Laparade, balade autour et dans la bastide

This short walk descends first into a deep valley to the north of the bastide. From the place called la Rocaille, the circuit overlooks the river, via the orientation table, the streets of the bastide and the belvedere of the public garden. The bastide of Laparade was founded in 1265 by Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of Saint Louis. It was easy to defend against possible attackers because it was situated on a plateau more than 155 m above the Lot valley. On the plateau side, to the north and west, the village was protected by ramparts and a deep moat, part of which remains today. Three gates were equipped with drawbridges and defended by a barbican. The village had a hospital and two churches: one in the village and one outside the fortifications at a place called "Touraille". A fortified castle, on the site of the public garden, dominated the valley.