Tell us where you think you are in France given the following information...
“Classed as one of its most beautiful villages, this is one of the best preserved miniatures of a medieval city in France. The castle was built in 1249 by the Templars and, for seven centuries, the village sheltered them and their heirs, the Hospitaliers, who took possession of Templar property after 1312. The church was built by the Knights of Saint John in the 14th century and, in the following century, they erected the fortified enclosure, whose towers and walls are still there today. A stroll around this intact surrounding wall of round and square towers, connected by a rampart walk, allows the visitor to imagine the medieval city as it was. Hordes of tourists invade this historic spot, but idling in the crowded streets and shops permits an authentic understanding of the excitement of the Middle Ages marketplace. Most houses are equipped with an exterior staircase leading to a balcony and access to the upstairs living quarters. On the ground floor, a vaulted roof sheltered the sheep-pen, and today this space is frequently occupied by artisans’ shops.”
The answer to the April competition was Mortagne-au-Perche. Congratulations to the three lucky winners, who will each receive a bottle of champagne. They were Anne Grand of Chorley, UK, Martin Penton of Sevenoaks, UK, and Norman and Pat Higgin of Sedgefield, South Africa.