The Sauveté of Saint-Girons

The sauveté of Saint-Girons was an area limited by 4 columns (2 remain today) around the church which dates from the 12th century. The space of the sauveté, negotiated between the religious authorities and the local lord, was intended to create a zone of exploitation and settlement. Fugitives, wanderers and the disinherited could take refuge there and remain in safety. In the department, only Bougue, Gabarret and Mimizan also seem to have housed rescues.