Travel Guide Fleurance

The town takes its name from one of the most important capitals of medieval Europe, Florence. It was founded in the 13th century, under the impetus of local lord Géraud de Cazaubon. With the backing of the seneschal of Toulouse and royal protection, he chose the Gers plain as his new residence and named his town Florença. In 1272, under the reign of Philippe III le Hardi, the town was built according to the bastide plan that was so fashionable in Gascony at the time. A covered market marks the center of the village, from which the checkerboard streets lead off. The Hundred Years' War brought many troubles, and the town passed from one hand to the next, eventually falling into the hands of the Pope in 1350 and 1354. This did not prevent the town's economic development, and it became renowned for its serge weaving. When Gascony became part of Henri IV's royal domain, Fleurance became the administrative capital of Lomagne. Fleurance grew in economic importance despite the plague and famine epidemics that decimated its population. In the 18th century, the manufacture of tiles, writing implements and shoes ensured the town's prosperity and development. A major fire destroyed the market hall in 1833, which was rebuilt with the town hall upstairs. Today, the town is a major tourist attraction, hosting the most important astronomy festival in France in August. The well-known Cuivro-Foliz festival of bandas and wind instruments unfortunately no longer exists.