Eglise et cimetière de Vianne

Vianne: an exceptional fortified village

Lot-et-Garonne just overflows with fortified towns and villages, including Vianne, whose feminine patronym has an unusual tale to tell.

A unique fortified village

“Well, if you intend to be exceptional, you might as well go way beyond the limits.” Bernard Barret, Regional Storyteller, uses tongue-in-cheek to explain Vianne.

When Jourdain de L’Isle signed the deed of foundation for the fortified village in 1284, he paid tribute to one of his aunts who had just bequeathed her property and land to him: Vianne of Gontaut-Biron, eldest daughter of Lord of Montgaillard, whose castle still overlooks Vianne today.

Jourdain de L’Isle did not realize that this decision would brand Vianne with a seal of exception and elevate it to the top-ranking Lot-et-Garonne fortified communes, and the only one to bear a feminine patronym.

An English fortified village

Bastide de Vianne

But Vianne’s exception also came from its origin, as it was English and not French unlike its closest neighbours: the deed of foundation signed by Jourdain de l’Isle was concluded in 1284 with King Edward I of England.

To find out more:

Bernard Barret, Regional Storyteller. Tel: +33 (0)5 53 97 06 49 oru +33 (0)6 77 89 02 41.
www.raconteursdepays47.com
For groups of 8 and more; €4 per person (up to 12 people); €3 per person (if more than 12 people).

https://albret-tourisme.com

Other fortified communes nearby:

Villeneuve sur Lot

Villeneuve-sur-Lot, down by the riverside

Prefer to keep to the right bank of the Lot River when wandering around to take in the regular pattern, particular to fortified villages and towns. Stop off to admire Place Lafayette and its arcades, Pujols and Paris Towers, Cieutats Bridge, to name but a few. Villeuneuve-sur-Lot was founded through a feudal law agreement, concluded in 1264 between Alphonse, Count of Poitiers and the Benedictine Abbey of Eysses.

Damazan, the historic rival

Damazan and Lavardac are the two French fortified communes which surround Vianne the English. Damazan, founded in 1259 by Alphonse, Count of Poitiers, is characterized by its half-timbered houses and its corbelled construction. Whilst its urban planning and rigorous geometry comply with the ideals of new towns built during the Middle Ages, the square showcases brightly-coloured facades and woodwork. A must-see, the nearby canal.

RELATED
ARTICLES 

An inspirational stroll through magnificent castles in Perigord !

1hour 40 minutes from Paris and 35 minutes from Bordeaux by train, the historical town of Angoulême is these days...

When competition time is over, the stars of the oval ball welcome you to their fiefdom. Here’s my selection of the...

Discover the portrait of the fascinating, free and modern Gabrielle Chasnel, who put her talent towards the service of...

Here are some original ideas for everyone from 7 to 77! Discover some unexpected places or rediscover them from a new...

RELATED
ARTICLES 

An inspirational stroll through magnificent castles in Perigord !

1hour 40 minutes from Paris and 35 minutes from Bordeaux by train, the historical town of Angoulême is these days...

When competition time is over, the stars of the oval ball welcome you to their fiefdom. Here’s my selection of the...

Discover the portrait of the fascinating, free and modern Gabrielle Chasnel, who put her talent towards the service of...

Here are some original ideas for everyone from 7 to 77! Discover some unexpected places or rediscover them from a new...