Villeréal

Located in the north of Lot-et-Garonne, the bastide of Villeréal was built in the 12th century under the command of Count Alfonse de Poitiers in just four years. The impressive covered hall was constructed a little later than the bastide itself, the oak pillars were soaked in the river Dropt for 4 years - which has given them great strength and beauty. The church, ‘L’eglise Notre-Dame’ was set on fire in 1572 by a group of Protestants from Bergerac who were trying to take over the bastide village. In 1881 the church was rebuilt on the foundations that had survived the fire. The church had two purposes in the first centuries of its construction, it was there for the Catholics and also as a refuge for the inhabitants of the village during the war. The bastide was occupied for 174 years by the English (1279 - 1453) at the end of the Hundred Years War.

It is thanks to King Edward 1 that we have the fantastic Saturday market, a tradition that has been honored throughout the years. Villeréal is a great tourist destination with many events and expositions being held in the village. The village is also home to Radio 4, the only radio station in the area, it occupies the first floor of the covered hall and is a great source of local information and advice. Another claim to fame for Villeréal - it is the birth place of the famous French artist Roger Bissière from the Ecole de Paris in the 1950’s.

Villeréal is a bastide that has preserved its heritage and beauty throughout the years and delights its many visitors.