Bayeux

  Founded under the name "Augustodurum" in the Gallo-Roman era, the city was surrounded by ramparts in the 3rd century to protect itself from invasions. Incorporated in 924 into the domain of the Viking chief Rollo, first Duke of Normandy, it became the most important city in Normandy after Rouen. A castle was built in 960 by the 3rd Duke of Normandy, Richard I.

During the medieval period, five towns were created outside the enclosure, reflecting the development experienced by the city at that time. Under the leadership of Bishop Hugues II, then his successor, Odon de Conteville, brother of William the Conqueror, the city was enriched with a new cathedral, dedicated in 1077.

It was not until the beginning of the 18th century that the city underwent profound changes with on the one hand the destruction of the ramparts and the castle, dismantled by order of Louis XVI from 1773, and on the other hand the construction of mansions testifying to the luxury of the time.

Bayeux was the first French city liberated following the D-Day landings on June 7, 1944. Spared by Allied bombing, it suffered little damage. During the Battle of Normandy, Bayeux served as a base for the British army.

Today, the city retains a medieval historic center and architectural treasures linked to its history. In addition to its famous Romanesque and Gothic cathedral, Bayeux is characterized by half-timbered houses, mansions with towers, large residences and elegant private mansions.

 Gerberoy is a commune located west of the Oise department in the Pays de Bray Picard, Hauts-de-France region, near Songeons. Its capital town is built on a hill, 83 km north of Paris and 51 km south-west of Amiens.

Gerberoy, one of the "Most beautiful villages in France", is located in the center of a triangle formed by Beauvais, Rouen and Amiens in the heart of Picardy. Culminating at 188 meters, the town received in 1202 the title of "city" awarded by King Philippe Auguste.

Its 17th and 18th century houses, made of wood and cob or brick and flint, make Gerberoy a unique place to walk. In spring and summer, the climbing roses on the facades transform the town into a veritable rose garden.

 City of Art and History, historic capital of Champagne, Troyes stands out today thanks to its knitwear industry with its many factory outlets dedicated to shopping. Nevertheless, in the “champagne cork”, the city center built in this form, it is imperative to walk through the pedestrian area with its beautiful, remarkably restored 16th century half-timbered houses: the Maison du Boulanger, the Tourelle de l'Orfèvre, the numerous churches, embellished with an exceptional collection of stained glass windows, including the Sainte-Madeleine church and its carved stone rood screen, one of the most beautiful in France, and the Saint-Urbain basilica, a Gothic masterpiece.

 Only 35 minutes from Lyon by the A42, discover Vieux-Pérouges and its medieval town, listed among the most beautiful villages in France.

The Porte d'en Haut, dating from the 12th century, is today the main entrance to the city. It is in the immediate vicinity of the church-fortress and its outer perimeter wall once included the walkway. Even today, you can see arrow slits in the stone.

The streets paved with pebbles and lined with stone-clad houses are the charm and fame of Pérouges, once a town of weavers. The rue des Rondes has kept its appearance of yesteryear, while the rue des Princes is, to this day, a delightful shopping street.

 The city offers a journey through time: browse the 2 vast Gallo-Roman districts and the archaeological museum, witnesses of the opulence of the ancient city of Vasio. Cross the Roman bridge that spans the Ouvèze to stroll through the medieval upper town to the foot of the feudal castle of the Counts of Toulouse. And in the plain, discover the cathedral and its cloister, which are among the finest examples of Provençal Romanesque art.

Just 6 km south of Drôme Provençale, not far from Mont-Ventoux, a visit not to be missed: Vaison-la-Romaine, the city with its 2000 years of open-air history. It was so named in 1924 because of the many Roman artefacts found there.

Lacoste is a place steeped in history and its heritage inspires many local and passing artists.

Built on a very old site and located at the foot of a limestone ledge, Lacoste has an exceptional location.

Exposed to the sun, protected from the mistral and close to an important spring with perennial waters.

The village owes its reputation in part to the exceptional quality of the soft, clear limestone extracted from its quarries and which, along with agriculture, generated an economic activity conducive to the development of the community.

Having suffered, like the rest of the region, from the calamities of the 14th century “plagues, wars and robbery”, Lacoste was repopulated from the end of the 15th century by Waldensians from the high alpine valleys. These Vaudois rallied to the reform in 1532 were the pretext for the sacking of the village during the expedition decided by the Parliament of Aix in 1545. Very quickly Lacoste will resume its activity and its economic growth with a population with a Protestant majority , whose number will grow, until the First World War, to reach 600 inhabitants.

It should be noted that Lacoste, unlike the neighboring localities, was in Provence and therefore attached to the Crown of France from 1481, while the Comtat Venaissin would only be so after the Revolution of 1789.