A DESCRIPTION OF FRANCE IN ITS Several Governments TOGETHER With the most considerable Cities Sea-Ports and Rivers of that Kingdom as also the Distances with the Longitudes and Latitudes of each Place c. With many other Remarks necessary to the Knowledge of that Kingdom By J. S. Gent. Illustrated with a Map LONDON Printed for Tho. Minors in the Inner-Temple-Lane 1692. Licensed July the 18th 1692. R. M. To the Illustrious Mainard Duke of Leinster May it please your Grace THE following Treatise would not be so familiar as to presume upon so high a Patronage were not your Grace so immemediately interessed and concerned therein Neither was it without some serious Reslexion and Debate that I could resolve to make this Present to your Grace For though Dedications are lately grown so Epidemical that no Person of Quality either sooner or later can avoid the Infection yet methought your Grace was as much above the common disturbances that attend your Quality as you are exalted above the common Level of it But my Lord you are now going General of an Expedition in whose very Name encounter an admirable Policy and a certain Glory for the Service of which was principally intended this ensuing Description This it is which made me conclude I should have done a great Injustice had I put this Tract under any other Protection than yours And indeed at whose Feet can a Subject of this Nature be so fitly placed as at your Grace's You being so experienc'd a Commander and about to perform such vast important Actions My Lord it would but argue me of the meanest Impertinence to pretend here an Harangue of those Encomiums you deserve For he who acquaints the World whose Son you are has said enough to those who do not know you Your Grace being the best Panegyrick upon your self The Son of the Great the Immortal Schomberg whose stupendious Actions and invincible Courage together with his unspotted Zeal for the most rational Religion of the World at a time when the Thorns of Persecution forced him from his Estate and Dignities have rendred him even above the Turennee's the Montecuculli's and the Condees that is to say the Caesars of our Age. Go on my Lord and prosper And whilst your glorious Father's Blood inheres in you where 's the considering Man that questions Victory ordares dispute Success Methinks I hear the Men of Gaul declare amazed upon the Notice of your Landing He comes 't is Schomberg's Son why do we defer to yield We read in English History of the prodigious Actions of the Mighty Talbot whose very Name at last was of sufficient force to defeat whole Armies The Case being parallel to the great Exploits of your Renowned Father of whom your Grace is a compleat Resemblance how can it be that we should fear a Victory The Present that I make bold to send your Grace is a Geographical Description of France considered in its several Provinces the most considerable Cities and Sea Ports their Distances one from another their Longitudes and Latitudes what they are most remarkable for together with many other observable things that necessarily occur in a Treatise of this Nature But lest I prove tedious I will conclude this Epistle with assuring you that not only this Book but the Author of it are both Dedicated to your Grace's Service with hearty Prayers for the Success of your Expedition by him who in all imaginable Humility subscribes himself My Lord Your Grace's Most Obedient Servant J. S. ERRATA PAge 25. line 19. after Besanson read and Cambray p. 27. l. 15 for Boulonis r. Boulonois p. 35. l. 4. r. Vexin Normand p. 37. l. 23. before King r. the and l. 26. for Government r. Governour p. 47. l. 8. for Rhetelor r. Rhetelois p. 52. for Bree r. La Brie p. 57. l. 10. for more r. most p. 58. l. 19. r. Families p. 61. l. 10. r. Poitou p. 65. l. 11. r. Bretagne p. 66. l. 1. r. covered with Slat p. 83. l. 14. r. Charente and l. 26. after Guyenne r. is p. 90. l. 3. after Modern r. Authors p. 93. l. 2. r. advancing p. 101. l. 14. r. It should not be p. 108. l. 5. r. in one part p. 109. l. 18 after Venâ—issin r. which encircles p. 112. l. 1 r. most p. 115. l. 9. r. Roman AN INTRODUCTION TO THE Geographical Description OF FRANCE THE Romans gave the Name of Gaul to that extent of Land which is between the Alpes and the Pyrenaeans the Mediterranean-Sea the Ocean and the Rhine At present with an exception of the Low-Countries and some other Parts which do as it were depend upon the Empire of Germany it is called France from the Name of the French who made it subject to their Power Julius Caesar had finished his Conquest of it about Forty Eight Years before the Nativity of Jesus Christ insomuch that when the French had absolutely established themselves therein it had been near Five Ages under the Laws of that Empire Now without reckoning the Country which the Gauls had subdued beyond the Alps from these Mountains as far as the little River of Rubicon and which was named Cisalpine Gaul in respect of the Romans It was first divided by Augustus into Four Parts Narbonoise Gaul which they called Province because they had subdued it first and reduced it into a Province Aquitanick Gaul Gaul Celtick and Gaul Belgick To these three last they gave the Name of Gaul Cheveliie and when Gaul was absolutely spoken Celtick was understood Then by Succession of time and under divers Emperors it was divided again into Seventeen Provinces to wit Five Viennoises in which number were computed the First and Second Narbonoise Three Aquitains Five Lyonnoises comprehending the Sequanoise Four Belgick Two of which were called German because some People of Germany had long since inhabited those parts and Two Belgick properly so called Each of these Provinces had its Metropolis to wit the Five Viennoise Vienna Narbonne Aix Tarentaise and Embrun the Three Aquitains Bourges Bourdeaux and Eaulse the Five Lyonnoises Lyon Rouën Tours Sens Besancon The Two German Mentz and Cologne the Two Belgick Triers and Rheims Under these Seventeen Metropolitans there was above a Hundred Cities or Towns Heads of People in which the Church has since constituted Episcopal Sees Under these Cities there was a much greater number of other Towns which they called Oppida When the Romans conquered Gaul there was no less computed than Twelve Hundred with Walls but they pulled down the Enclosures of the greatest part or let them fall to ruin As to the Governments of these Seventeen Provinces Six of them were Consular and Eleven under Presidents commissioned by the Emperor Constantine the Great put Counts into the Cities and Dukes into some of the Frontier Towns Judiciary matters were performed according to the Roman Law but some Municipal Customs it 's probable were kept up They were not much disturbed by the Soldiery because the Legions lived with sufficient
The Soil is not generally Fertile Quality by reason of the great Number of Mountains and Forests which are to be met with in some of its Provinces The Rhône the Saone the Loire Rivers and the Allier are the most celebrated Rivers that water the extent of this Government Lyonnois is one of the most agreeable Countries of France being diversified with Plains and delicious Hills which produce very good Corn excellent Wines and great store of different Fruits particularly Chesnuts which ar◠transported all over Europe Lyons ONE of the most ancient and celebrated Cities of Gaul is a Noble City since its Situation is exceeding pleasant its Climat very Healthful its Places and Edifices most Magnificent It is at present one of the Richest and most Populous Cities of the Kingdom in Merchants Trading in several Places by means of the Loire the Saone and the Rhône There are Banks and Correspondencies for Africa Asia and all the principal states of Europe all sorts of Manufactures and Impressions of Books It was formerly a Colony of the Romans It s Mayor and Sheriffs are ennobled and transmit their Honour to their Posterity The Canons of the Cathedral Church are to be Noble in the Fourth Race and bear the Title of Earls It has an Archbishop who qualifies