Marvejols

Marvejols (Occitan: Maruèjols), is a commune in the Lozère department in southern France.

Its inhabitants are known as Marvejolais.

Geography

The commune is located in the Massif central. The Colagne flows southward through the middle of the commune and crosses the town.

History

A medieval city exemplifying the Occitan culture, Marvejols was strengthened during the Hundred Years War against the English.

Following the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, the town walls were reinforced to protect the Huguenot population during the French Wars of Religion, Protestant Capt. Matthieu Merle based himself at Marvejols during his conquest of the Gévaudan.

But, having sided with the then Protestant Henri of Navarre, the future King Henry IV of France, the town was besieged and burned to the ground by the Catholics. Henry had it rebuilt in 1601 in recognition of the town's support for him.

Population

Monuments and sights

Despite some 17th-century repairs, it still keeps its medieval charm.