BASTIDE DE GRENADE

Description

Built in the 13th century, Grenade is a bastide, or new town, built on a checkerboard plan with streets laid out in rows. It is made up of blocks of houses known as moulons, with the market occupying the central moulon, a stone's throw from the church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption. Granada is proud to call itself a royal bastide, because the Grandselve abbey founded the town with the French King Philippe le Bel. At the time, the King wanted to ensure his power in the region and the abbey its religious power. Both also wanted to develop the markets and fairs, and to grow the trade to generate revenue. Hence the beautiful covered market in the centre of the bastide. The town's long history can be seen in its narrow streets dotted with old half-timbered houses or cobbled and brick walls. The beautiful 17th and 18th century mansions are a reminder of the times when wealthy families settled in the town. Finally, the long avenues of chestnut and plane trees that line the town are a reminder of the old ramparts and moats that once defended the town.

Practical information

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