Wandering around Larressingle SW France, the little Carcassone of the Gers department

Описание: Larressingle is a medieval fortified village towards the northern edge of the Gers department, five kilometres west of Condom, and is listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.

A small village almost completely surrounded by heavy fortified walls dating from the 13th century Larressingle is almost 300 metres around and creates a very impressive sight on arrival. Medieval home to the bishops from Condom, it is the most visited destination in the Gers.

The defences that surround Larressingle are almost completely intact except a small part to the east, and especially remarkable because there is no development outside the walls so the village has preserved its medieval appearance.

The fortified wall are surrounded by vines and fields and are at their most impressive from the outside.

The village is entered by the only gate through the fortifications, across a pretty little double-arched stone bridge that was at one time a drawbridge across the moat (now dry) and through an arch in a tower.

Within the walls of the smallest fortified town in France you can see a small church, Roman style and fortified in design; a small chateau; and various smaller buildings and houses, mostly set with their backs to the fortified walls. Although the castle is largely in ruins it is still dominated by the donjon and you can see several large fireplaces set in the walls.