© La Reole
La Réole
A town close to the border of the department of the Gironde
This hilly town used to be the second largest in the region during medieval times, and it's home to the oldest town hall in France dating back to the 12th century.
Situated on the banks of the river Garonne, this small town is full of narrow hilly streets with some amazing examples of medieval architecture.
Its Eglise de Saint-Pierre is an impressively preserved Benedictine abbey located in the cobbled centre of town. The suspension bridge crossing the Garonne river was designed by Gustave Eiffel, prior to him shooting to fame for the design of Paris' most iconic structure.
Le Réole also has an interesting, if odd, museum of 'to scale' matchstick models.
History & Culture in La Reole
A town that grew up around the monastery which was founded there in the 7th or 8th century. It flourished during medieval times and was then the regions second largest city after Bordeaux. It carried favour with royalty and was as such granted a certain amount of freedom to self-govern by Richard the Lionheart. It was he who ordered the building of the town hall, which is now France's oldest building of its kind.
La Réole continued to be an important town into the 17th century when the parliament of Bordeaux was exiled there on two separate occasions, in 1678 and again in 1690.
The Benedictine monastery was built in the 18th century and is still in use today as the municipal offices. Perhaps one of the most impressive structures in the town.
Sights & Attractions in La Reole
The main thing to see in La Réole is the Benedictine Abbey. Although it is no longer in use as cloisters, it is however accessible to the public and now houses the administrative services of the area.
Events in La Reole
If you happen to be visiting La Réole in early July then you will be lucky enough to catch the night Farmers Market - a wonderful and festive occasion that really brings the town to life.
Things to do in La Reole
The impressive suspension bridge that spans the river Garonne is the work of renowned engineer Gustave Eiffel...although this was done long before he reached fame for the creation of the Eiffel Tower in Paris! Taking a walk across the river gives a stunning view of the town so it is worth the trip over.