himself Primat of the Gauls There is also a Generality a Mint and a Presidial See It is seated on the Confluence of the Rhône and the Saone about 16 Miles from Vienne 70 from Geneva 150 from Turin 200 from Orleans and 230 from Paris Lon. 24.8 Lat. 45.24 Beaujeu UPon the Ardiere is the Capital of Beaujolois There is nothing recommendable in this City but a very antient work of Embroidery which represents the Sacrifice of a Hog a Sheep and a Bull which is to be seen over the Portal of the Principal Church The Romans called these Sacrifices Suovetauralia It stands on the Brow of a Hill about 30 Miles from Lyons and 14 from Mascon Lon. 23.50 Lat. 45.50 Mont-Brison UPon the Vezise passes for the Capital of Forez It is famous for an Admirable Piece of Clock-work about 43 Miles from Lyons Lon. 23.10 Lat. 45.14 Clermont THis City is not only the Capital o◠Lower Auvergne but of the whole Province It is renowned in History for the holding of several Councils Under King Philip the First the Voyage of the Holy Land was here resolved on Here is said to be a Fountain which has the vertue to Petrify for with the single course of its Waters which seem to be thick and bituminous it has made a Wall 200 Yards long and 4 yards high with a Bridge which they are obliged to cut down sometimes to prevent its too great encrease King Charles the Ninth had the curiosity to go and see it in his Journy to Bayonne It is an Episcopal See and stands on a little Hill about 50 Miles from Moulins 90 from Lyons and 200 from Paris Lon. 22.00 Lat. 45.28 Saint Flour is the Capital of Upper Auvergne remarkable for its Bishops See about 45 Miles from Clermont Riom Capital of the Dutchy of Auvergne holds the Second Rank after Clermont It is adorned with a Generality a Mint Presidial and other Prerogatives about 7 Miles from Clermont Moulins THis City is the Capital of the Province of Bourbonnois accompanied with a Castle considerable for its strength and building It has likewise very sine and large Suburbs where is made the best sort of Knives and Scissars which are Transported from thence It has a Generality upon which depend the Elections of Montlucon Gannat and Esvaon and some others of Nivernois and the Upper Marche The Inhabitants have the reputation of being Civil and Officious It stands nigh the Center of all France on the River Allier about 28 Miles from Nevers 96 from Lyons and 90 from Dijon Lon. 22.14 Lat. 46.16 Gueret with its Royal Jurisdictions is the Capital of the Upper Marche it stands on the River Cruse about 32 Miles from Limoges Dorat is the Capital of the Lower Marche about 26 Miles from Limoges and 47 from Poitiers 9. Of the Government of GUYENNE THis Country was antiently called the Kingdom of Aquitain ab Aquis because of the great number of Springs and Fountains of Hot Water Eleanor Inheritrix of this Province and Wife of Loüis the Young King of France having been Divorced espoused Henry King of England to whom she brought for a Dowry this Guyenne which Loüis had rendred to her This was a Firebrand that kindled between the Two Crowns a War which lasted near 300 years and finished but in 1443. The Government of Guyenne is full as spacious as Orleanois Extent since it extends it self from East to West above 240 Miles from St. John de Breüil Frontier of Languedoc to the Sea and from South to North above 225 from the Port of Albe in Cominge to Niort in Poitou It is bounded in the North by Poitou Angoumois Bounds and la Marche in the East by Auvergne and Languedoc in the South by the Pyrenaean Mountains which separate it from Spain and in the West by the Ocean The Air is generally wholesom enough Quality the Soil fertile in Corn Wine and Fruits except in the Lands towards the Coasts and the Pyrenaeans where it produces nothing but Broom and Pasturage which feed a good number of Cattel Fountains of hot Water are generally to be found here It is watered with a great Number of Rivers Rivers amongst which is remarked the Garomne the Lot the Dordonne l'Adour and the Charnte The Confluence of the Garomne and the Dordonne which is made at the Mouth of Ambez is very dangerous It is to be observed that from the Mouth of Ambez to the Sea this River is called Gironde and not Garomne as Sanson has marked in all his Maps It is divided into two principal Parts whereof one that is towards the North retains the Name of Guyenne and the other which is towards the South is called in general Gascogne Guyenne distinguisht into Eight little Countries First of all one observes observes Guyenne properly so called and Bazadois about the Garomne Agenois Quercy and Roüergue which are to be found in order upon the Lot in ascending to its Rise on the Northern side Limosin is seated to the North of the Dordonne Perigord about the same River and Xaintogne about the Charente and upon the Coasts of the Ocean Gascogne is likewise divided into several little Countries First Armagna◠is distinguished in the midst which extends it self to the Pyrenaean Mountains and is subdivided into several little Jurisdictions as the Upper and Lower Armagnac the Countries of Riviere Verdun Lomagne c. towards the North Condommois and les Landes towards the West the same Lands and the Land of Labourd on the South one meets with in order along the Pyrenaeans the lower Navarre with the Vicounty of Soul Bearn and Bigorre after which one rejoyns the upper Armagnac and towards
the Loire is the chief The Indre the Cher and Vienne swell'd with the Waters of the Creuse come to discharge themselves here between Monsoreau and Langest iâ— Touraine The Mayne after having receiv'd the Loire joyned to the Sarte beâ—low Anger 's discharges it self also above this City The Charante takes its Rise in Angoumoy which it waters with a part of its Course after having passed in a corner of Poitou Here is observed 13 or 14 Countries or principal Provinces Division whereof Four one finds on this side the Loire seated in the following order going from West to East le Maine le Perch the upper Beausse or Country of Chartres and part of Gastinois Five upon the Loire in following its Course Nivernois Orleanois or Lower Beausse Blaisois Touraine and Anjou Fore beyond the same River viz. Berry Poitou with the Country of Aunis and Angoumois which is yet more advanced towards the South Orleans SItuated upon the River Loire is the chief City of this Government It is very Beautiful of great Trade and was heretofore the Metropolis of a Kingdom that bore its Name It used to be the Residence of Strangers who were drawn hither by the Magnetick Courtesie of the Inhabitants and the Politeness of the Language they speak here which is as highly esteemed as the Castilian is in Spain the Tuscan in Italy And as the Attick Tongue was formerly in Grecce It is a Bishops See who at his first Entrance has a Priviledge to examine and pardon Offenders Five National Councils have been held here It has a Bayliwick and a very ancient presidial See but its Generality is Modern It likewise has a famous University Three memorable Sieges which it happily sustained has made it renowned in History Under the Title of a Dutchy it is the Appennage of the Second Son of France About 68 Miles from Paris Lon. 20.42 Lat. 47.44 Nevers FOrmerly called Noviodunum Aduâ—rum the Capital of Nivernois is so commodiously Situated that Julius Caesar chose it to make a Garrison of and a Magazine It shews no less Antiquity in its Churches than in its Walls and although it has no Suburbs it contains notwithstanding Eleven Parishes It has a Noble Castle Ditches full of Water and a Stone Bridge composed of 20 Arches over the River Loire which receives the Nievre in this place They have in their Neighbourhood the conveniency of the Medicinal Waters of Pougues which is a Town where several Parsons go for the Advantage of their Healths and where the most substantial Men of the Province have built stately Houses for that purpose It has a Bishop and was erected into a Duchy by Francis the First About 30 Miles from Moulins 80 form Orleans and 125 from Paris Lon. 