Bastide de Francescas

The fortified town of Francescas is situated in the hilly area between the Baïse and the Grand Auvignon valleys. Built around a 10th century Benedictine monastery, the bastide draws its name from the houses’ tax exemption (or franchise) granted by Charles IX. It has an irregular circular shape and a simple main street instead of a town square. The town’s layout has changed over the years, but the wooden-panelled and stone houses remain, as does the house which belonged to Joan of Arc’s companion, La Hire.