The Languedoc is one of the richest and most productive agricultural regions in France. Not only is it a major wine-producing region rivaling even Bordeaux in terms of output, but sunflowers, rapeseed, sorghum, broad beans and wheat predominate.
Pictured above is a young wheat field next to the Carrefour supermarché in Bram, a circulade village nearby with the Montagne Noire in the background.
With changing borders right until the 20th century, over the centuries France experienced a good deal of conflict. Cities and villages protected themselves with fortifications. They were as extravagant as La Cité in nearby Carcassonne in all its magnificence and the largest remaining medieval castle in Europe, to bastides and circulades.
By definition, a bastide is simply a walled city usually rectangular with a central square. Mirepoix, famous for its Monday market, is a good example.
Circulades, on the other hand, are villages constructed in concentric circles. While not a complete deterrent to enemies, they made attacks more difficult. Bastides and circulades are characteristic for this region and Bram is a prime example.
These protections were not just for battle. They also protected citizens from wild animals. Boar are a rather vicious species peculiar to this area. People still take care to avoid them in nature.
Soon the wheat will be harvested, flour made and bakers all over France will put it use. We’re looking at future baguettes.