Village de Larressingle

Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France® and the Great Sites of Occitanie, under the title "Armagnac Abbey and Cities," this smallest fortified village in France boasts a beautiful and remarkably well-preserved medieval architectural ensemble. Surrounded by a dry moat, its impressive 13th-century ramparts are topped with crenellated towers. The recently restored old drawbridge leads into the heart of this must-see village in the Gers region. There, you can discover the remains of the former castle of the abbots and later bishops of Condom (closed to the public), a fortified Romanesque church, and houses built against the rampart. Larressingle truly enters history at the beginning of the 11th century, when the abbots of Condom became the lords of the manor. The fortifications were built in the 13th century. The castle keep was remodeled by the bishops of Condom until the 16th century. Then, they abandoned it to reside at the Château de Cassaigne. The population gradually left the medieval walls to settle on the outskirts of the village. In 1921, Édouard Mortier discovered a town largely overgrown and virtually uninhabited. The founder of the Association for the Preservation of French Art undertook restorations, financed by American patrons from the Boston Committee. Throughout the year, stroll through this unique village, affectionately known as "the little Carcassonne of the Gers." Between May and September, follow the guide, who will reveal the secrets of this place's history. For families, try the treasure hunt (€3 with a reward): "Conquering the fortified city of Larressingle," available at the Tourist Offices of Condom, Larressingle, and Montréal-du-Gers. Two versions are available, depending on the children's ages.