Bell tower of Saint Médard church in Banassac. Banassac is a village bordering La Canourgue. A major center of influence in the Gabale region during the Gallo-Roman era, it became the second most important town in Lozère, after Javols, during the first three centuries AD. Its prosperity was linked to its ceramics and sigillated pottery workshops.
Horses at Brouillet -Banassac
Saint Saturnin de Tartaronne and its 14th-century castle at the foot of the Causse de Sauveterre.
Ruin of Château de Montferrand in the commune of Banassac, overlooking the Lot Valley.Banassac
and the Gallo-Roman era
Located in the heart of the Lot Valley, the village of Banassac was a major center of influence in the Gabale region during the Gallo-Roman era. During the first three centuries AD, it even became the second most important town in Lozère (formerly Gévaudan), behind Javols. Its prosperity was linked to its ceramics and sigillated pottery workshops. It later became an important center for Merovingian coin production. From the 7th century onwards, its influence was eclipsed by that of the growing village of La Canourgue and its monastery, but the village has survived to the present day. Now known as “Banassac-Canilhac”, since it was recently attached to the neighboring commune of Canilhac, the village is still alive and kicking, thanks to its inhabitants, schools, associations and shops. It has also managed to preserve the traces of its past, with heritage treasures for all ages: the Saint-Médard church, the Gallo-Roman heritage museum in the town hall, the commander’s house… And nearby: the Château de Saint-Saturnin, the Château de Montferrand…