22.2 Lat. 40.44 Tours THe City of Tours heretofore Caesarodunum pleasantly seated upon the Loire the Capital of Tourane is without contradiction one of the first of France if one considers its Situation and its Prerogatives Under the Roman Emperors it was the Metropolitan of the third Lyonoise in Celtick Gaul Its Archbishop has for Suffragans the Bishop of Anger 's that of Mans and all those of Bresagne It has a Generality a Presidial and a Mint The Silk-Trade which they drive here is very advantagious to them About 48 Miles from Poitiers 60 from Orleans and 115 from Rennes and Paris Lon. 19.18 Lat. 47.23 Anger 's THe Capital City of Anjou seated upon the Mayenne between its Mouth in the Loire and its Confluence with the Sarte joyned to the Loire It has a considerable Castle and the Houses covered with which makes it be called the Black Ciâ— It is renowned for its University aâ— the fine Procession upon Christmas-day which every Year draws many Stranâ—ers to this City It has a Bishop undâ—â— the A. of Tours a Bayliwick a Presidial and a Mint About 60 Miles frâ—â— Tours and nigh 160 from Paris Lon. 17.48 Lat. 47.27 Poitiers THe Capital of Poitou upon the River Claiâ— is one of the largest 〈◊〉 the Kingdom for it yields to none bâ— Paris in bigness It contains a great many of the Roman Antiquities 25 Parishes and is adorned with an Episcopaâ— See under the A. of Bourdeax a Generality Mint and an University famous for the Civil Law The Batteâ— of Poitiers was very unlucky to thâ— French and the English were doublâ— Victorious by the taking of King John Charles the Seventh King of France transferr'd hither the Parliament of Paris which made its Residence here for the space of 18 Years during the English Wars About 48 Miles from Tours â—5 from Rochelle 94 from Orleans Lon. â—9 00 Lat. 46.34 Man 's THe Capital City of Maine is most agreeably seated upon the Sarte â—arge ancient and very populous with the Title of a Bishoprick under the A. of Tours It is observed from this City that the English laying Siege to it in the Year 1425. first put in use the great Artillery which had not as yet been seen in France About 48 Miles from Tours 52 from Anger 's and 78 from Orleans Lon. 18.42 Lat. 48.5 Nogent-le-Rotrou passes for the Capital of Perch and yet is but a Burrough-Town but one of the finest Burroughs of all France and very rich upon the account of its Manufacture of Serge Linnen c. About 37 Miles from Mans as many from Alenson and 30 from Vendôme Chartres UPon the Eure is the Capital of â—ausse and the Country of Chartrâ— It once had its particular Kings aâ— has now the Title of a Dutchy aâ— preserves the Ruins of a Temple buâ— before the Nativity of Jesus Chriâ— 'T is said the City was built before 〈◊〉 Deluge and 't was there the Druids 〈◊〉 ciently Assembled It s Cathedral Churcâ— which is a Bishops See passes for oâ— of the Ancientests of Christendom thâ— two Bells whereof are the finest and thâ— largest in France The Bishop has moâ— Parishes in his Jurisdiction than any 〈◊〉 ther of the Kingdom About 42 Milâ— from Paris and 43 from Orleans Lon. 20.23 Lat. 46.26 Bourges THis City is the Capital of Berry Caesar speaks of it as a very ancienâ— and powerful City under the Name oâ— Avaricum Biturigum seated upon thâ— River Eure. It has seven great Gateâ— as many Suburbs 17 Parishes and a â—reat number of other Churches It is â—onoured with an Archbishoprick an University a Generality a Bayliwick â— Presidial See and a Mint It s Archâ—ishop qualifies himself Patriach and â—rimat of Aquitain but that of Bourâ—eaux disputes this Title with him It 〈◊〉 about 35 Miles from Nevers 55 from â—rleans and 80 from Tours Lon. 21.14 Lat. 40.55 Rochelle THe Country of Aunis has nothing recommendable but Rochelle which is the Capital thereof It has an Episcopal See a Presidial and a Mint A City naturally strong by reason of the Marshes But it s noble Fortifications are absolutely resed It was often besieged taken and retaken by the English and French But the most memorable Siege that ever was laid
order and besides there was hardly any but in the Adjacent Provinces Yet as the Country was agreeable and fertile and the People extreamly subject they were imposed upon by all manner of Exactions insomuch that their Abundanceâ— encreased their Misery and their Obedience heigthned their Oppression In the Year 330 when Constantine the Great divided the Charge of Prefeâ—du Pretoire into Four Gaul enjoyed one who had under him Three Vicars one in Gaul it self one in Spain and one in Great Britain The First who had this Charge was the Father of St. Ambrose bearing the same Name as his Son This Praefect usually resided in the City of Triers which for this reason was the Capital of the Gauls till having been Four times sack'd by the Barbarians the Emperor Honorius would transfer this Prerogative to the City of Arles which was at length taken off from Vienna and made up the Eighteenth Metropolis From Augustus to Galien the Peace of these Provinces was disturbed by Two Revolts that of Sacrovir and Florus in the Twenty Third Year of Jesus Christ and that of Civilis Tutor Classicus which was much more dangerous in the Year 70. After the Death of the Emperor Decius the Barbarians began to torment them by frequent Incursions For the First Hundred Years there were none but French and Germans that were concerned in them on this side the Rhine but afterwards the Misfortune was redoubled by the horrible Devastations of Vandals Bourguignons Sueves Visigoths and Huns which did not end but with the ruin of the Empire in the West As to the Original of the French the common opinion is that they are natural Germans and that France is the name of a League which in their Language signified Free or as others say Fierce Insuperable 'T is certain that the Authors of the Third and Fourth Ages by the name of German almost always mean the French As for the time in which they began to appear it was exactly Two Years after the great Defeat of the Emperor Decius in Mesia which happened in the Year 254 by the Goths and other People of Seythia The Goths had begun to make themselves known but Twelve Years before they went out of their own Country which was European Scythia between the Euxin Sea and the River Tanais to ransack the Provinces of the Empire They were divided into Ostrogoths and Visigoths that is to say according to some Eastern Goths and Western Goths After this Defeat all the Fences of the Roman Empire being ruinated on that side there broke out Torrents of all sorts of Barbarians who had not been so much as heard of till then 'T is for this reason amongst others and because the French had also much of the Behaviors and Customs of the Scythians as to use Darts to exercise Hawking c. that one is apt to conjecture that they are originally Scythians But it is not poâ—ible and it would be super uous to say of what Place because all the Scythians were Vagabonds and that in a little time they were found Two and Three Hundred Leagues distance from the Country which they inhabited a little before The First time then that there is mention made of them is in the Year 256 under the Empire of Gallus and Volusian when they passed the Râ—ine near Mentz and when Aurelian who was yet but Tribune of a Legion killed Seven Hundred of them in an Encounter and made Three Hundred Prisoners who were sold at the publick Sale From this first Irruption to the time when they conquered or besought of the Romans the Possession of some Lands in Gaul to wit in the Countries of Cologne Leige and the Neighbouring parts there passed near 180 Years which was in the Year 416. There was lodged a Party in Brabant in the time of Julian the Apostate towards the Year 358 but it is not known whether they were permitted to establish themselves there During these Two Ages they continued their Incursions with divers Successes always retiring with their Booty into Germany They possessed there the most part of those Lands which are between the Mein and the Rhine the Weser and the Ocean sometimes