Remains of the Royal Bastide

Discover the remains of the Bastide Royale, in the heart of Villeneuve de Berg
The Bastide Royale was created in 1284 by a deed of betrothal between Philippe III le Hardi, King of France, and the Abbot of Mazan.
This established royal justice over the whole of the Bas Vivarais and built a new town with its ramparts, its corner towers, its war gate or gate of honour adorned with the coat of arms of the town, its royal house, now the town hall (under the courtroom you can visit the prisons). Ancient sundials can be seen in the streets of the village.
The Bastide Royal was created in 1284 by an act of feudal association between King Philippe III le Hardi and the Abby of Mazon. This act installed the king's jurisdiction over all of Bas Vivarais or present southern Ardèche, and created a new city with its ramparts, angled towers, and fortified gates ready for war and adorned with the emblem or blazon of the city. The former house of the king is where the Mayor's offices are located today (below the Hall of Justice you can visit the former prisons).