"... the village is a delight and the location within it perfect." Julian, from Kent.
A small fortified hill-top village dating back to medieval times, Larressingle is officially recognised as "one of the most beautiful villages in France". The village is dominated by the fully preserved 13th century castle of Larressingle, which is said to be one of the smallest in France. Known locally as the "little Carcassonne" of the Gers, the village lies on the St. Jacques de Compostelle pilgrimage route, and is a popular site for visitors to the Gers.
Full information about the village, its castle and the preservation work being undertaken are available at "Les Amis de Larressingle" website.
Within the castle walls a museum brings to life the ways of local people during medieval times. There is an art gallery and several small shops selling local craft, tapestries, hand-made jewellery, ceramics and souvenirs. A creperie serves snacks and drinks throughout the day. To this day, families continue to live in houses set into the castle walls which creates a truly unique atmosphere.
Outside the castle walls, in the "Cité des Machines du Moyen-Age", there are daily hands-on demonstrations of medieval war machines used for attacking or defending castles such as that at Larressingle. In high season plays are performed outdoors in the gardens next door.
The "Auberge de Larressingle", overlooking the castle, provides set menus and à la carte dishes at reasonable cost.
The gîtes are located on a quiet side road within sight of the castle walls with easy access to all the amenities in the village.
At an easy 1.5km stroll, the Romanesque Pont d'Artigue - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - spans the River Osse and is still used today by pilgrims on their way to Puy and Santiago de Compostella on the route de Compostelle. But don't let the tourists know but there is an even older bridge over the Osse to the northwest of the village!
Try any of the links below for interesting newspaper articles featuring Larressingle and the surrounding areas:
Daily Press
Travel Telegraph
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