more sometimes less extended according as they were weak or powerful and as theâ— were pressed by other Nations particularly by the Germans towards thâ— Mein and the Saxons towards thâ— Sea These last proceeding from a Counâ—try which we now call Holstein seiseâ— upon Friesland and the Marine partâ— on this side the River Elbe then aâ— the French established themselves iâ— Gaul they succeeded in the possession of the greatest part of those which they had enjoyed beyond the Rhine The French Nation was divided into several People (a) West-Friesland Great and (b) North-Holland Little Frisons (c) Zeland Salians (d) Bishoprick of Munster Brucheri (e) Bishoprick of Osnaburg Angrivarians (f) Bishoprick of Minden Chamaves (g) Dutchy of Westphaly Sicambres and (h) Hesse Catti And it had as I suppose divers others in its Alliance and others also under its Dominion Oftentimes the Romans went to assault them in their Woods and Marshes and thought to extirpate them Two or Three times particularly Constantine the Great but they repulsed them always They had several Captains or Commanders Kings Princes Dukes or Generals who had no absolute Authority but in War Sometimes they served as Stipendaries to the Romans sometimes became their Subjects but as soon as the time was changed and that they found an occasion to pillage they supposed themselves no longer obliged to entertainâ— Treaties for which Reason the Authors of those times accuse them of Inconstancy Lying and Perfidiousness So that we at this time need not give our selves the trouble of admiring at their Treacherous Practices and unmanly Attempts since they have them from their first Original and since they seem to be carried on thereto as it were by Natural Instinct deriving their Unworthy Qualities from their Predecessors The last Day of the Year 406 the Alains and Vandals seducing along with them the Bourguignons the Sueves and several other Barbarous People passed the Rhine and made an irruption into Gaul which was the most furious and severe that had been yet seen These Barbarians having ransacked all the First Germany and the Second Belgick transferr'd themselves into Aquitain In the Year 409 some Bands of Vandals and Sueves passed from thence into Spain Two Years after the others being consternated at the March of Ataulfe King of the Visigoths who came from Haly took the same Road and followed them There remained notwithstanding some of the Alains in Dauphine and upon the Banks of the Loire who enjoyed a Succession of Kings for above Sixty Years together but in the end they underwent the Dominion of the Visigoths and Bourguignons The Vandals and Sueves seized upon la Galice the Silinges la Betique and the Alains part of Lusit ania and the Province of Carthagene Sixteen Years after the
it exceeding pleasant and the Inhabitants have the glory of making the best Compasses and most exact Quadrants of the World as also all other Instruments necessary to Astrology as well as the Sea It is about 35 Miles from Roüen and 62 from Hastings in England Lon. 20.4 Lat. 49.59 Havre de Grace HAvre de Grace is a Fortress built by Francis the First to oppose the English and to make a Haven of to serve as a Retreat for the Merchants of the Nation and a Magazine of Ships of War 'T is said that it is capable of holding 2000 Sail and more if so it must be one of the most considerable Ports in Europe It has a strong Castle and stands nigh the Mouth of the River Seine about 48 Miles from Roüen Lon. 28.44 Lat. 44.42 Bayeux BAieux the Civitas Baiocassium of Antoninus remarkable of a long time for a Bishops See One of the Bishops whereof called Odo Brother to William the Conqueror by the Mothers side was by him created Earl of Kent and afterwards upon some displeasure made Prisoner for which when reprimanded by the Pope the Clergy being then exempted from the Secular Authority he returned this Answer that he had committed the Earl of Kent not the Bishop of Baieux by which distinction he avoided the Pope's Displeasure It stands nigh the Sea about 16 Miles off Caen 45 off Coutances and 84 off Roüen Lon. 17.49 Lat. 49.28 Coutances COutances and Auranches are both memorable upon the account of their Episcopal Sees from the former the Country thereabouts hath the Name of Coutantin The latter is Situate upon a Rock with a fair prospect over the English Channel within 28 Miles of each other The Lon. of the former is 16.45 the Lat. 49.9 Evreux EVreux and Lisieux are Bishops Sees the former being the Mediolanium of Ptolomy and still a rich and flourishing Town being the Third in estimation of all this Province The First is about 27 Miles from Roüen and 58 from Paris The last about 45 from Roüen and Evreux Seez also is an Episcopal See and stands on the Fountains of the River Orne about 13 Miles from Alenson 33 off Lisieux and 64 off Roüen The Lon. of the former is 20.4 Lat. 49.2 What the Revenues of this Dukedom might amount to in former times is not easie to affirm That they were very fair and large appears by the Testimony of Philip de Comines who says that he had seen raised in Normandy 95000 l. Sterling which was a Prodigious Sum of Mony in those times Now they amount to as much as the King's Toll-Masters are pleased to exact 3. Of the Isle of FRANCE IF this Government is the least exteâ—sive of the Twelve which we haâ—â— observed in the Division of France yâ—â— it is without contradiction the most aâ—â—vantagious and charming not only uâ—â— on the account of its natural Beauâ—â— and the stately Houses of Pleasure whiâ—â— are to be met with therein but also 〈◊〉 the advantage of enjoying for the mâ—â— part the Presence of the King aâ—â— Court The Isle of France to speak wiâ—â— propriety is comprised between the Pâ—â— vers of Seine Marne Oise and Aisneâ— but there is added to in some parts 〈◊〉 the adjoyning Provinces whereof iâ— Government is composed to accompanâ— somewhat better the Metropolis of thâ— Kingdom It is 〈◊〉 the Isle of Francâ— to distinguish it from the main Contâ—nent of 〈◊〉 and is made to extenâ— 10 〈…〉 from East to West viz. fro◠〈…〉 upon the Aisne to Gisonâ— and as many from North to South from beyond Noyon to Courteny in Gâ—stinois It is bounded on the North with Picardy Bounds on the East with Champagne and la Brie on the South with Gastinois and la Beausse and on the West with Normandy The Soil is very Fruitful in excellent Corn Soil and produces a sufficient quantity of Wine and Fruits A Country generally very Delectable and so Fertile withal that the Hills are equal to the Vallies in most Places of Europe Amongst the Rivers are remarked the Seine which receives the Marne Rivers and the Oise which is encreased by the Waters of the Aisne which runs by Soissons and the Terrain which washes the Walls of Beauvais It was formerly part of the Province of Belgica Secunda and Lugdunensis quarta Division and is now divided into Four parts namely 1. The Dukedom of Valois 2. Gastinois 3. Heurepois and 4. That which is properly called the Isle of France by some the County of Paris Paris PAris in the Isle of France properly so called is the Metropolis not only of this Government but of the whole Kingdom It is in Compass about Eighâ— Miles of an Orbicular Form agreeablâ— seated on the Divisions of the Seine a Fair Large and Populous City but faâ— short of the Ostentations of the French one of whose Authors coming to mention London says that it is with as Emphasis as large as Paris the Suburâ— comprehended Whereas if the trutâ— were impartially delivered Londâ—â— would be found to exceed the other 〈◊〉 was thought in Lewis the Eleventh time time to contain 500000 People 〈◊〉 all sorts of Ages which must be considerably encreased since that Kingâ— time The Fortifications are of nâ— good assurance insomuch that when once a Parisian bragg'd that their Town was never taken by Force an English-Man replied that the reason of iâ— was because on the least Calamity iâ— used to Capitulate It has the conveniency of Boats and Barges served by the River Seine as the Thame Westward doth London