From here we traveled through some very different countryside, with cropping and vineyards complementing each other. The region is also renowned for its sunflowers, for seeds and oil.
Each of the villages we called in on today are what are described as bastide villages. In the 13th century much of this part of France was in the hands of the English king. The Hundred Years War saw much fighting by the kings of England and France, which inflicted great devastation across the land and villages of Aquitaine. We therefore see the villages being fortified in areas around Catholic Churches and bastides - fortified towns.
Over 300 of these towns were designed and built in this era.
The first village we stopped in was Fourcès, a well preserved, beautifully presented, quaint, small, circular, medieval village. Fourcès is a typical medieval bastide, a little village where the houses are built in such a way as to allow a proper defence of the population.
An aerial view of Fourcès, a bastide village.
The circular nature of the village suits this purpose ideally. Today it has retained its authentic look and draws many visitors to the area. There are many delightful galleries showcasing regional crafts and artworks all mostly situated around the central village green.
Out rim of house surrounded by a moat.
We left Fourćes for Montréal, another bastide village. We were given the run-around with sign posts not leading to where they said they were going- that sounds a little French, but there you are!
Montréal, another bastide village, perched on the top of the hill - providing a good defensive structure for the times in which it was built. Montréal was a stopping off point for medieval, and those of today, who were on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage. Signs at the church indicated a resting point for weary walkers. One such lady was sitting, having lunch and writing a diary as we walked by - and, with a big heavy pack!
The alleyway leading to the Santiago de Compostela walk - a long way to go too!
Features of the village reflect the constant state of mind of those living in the times of constant war. The EU is not such a bad alternative afterall!!
The outer wall of the village reflects the defensive nature of the community.
From here we were led a merry dance by TomTom taking us a very obscure pathway to the fortified village of Larressingle - but we got there in the end. 
Internal area of the castle - heavy defensive walls.
Some interesting art work around the shops inside the walled castle.
Here we had a wander around for a short time - seen enough bastides for one day - before driving on to Condom - no not a typo! We decided not to stop for long here - the day was getting too warm and the aire de camping had no shade!
Condom, though, has some interesting history. The 18th century saw the prosperity of the village rise due to being the centre of the Armagnac trade, France’s oldest brandy.
We drove onto Fleurance for our overnight stop. And, what a lovely place, right next to the river and with plenty of trees around providing shade.
And one more sunflower photo!
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