest information centre and signposted walks; The leisure lakes of Vère-Grésigne and Aiguelèze with swimming, mini golf and tennis; The Gorges de l’Aveyron-take a look at these green gorges and follow the course of the river Aveyron - wonderful to look, at these gorges have been inhabited since prehistoric times..