It has anâ— Arch-Bishop and an University of great repute consisting of 52 Colledges whereof 40 are of little use It is aâ— Parliament City and the usual Seat of the French King when absent from Versailles It is about 170 Miles from Antwerp 208 from London 250 from Amsterdam 600 from Vienna Lon. 21.30 Lat. 48.45 Soissons THE City of Soissons is very ancient and was heretofore of great Repute It is seated upon the River Aisne in a very agreeable Plain encompassed with Fruiful Mountains Ptolomy calls it Augusta Suessonum and before him Caesar in his Commentaries speaks of Galba one of its Kings and says that in his time it was very powerful commanded Twelve Cities and could set our an Army of 50000 Men. It is easie to judge that it was the most considerable of Gaul Belgick since the Praetors made it their residing Place It is a Bishops See a Generality a Bayliwick a Presidial c. about 28 Miles from Rheims 33 off St. Quintin and 48 off Paris Lon. 22.32 Lat. 49.19 Laon. LAon is an Episcopal City the Bishop whereof is one of the Twelve Peers of France and Earl of Laon in Latin Laodunum situated upon a Mountain of difficult access about 24 Miles from Rheims 15 from Soissons and 66 from Paris Long. 22.48 Lat. 49.30 Noyon near the River Oyse Beauvais upon the Terrain and Senlis on the River Nonette are also Bishops Sees 4. Of the
Government of CHAMPAGNE THis Country was heretofore famous through the Grandeure of its ancient Earls who were Sovereign Princes and withal so powerful that they have sustained long and vigorous Wars against the Kings of France and Burgundy and so nobly esteemed of that those Kings have not disdained to seek their Alliance They bear the Title of Earl and Pear of France It s Name undoubtedly proceeds from the delightful and spacious Plains that are therein particularly about Rheims and Chaalons It extends it self above 138 Miles from West to South-East from Lagny in Brie to Bourbonnecls-Bains in Bassigny and 162 from South to North from Ravieres in Senonois to Rocroy in Rhetelo It is bounded on the North by the Duchy of Luxemburg and Haynault on the East by Lorrain on the South by Burgundy and on the West by the Isle of France The Soil is for the most part white and chalky bearing no other Corn but Rye yet it produces most excellent Wine There are but few Forests towards the South but in the Nothern part they are more frequent where also is to be found several Mines of Iron It s principal Rivers are the Seine which receives the Ionne and the Aube the Marne the Aisne and the Vesle This Government comprehends Champagne and Brie Champagne is divided into Upper and Lower The first comprises the Territories of Chaalons and Rheims Pershois Rethelois and the Principality of Sedan and Raucort with the Provostship of Donchery The other comprehends the Territory of Troyes Vallage and Bassigny together with Senonois The chief Cities are Troyes TRoyes upon the Seine is the Capital City of the whole Province It was the Habitation of the ancient Earls of Champagne whose Tombs it still preserves it doth now enclose many Jurisdictions being one of the best of the Kingdom very populous and rich upon the account of its Fairs inhabited by a great number of substantial Merchants Among other things they make here a vast Quantity of Paper It is adorned with an Episcopal See a Mint and a Presidial About 32 Miles from Sens 68 from Rheims and 80 from Paris Longitude 23.17 Latitude 48.7 Rheims AN Archbishops See who is the first Duke and Peer of France seated upon the River Vasle At this City the Kings of France are usually crowned that so they may enjoy the Unction of a sacred Oil preserved in the Cathedral Church here which they say came down from Heaven and never decreaseth the Truth of which I leave to the Reader 's Judgment to determine especially if he has read Gregory d' Tours who is so prodigal of his Miracles and yet doth not mention this The Arch-Bishop hereof has the Glory and Privilege of anointing the French Kings It is a Presidial See and an University of no small esteem wherein there is a College appointed for the Education of young English Fugitives The first Seminary for this purpose was erected at Doway in the year 1568. A second at Rome by Pope Gregory the Thirteenth a 3d. at Valladolid in Spain by King Philip II. a fourth in Lovain a Town of Brabant and a fifth here by the Dukes of Guise about 72 miles from Paris Longitude 23.18 Latitude 49.13 Sens. BEtween the Rivers Yonne and Seine stands the City of Sens Civitaâ— Senonum in Antoninus renowned for the ancient Senonois who made great Conquests in Italy and Greece The Cathedral Church has Ornaments of an immense value the Appurtenances of the Altar being of Massy Gold garnished with Pearls It has an Archbishop who styles himself Primate of the Gauls also a Bayliwick and a Presidial About 30 Miles from Troyes 28 from Auxerre 60 from Paris Long. 22.29 Lat. 48.2 Langres THe Capital of Bassigny seated very advantagiously near the River Marne and not far from the Head-Spring or Fountain of the River Seine One may see here Marks of a great Antiquity 't is very strong and has the Reputation of being never taken It s Bishop is a Duke and one of the twelve ancient Peers of France He is also a Marquis Earl and Baron It has also a Presidial See About 40 Miles from Dijon 56 from Troyes Long. 24.32 Lat. 47.44 Chaalons UPon the River Marne is famous for the great quantity of Woollen-Cloth it conveys to Paris by way of the Marne In the year 453. there was a memorable Battel fought in the Neighbouring Plains where Attila King of the Huns who qualified himself the Scourge of God was defeated by Merouee assisted by Theodoric King of the Visigoths who was slain and Aetius Lieutenant to the Emperor Valentinian the Third 180000 Men were left upon the place It is a Bishops See who is an Earl and Peer and has a Generality and Presidial About 24 Miles from Rheims 50 from Troyes Long. 23.38 Lat. 48.54 Rethel BEtween the Aisne and the Meuse lies Rethel which communicates its Name to the Dutchy of Rethelois and which is at present called Mazarin Few Cities have been so often taken as this has been in the last Wars There was an expectation in these Quarters of Seeing the Conjunction of the River Aisne with the Meuse by the means of the little River Barre and so to have the conveniences of Navigation by Rivers from Paris to Holland about 22 Miles from Rheims and 24 from Chaalons Long. 23.42 Lat. 49.29 Brie THis Province is situated between the Seine and the Marne and its Extent from East to West is about 30 or 36 Miles from North to South much the same distance It s Soil is not every where alike for near Champagne and towards Chateau-Thierry it produces tolerable Wine and towards the Isle of France as also about Meaux the Wine is much grosser There is every where good store of Corn delicious Fruits and good Pasturage The Country is very fine and very agreeable for the diversion of Hunting Meaux UPon the River Marne is the most considerable of the Cities of the Upper Brie It is very ancient honoured with a Bishoprick and a Bayliwick about 24 Miles from Paris Chateau-Thierry upon the same River bears the Title of Dutchy and passes for the Capital of the Upper Brie It is adorned with a Bayliwick and a Presidial See Provins upon the little River of Vouzie is received by some for the Metropolis of all Brie seated in the Lower and is sufficiently known for the excellent Conserve of Roses which is made there 5. Of the Government of BRETAGNE AFter that Maximus had usurped the Empire and that the Army which he commanded in England had proclaimed him Emperour Conan one of his most famous Captains who had been very assistant to him in that great undertaking soon obtained a Recompence for his Services The Emperor gave him the possession of Bretagne whereof Conan took the Quality of King in the year 300. His Successors quitted this noble Title in 878. under the Reign of Lewis le Begue King of France to take the Quality of Earls At length they were made Dukes and Peers in 1520.
