Bastide de Cadillac

This town is an example of a bastide or fortified town. Its central square surrounded by arcades, the well-defined city plan and fortified walls and gateways. Cadillac's history does not end here, however, the town was the fief of one of the most powerful figures of the 17th century, le Duc d'Epernon. A favorite of King Henry III, Epernon was the admiral of France and chief governor of Guyenne under Henry IV and Louis XIII. He built himself a chateau that rivaled some of the royal dwellings of the time.