The Village

La Bastide is a superb example of the Bastide villages found in South West France – its central arcaded square looks much as it must have done in 1300, and is said to have inspired King Henry IV to build the Place des Vosges in Paris. 

There is a general shop; a chemist; a craftsman cutler, shops selling armagnac; a doctor; a newsagent/tabac and a little bar which has been run by descendents of the original founders of the village for 900 years.  There is a baker too, but he will be moving sometime in 2007 to the next village.

Sometimes there are stalls in the square where local smallholders sell fruit and vegetables, armagnac, confit de canard,  or freshly-pressed nut oils.   

Between May and September there’s a creperie in the main square – and in July and August a wonderful ice-cream parlour. The main road runs around the village so it is quiet with no through traffic.  There’s also a village tennis court which you can just use.