to it is that of the Year 1627 where Cardinal Richlieu ordered the Erection of that famous Bank in the Sea which has served as an Admiration to the whole World The remainders of it are yet to be seen when the Sea retires It stands on thâ— Ocean where is an excellent Bay About 68 Miles from Nantes 80 froâ— Bourdeaux and 230 from Paris Lon. 17.17 Lat. 46.7 Angouleme THe Capital City of Angomois very ancient and strong both together Francis the First erected it into a Duchy for his Third Son This King was Earl of Angouleme when he came to the Crown The Bishop stiles himself Arch-Chaplain to the King and Baron de Lâ— Paine which is a Lordship within the City It has this advantage as well as Poitiers that its Mayor and Sheriffs are enobled with their Descendents by the Priviledges which King Charles the Fifth has granted to them It stands on the River Charente 65 Miles from Rochelle and 210 from Paris Lon. 18.14 Lat. 45.46 7. Of the Government of BURGUNDY THis is but the Eighth part of the Antient Kingdom of Burgundy although this alone has vulgarly retained â—he Name This Kingdom compreâ—ended Savoy Suisserland the Dutchy of Zeringhen Provence Dauphine Lyonnois the Dutchy and County of Burgundy known under the Name of Franche-County Now there is but Two Provinces that bear the Name of Burgundy both which are at present French Dominions viz. that which belonged to the Spaniard which is called Franche-County Vpper Burgundy and even Imperial Burgundy by the Germans and French Burgundy which has born the Title of Dutchy time out of Mind and is called the Royal and Lower Burgundy The Name of Burgundy proceeds from the Burgundiones Name a People of Germany who took the place of the antient Adui the sincere Friends of the Romans in this Province Some Etymologists make it come from the Town of Ougne which is to be found towards the Source of the River Tille 'T is of the Dutchy and la Bresse which is annexed to it that I design 〈◊〉 speak It s antient Dukes were formerly very powerful and able to sustain long and vigorous Wars against their Neighbours They possessed this Province for almost Six Hundred Years The last was killed before Nancy in 1477 and left no other Issue than a Daughter who was Married to Maximilian Arch-Duke of Austria who since was Emperor So Lewis the Eleventh King of France re-united this Flower to his Crown as a Masculine Fee It extends it self from East to West above 90 Miles Extent from Fontaine-Francoise towards the Franche-County to Güaine in Auxerrois and about 135 from South to North from Semeur in Briennois to Chaleau-Villain in Champagne without comprehending la Bresse which yet advances near 30 Miles more towards the South It is bounded in the North by Champagne in the East by Franche-County Bounds and Savoy in the South by Dauphine and Lyonncis and in the West by Bourbonnois and Niverneis It s Situation makes it one of the Largest most Fruitful and most Populous Province of the Kingdom The Wines are incomparable Quality and the other Conveniencies of Life are so considerable here that it is called the Mother of Corn Wines and Waters There are also many pleasant Woods and Forests where there is most excellent Hunting The delicious Medows and sine Pasture-Grounds nourish a sufficient number of Cattel Here is to be found some Mines of Iron c. The most considerable of its Rivers is the Saone the Yonne passes by Auxerre Rivers the Ain through Bresse the Seine Armenson and Arroux take their Originals from hence Dijon UPon the River Ouche Capital is the Capital of the Province 'T is a very antient City adorned with a Parliament a Generality and a Mint but it has no Bishop and depends upon that of Langres in Bassigny for the Spirituality Near this City is to be seen the Village of Fontanes where St. Bernard was Born amongst the chief Edifices oâ— Dijon they make great account of â— Holy Chappel and several Halls buiâ— in the time of the Dukes of Burgundy for the Lords of the Neighbourhood It is about 40 Miles from Autun 55 from Besanson 146 from Paris Lon. 24.5 Lat. 43.37 Autun UPon the River Arroux is an Episcopal City very antient and that of all France which has the finest Relicks of Antiquity It is also famous for the Institution of the Order of the Fleece It s Bishop presides over the States of Burgundy which are held every Three Years Near this City Julius Caesar overcame the Switzers who designed to establish themselves in Gaul about 32 Miles from Challon 50 from Nevers and 145 from Paris Lon. 23.20 Lat. 46.38 Auxerre Chalon and Mascon are considerable for their Episcopal Sees the first renowned for its excellent Wines La Bresse to which I will add the Bayliwick of Gex is bounded on the East with Savoy on the West with Lyonnois on the North with Charolois in the Dutchy of Burgundy and some part of the Franche-County and on the South with Dauphine The Country is very Fruitful and pleasant embraced between the Rivers Saone and Rhône with which 't is plentifully Watered Bourg en Bresse THE Capital of the whole Province was heretofore a Bishops See Its Cittadel was so strong a Fortress before it was demolished that it was esteemed little inferior to St. Katharines or Montmeillan in Savoy The Church of Brou is an Admirable Structure It contains the Tombs of several Dukes of Savoy it stands on the River Resouse about 34 Miles from Lyons and 48 from Geneva Lon. 24.31 Lat. 45.54 Bellay THE Capital of Bugey is a Bishops See who stiles himself Prince of the Empire and Temporal Lord of his City One of its late Bishops has been one of the most Copious Writers of France It stands on the River Rhone 18 Miles from Chambery and 40 from Lyons Lon. 25.8 Lat. 45.28 The Principality of Dombes lies within the bounds of Bresse Mademoiselle d'Orleans to whom it belongs has coined Mony in the City of Trevoux upon the Saone which is the Capital thereof 8. Of the Government of LYONNOIS BEhold the ancient Celtick Gaul or at least the greatest part whereof M. d'Vrfe has said so many Wonders in his Romance of Astraea Its Druids and the exactness wherewith they observed here the antient Religion of the Gauis has rendered it famous in these remote â—â—es One comprehends in this Government Lyonnois in particular Beaujolois Forez l'Auvergne la Marche and Bourbonnois It extends it self from East to West Extent about 210 Miles from Lyons to the extremity of La Marche even beyond the River Vienne and above 150 from South to North from the extremity of Auvergne to Neron de la Guierche towards Berry It is bounded in the North by Berry and Nivernois Bounds in the East by Bresse and Dauphine in the South by Cevennes and Rouergue and in the West by Quercy Limosin and Angoumois
