Barran

Barran is a commune in the French department of Gers, in the Midi -Pyrénées 15 km from Auch, the administrative headquarters of the department, removed.

Geography

The village with 704 inhabitants (as of 1 January 2011) is situated on the bank of the Baise along the old national road 15 kilometers south-west of Auch.

History

Barran was founded as Bastide end of the 13th century. His unusual twisted steeple makes known the village in the area. In the Middle Ages the town was home to a small Jewish community.

Population Development

Before the massive exodus to the cities in the 20th century Barran had about 2000 inhabitants. After the population had meanwhile fallen to less than 700 and it is now 704 (as of 1 January 2011).

Infrastructure

Public facilities for basic services such as post office, school, a doctor, and a grocery store, such as a restaurant and sports facilities can be found in the village.

Attractions

• The Church of the Collegiate Collegiate Church Saint -Jean -Baptiste dates back to the 12th century, was in 1569 but rebuilt.

• Castle of Mazères. This served the Archbishops of Auch as a summer residence. During the First World War, a military hospital for wounded soldiers was set up in the castle.

• Bridge over the River Baise Mazères. It was built in the 16th century.