bastide

bastide (fortified medieval town)

noun bas-TEED Rare

Origin: Occitan 'bastida' (built place)

Also means

country house (Provence)

Usage Note

Bastide has two distinct regional meanings: in southwest France (bastides du Sud-Ouest) it refers to the planned medieval fortified towns built in a grid pattern; in Provence, it means a large country house or manor. The word reflects the rich architectural and linguistic heritage of southern France.

Examples

"La bastide médiévale attire de nombreux touristes."

Natural Translation

The medieval bastide attracts many tourists.

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