the East one â—â—nds le Cominge to which may be joyned le Conserans Bourdeaux UPon the Garomne is the Capital of the Government of Guyenne a very ancient large and beautiful City wherein is made a very considerable Commerce by reason of the conveniences of its noble Port. It has all the Qualities and all the Prerogatives that may render a City remarkable It is the See of an Archbishop who qualifies himself Primate of Aquitaine it has a Parliament a Gonerality a Mint an University and Admiralty It is one of the most noted Empories of all the Kingdom and used to be very much frequented by the Dutch and English for Gascoign Wines About 84 Miles from Rochelle and 120 from Toulouse Lon. 17.50 Lat. 44.50 Agen UPon the River Garomne the Capital of Agenois holds the first Rank after Bourdeaux and is situated in a Soil whose Fertility makes the Inhabitants idle It is a Bishops See 〈◊〉 bears the Title of Earl but he has 〈◊〉 other Lordly Right in the City 〈◊〉 Lords of Exale descended from 〈◊〉 Princes of Verone have had their Râ—dence in Agen. About 20 Miles 〈◊〉 Condom and 35 from Aux Long. 〈◊〉 12. Lat. 44.13 Bazas upon the Vâ—sane is the Capital of Bazadois a haâ—som City and stands about 25 Mâ—â— from Bourdeaux Cahors THE River Lot during its course 〈◊〉 this Province forms Six or Seâ— indifferent large Peninsula's in one 〈◊〉 which stands Cahors the Capital 〈◊〉 of all Quercy Henry the Great gaâ— here some Testimonies of his Condoâ— and Valour by a Battle which he oâ— stinately fought during three days 〈◊〉 cessively to render himself Master 〈◊〉 the City Some look upon it as 〈◊〉 ancient Vxelodunum which defended â— self a long time against Julius Caesaâ— Pope John the 22d was born heâ— who was called before James of Câ—hors 'T is a very ancient City honou◠〈◊〉 with an Episcopal See a Presidial 〈◊〉 a famous University It has also 〈◊〉 Remainders of an Amphitheatre 〈◊〉 Bishop takes upon him the Title of â—arl Near to Cahors is to be seen the â—sidue of an Aquaeduct which was â—eretofore above Nine Miles in Length About 38 Miles from Alby and 55 from Toulouse Lon. 20.6 Lat. 44.23 Rhodez UPon the River Aveyron is received for the Capital of all Roüergue It is a very ancient City but has lost much of its Grandeur and Beauty by the Prisals and Reprisals which the Goths Sarrazens and French have made in different times It has a Bishop and a Presidial and stands about 48 Miles from Mende 74 from Toulouse and 80 from Narbone Long. 21.20 Lat. 44.7 Perigueux UPon the River Lille the Capital of Perigort is more ancient than it is fine as one may judge by the Remainders of an Amphitheatre which is 〈◊〉 be seen there with many other Monâ—ments of Antiquity In its Neighbouâ— hood Pepin the Short obtained a signâ— Victory over Gayfer Duke of Aquitaiâ— Anno 768. It is honoured with an â— piscopal See and a Presidial It is moâ— sweetly situated in a pleasant Valleâ— about 42 Miles from Limoges and 6â— from Bourdeaux Longitude 19.18 Latitude 45.12 Limoges UPon the River Vienne is the Capitaâ— of all Limosin with a Bishoprick and a Generality The City is very populous and rich by reason of it Trade Its Artisans are particularly famous for curious Enamel-Work ' Tiâ— a neat but no large City inhabited by a People of so great Industry that they compel every one to work and is there fore termed by the French the Prison of Beggars At the taking of it wheâ— revolted Edward the Black Prince could by no means be allured to pity the unfortunate Citizens till pursuing his Enemies he saw Three French Gentlemen oppose his whole Army the consideration of whose Courage and Bravery induced him to Compassion whereas before he had vowed Revenge About 68 Miles from Poitiers and 100 from Bourdeaux Lon. 20.00 Lat. 45.40 Tulles seated in a rough and hilly Country is a Bishop's See it stands about 33 Miles from Limoges Saintes BY Ptolemy called Mediolanium seated upon the Charente isâ— the Capital of Saintonne 't is a very ancient City and is honoured with an Episcopal See and a Presidial It is about 32 Miles from Rochelle and 40 from Angoulesme Lon. 17.44 Lat. 45.42 Aux UPon the River Gez anciently called Augusta Ausciorum an Archbishops See The Income whereof is said to be greater than any Prelates of France reckoned at no less than an Hundred Thousand Livres per annum It stands about 38 Miles from Toulouse 80 froâ— Bourdeaux and 320 from Paris Lon. 18.50 Lat. 43.40 Lectoure A Bishops See called in our Modeâ— Lectodurum of old Lestoracium â— Town so well fortified when in thâ— possession of the Earls of Armagnac thaâ— it maintained it self three Months against the Strength of France But since iâ— came into the Power of the French Kings so strengthened according to the Modern Art of Fortifications that it 〈◊〉 esteemed the strongest Bulwork of the Kingdom on this side and securest Fortress against Spain It stands upon aâ— Hill about 14 Miles from Condon 〈◊〉 from Agen and 20 from Aux Longitude 19.4 Latitude 43.58 Aire upon the River Adour is an Episcopal City and stands about 38 Miles from Dax and 44 from Condom Condom SItuated on the Confluence of the Rivers Baise and Gele is the Capiâ—â—l of Condomois It is an Episcopal City whose last Bishop has been acnowledged as a Person of an extraorâ—inary Merit insomuch that he was â—hosen for the Dauphin's Tutor by the King It has also a Senechalsy and a Presidial About 20 Miles from Agen and 22 from Aux Long. 18.48 Lat. 44.00 Dax and Bayonne are also Biâ—â—op's Sees seated upon the River Aâ—dour within 32 Miles of each other the former being the Capital of Les-Landes the latter of the Country of Labourd There is a Mountain near Bayonne from whose top 't is said one may discern three Kingdoms to wit France Spain and Navarre Pau THE Principality of Bearn is situated at the Foot of the Pyrenees where they joyn to Languedoc and has the Glory of giving Life to King Henry 〈◊〉 Great Pau upon the River Gave is 〈◊〉 Principal of all the Province honouâ—â— with a Parliament or Court of Judicâ— ture for all the Country and a fair Pâ—lace built by Henry of Albret King 〈◊〉 Navarre and Lord of Bearn It stanâ— 26 Miles from Aire and 86 from Boâ—deaux Lon. 17.40 Lat. 43.23 Olerâ—â— mounted upon an high Hill and Laseâ—â— upon the Gave are also Bishops Sees Gathe UPon the River Ardour is the Capital of the Earldom of Begorre It is honoured with a strong Castle and Episcopal See and the Senechalsy for aâ— the Country of Begorre It is abouâ— 24. Miles from Pau and 26 from Auâ— Lon. 18.14 Lat. 43.18 Saint Beâ—trand upon Garomne Capital of Comingeâ— is also a Bishops See as is likewise Sainâ— Lizer upon the River Salat and Lombez upon the Save this last but of late erection 10.
