Larressingle

Visit Larressingle, Midi-Pyrenees

Larressingle is a medieval fortified village towards the northern edge of the Gers department, 5 kilometres west of Condom and is listed as one of the 'most beautiful villages of France'.

A small village almost completely surrounded by heavy fortified walls dating from the 13th century Larressingle is almost 300 metres around and creates a very impressive sight on arrival. Medieval home to the bishops from Condom it is the most visited destination in the Gers.

Exploring Larressingle

The village is entered by its only gate through the fortifications, across a pretty little double-arched stone bridge that was at one time a drawbridge across the moat (now dry) and through an arch in a tower. The defenses are almost completely intact.

Within the walls of the smallest fortified town in France are a small church, Roman style and fortified in design, a small chateau (largely in ruins, and dominated by the donjon) and various smaller buildings and houses, mostly set with their backs to the fortified walls.

Note: we visited in October - many of the houses are gift / local produce shops during the summer season, and there is also a small cafe and a museum explaining the history of the village but these were all closed when we visited. Note: must return!

Although small, Larressingle is a 'must see' village if you are in the region. It really is an interesting and lovely little place and very well worth seeing.

War machines of the Middle Ages

Just outside the fortified town of Larressingle there is an 'exhibition' of medieval weaponry - essentially a recreation of a medieval siege camp at the walls of the fortified town. It was very entertaining and interesting for the children (and me) to see and use the large stone throwers, battering rams and other weaponry that would have been used to attack such a village in the 12th century.

Local highlights

Larressingle is on one of the major pilgrimage paths to Santiago de Compostella, a path that also passes through nearby Condom and Montreal-du-Gers. The stone bridge across the Osse river at nearby Artigues is one of the oldest structures along the pilgrimage route.

Fourcés and Montréal-de-Gers are also nearby and also classified as 'most beautiful villages of France'.

This region is Armagnac country, and ample opportunities exist to try armagnac and buy it in the vicinity.

Photos of Larressingle (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Larressingle: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Larressingle, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Mezin 13km; Poudenas 14km; Vic Fezensac 21km; Nerac 23km; Lectoure 25km; Barbaste 25km; Fleurance 30km; Gramont Chateau 37km; Agen 38km; Auch 40km; Casteljaloux 45km; Puymirol 47km; Auvillar 49km; Laroque-Timbaut 52km; Montjoi 56km; Maubourguet 57km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Larressingle

Larressingle tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Blaziert - ville fleurie 4* (13km) : Jardin et arboretum de Coursiana - remarkable garden (16km) : Eglise de Sainte Marie (Aubiac) - religious monument (30km) : Ordan-Larroque - ville fleurie 4* (31km) : Prieuré de Sainte Marie (Moirax) - religious monument (32km) : Palmeraie du Sarthou - remarkable garden (34km) : Eglise de Saint Martin (Layrac) - religious monument (35km) : Cathédrale Saint Caprais d'Agen (Agen) - religious monument (38km) :

French version: see Larressingle (Francais)