The bastide of Monfort-en-Chalosse and its fountain with 100 steps!

Let's go and discover the bastide town of Monfort-en-Chalosse. In this gently hilly region , there are several of these typical new towns, dating from the Middle Ages and with a commercial vocation. With its regular layout and its hall, it is a place to discover. Don't miss its pretty, exotic walk to its fountain among the bamboo and banana trees! Amazing!

Photos from the report: Landes Guide

The bastide of Monfort-en-Chalosse

Founded in the second half of the ^13th century, Monfort was built on an ancient castrum (a Mont-Fort fortified town!), like many new towns in Aquitaine. Walking around the bastide , you can clearly see its characteristic layout. All streets and alleys are straight and perpendicular . The church is no longer in the center of the town, to bear witness to the power of the founding Lords, while still respecting the religious power of the time. The bastide was an attractive town at the time, because it was healthy, and governed by a charter of customs, for the management of property and the administration of judicial life. Monfort-en-Chalosse is also a fortified bastide (they were not all), there were fortified gates at the entrance to the town. And arenas of course, to celebrate the Landes race.

Enjoy the pretty view from the heights of the bastide, over the Chalosse countryside. This is not the image we have of the Landes, is it? And yet, there are not only pines on flat land! A region of hills and bocage, Chalosse is very nice for a stay in the Landes in summer. The weather is good and the forests provide cover for walks.

The fountain of 100 steps

Branch off from Avenue Jean Jaurès towards the staircase which will take you to the pretty fountain of 100 steps. We counted them, there aren't exactly 100! You will cross a pretty bamboo forest to then arrive in a humid valley (even in the heart of summer) which is home to exotic species such as banana trees. It’s pleasant and very exotic! The women went there to fetch water and wash their clothes in the washhouse still in place. Continue the path to go up towards the parish church.

Go back to the hall which was redone in 2000, where the original hall was located. Admire its beautiful framework and its octagonal brick pillars. Every Wednesday is Market Day in Monfort-en-Chalosse ! A playground is nearby.

We wish you a good holiday in Chalosse!

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