Of the Government of LANGUEDOC CAEsar after the Conquest of Provence still advances into Gaul distinguishâ—d the Province which we call Langueâ—oc by the Name of Gaul Narbonoise â—n the declining of the Empire it was â—surped upon the Romans by the Goths who gave it the Name of Gothia establishing therein the Kingdom of the Visigoths whereof Toulouse was the Capital and which was absolutely extinguished since Charles Martel Some Authors pretend and not without cause that Languedoc took its Denomination from the Goths who reigning long in the Country left behind them a smack of their Language and therefore it was called Languegotia Name and now Euphoniae gratiâ termed Languedotia or Languedoc that is the Goths Language Ortelius conjectures this to be the reason whereas the other French-men in an Affirmation say Oüy these of this Country say Oc and therefore called Languedoc The Government of Languedoc Extent which comprehends les Cevennes extends it self from East to West about 210 Mileâ— And near 240 from South to North-Eâ—â— from Aiqs in the Earldom of Foix â— Annonay towards Lyonnois The Rhône separates it towards thâ— East from Dauphine and Province Bounds â—onnis Auvergne Roüergue and Querâ— bound it towards the North Gascogâ— that is to say Armagnac and le Coming towards the West and Catalonia witâ— the Mediterranean Sea towards the Soutâ— Languedoc passes for one of the moâ—â— agreeable and fertile Provinces of thâ— Kingdom having the Advantages oâ— Olives Raisons Figs Oranges and other Fruits not ordinary but here and in the adjoyning Province Quality The People have somewhat in them of the ancienâ— Goths and come nearer to the Humonâ— of the Spaniards than any other of the French as being esteemed very devour great Boasters of themselves affecting Gallantry above their Estates not caring how they pinch it on Workydays or at home in private provided they may make a Figure in the Street and be fine on Holydays The Temper of the Women too but in them 't is more excusable The Soil of Cevennes is very mounâ—â—inous and infertile in many places â—n others it poduces Wine Millet Ches-â—uts and other Fruits It s greatest Ferâ—ility is in Pasturage which makes the Country abound in Cattel especially in â—heep and Mules Here is a great store of Wildsowl c. Besides the Rhône which I have alâ—eady mentioned there are several other Rivers amongst which one observes the Tarn which passes by Montauâ—an and mingles its Waters with those of the Garomne beyond Moissac The Ariege the Aude which passes by Careassone in which the Tresquel discharges it self which is joyned by a Canal with the little Lers which goes to discharge it self into the Garomne 'T is the Canal of Languedoc which has been so much talkt of for the Communication of the two Seas the Ocean and the Mideterranean Mr. Du Val has made a particular Map thereof Languedoc is divided into upper and lower the one towards the West Division and the other towards the East upon the Mideterranen Sea The first comprehends Toulousan Albigeois Lauragais and the Earldom of Foix. The other is distinguished into Three Parts to wâ—â— Narbonne Beziers and Nismes which are to be found thus in order going from West to East Les Cevennes which is seated to the North of the Lower Languedoc is also distinguished into Three Countries which are Gevaudan Vivarais and Vellay The First is towards the West the Second towards the East along the Rhône and the Last to the North of these Two Cholouse SEated upon the Garomne is the Capital City of this Government It passes for one of the ancientest and finest Cities of all France It was the Seat of the ancient Tectosages whâ— made so many Conquests in Asia and Greece It was one of the Colonies oâ— the Romans and since that Capital of the Kingdom of the Visigoths and afterwards that of Aquitain then of a particular and very powerful County whose Titular was Peer of France It is now adorned with an Archiepiscopal See a Parliament a Seneschalsey a Generality a Mint and a University It enjoys several Monuments of Antiquity as a Capitol an Amphitheatre Aqueduct ancient Temples and many other Curiosities several Churches here and most part of the Houses are built with Brick It is about 21 Miles from Montauban 42 from Aux and 54 from Chaors Lon. 19.48 Lat. 43.29 Alby SEated upon the Tarn is the Capital of Albigeois It was erected but of late to an Archbishoprick by Pope Innocent the Eleventh It s Archbishop is Lord of the City Remarkable in Church-History for those great Opposites to the Corruptions and Errors of the Church of Rome called the Albigenses against whom the War was made under Philip Augustus Loüis the Eighth and Saint-Loüis It stands about 35 Miles from Rodes and 42 from Toulouse Lon. 20.40 Lat. 43.43 Narbon SEated on the Mouth of the River Aude the first Roman Colony after Carthage out of Italy This Narbon was in the Infancy of the Roman Empire the greatest and most populous Town of all France Insomuch that from it all this part was called Galliâ— Narbonensis a Province of which Plinâ— afforded us this Censure that for Fettility of Soil and Civility of People it was inferiour to none in the Roman Empire It had formerly a Capitol an Amphitheatre and several ancient Monuments whose Remainders are to be seen at this day It is an Archbishops See who presides over the States of Languedoc and is at present well Fortified as a Town of War frontiering Catalonia and the Land of Rousillon It is about 35 Miles from Perpignan 60 from Mompelier and 88 from Toulouse Lon. 21.35 Lat. 42.48 Nimes IN Latin Nemausus anciently a Roman Colony now a Bishops See where there remain some Marks of the Roman Greatness especially the Ruins of a spacious Palace built by the Emperor Adrian It was very much esteemed by the Emperors Between Nîmes and Vsez is to be found the Bridge du Gard upon the River Gardon which passes in this place betwixt two Mountains which are joyned by this Bridge 'T is one of the noblest Monuments that is left us of the Romans It has Three Stories of Arches one upon another and the last was an Aqueduct It s Structure imprints Horror and Respect at the same time Nîmes stands about 18 Miles from Arles 22 from Avignon and 24 from Mompelier Lon. 22.25 Lat. 43.16 Mompelier THis City was scarce any thing 700 Years ago but now 't is one of the fairest of France seated on a high Mountain as the Name imports some 12 Miles distant from the Sea It is honoured with an Episcopal See a Generality a Mint a Presidial and a famous University where Physick holds the first Rank and for that very happily seated the Country round about affording great variety of Medicinal Herbs The Royal Garden of Plants is a great Curiosity Of late one of the strongest Holds which those of the Reformed Religion possessed in this