THE SVRVAY OR TOPOGRAPHICAL Description of France: With a new map, helping greatly for the surveying of every particular Country, city, fortress, river, mountain, and forest therein: Collected out of sundry approved Authors: very amply, truly, and historically digested, for the pleasure of those who desire to be thoroughly acquainted in the state of the kingdom & dominion of France. LONDON Imprinted by John wolf, and are to bee sold at his shop at Poules chain. 1592. The Preface to the Reader. THou seest before thine eyes( gentle Reader) the face of the flourishing kingdom of France, whose lustre and glory at this present is a little eclipsed and dymmed by the civil dissension and bloody broils that a long time haue afflicted it. I know many famous Cosmographers haue in their maps described the country in ample sort, unto whom an ancient Historiographer gave the first and greatest light▪ I mean Iulius Caesar who in his learned and eloquent Commentaries of France did so excellently well that all the writers in the world, and lay all their pens and wits together in that matter, cannot do so well again, or once come near him, considering the time that he wrote was so long ago. Amongst other that haue written since of the country and people of France, Be●le-Forests hath not deserved the lest praise for his Collections out of sundry good and approved authors, published concerning this matter. Now thou hast also here of us a brief topographical description of France and Nauarre, gathered out of many of the later writers not to bee neglected, wherein are exactly and briefly described their Regions, provinces, cities▪ castles, and Fortresses, the commodities of every soil, the nature of the Inhabitants, their ancient and modern manners, laws▪ rights and customs, with diuers other things coincident to the same, and very meet to bee known in such an history. To bee brief I shall not need to writ at large of the Country in this place, for that thou shalt bee informed thereof most amply by one that can set it down in better manner then I. I will speak a word or two of Paris, the capital City and metropolis of all France, an university whose famed is spread throughout all Europe for the famous schools of learning therein, and I think it to bee beside one of the most populous cities in the world. The number of whose Inhabitants is of many millyons, and to make shorter, is, as it were another world, or rather as one said of ancient Rome, an epitome of the world: with the crown of France is invested at this present Henry the Fourth lyneally descended from Saint Lodouicke, who is now up in arms with the princes of his blood royal for his title and right unto the crown: Remarked for the most heroical and magnanimous king, fo● the most victorious and invincible warrior that ever unsheathed sword for a kingdom: having been personally present and fought more then fourteen or fiueteene pitched fields, and had victory on his side at them all. So that I think if we seek amongst all the Empires of the Assyrians, Persians, Grecyans, Romans, Almans, Iewes, Tartarians and Mahometans, and over all the face of the whole world beside, we cannot find a king of a greater race and more noble courage then this: having had xxviii. kings in his house before him and all in line masculine of his fathers side: His mother being the heir and issue of a queen, whose mother was sister to Francis the Great, excelled in wit, learning and haughty courage of a woman all other Christian Princesses that ever had lived before her. And if there be any that will contradyct me concerning the kings royal person or his ancient offspring and descent, to compare it to some base, poor and ignoble Family, he is less able to speak of the royal, high, ancient & noble families of christendom, then frogs and rats are to discourse of the greatness, height, essence, beauty and admirable operations of the sun: and for his country if there be any that will empeache the goodness and beauty thereof, to say that it is not so fruitful nor so pleasant, nor so well furnished and replenished with all things that are to be desired in such a flourishing kingdom( Peace only excepted which the God of heaven sand down vpon them speedily) he is no more able to dispute of a Country then a Mole or a Mouse of the man in the moon. For his royal person, and noble progeny his very enimyes and al the world shal be judge. And for his kingdom and country William of Saluste Seigneur of Bartas, a man of that nation to whom credite may worthily bee given in such a matter: whose verses in praise of his native soil in his second day of his second week, I haue translated thus out of French: O fruitful France! Most happy Land, happy and happy thrice! O pearl of rich european bounds. O earthly paradise. All hail sweet soil! O France the mother of many conquering knights, Who planted once their glorious standards like triumphing wights, upon the banks of Euphrates where Titan Day-torch bright. Riseth, and bloody sword vnsheathd where Phebus drounds his Light, The Mother of many artist-hands whose workmanship most rare Dimmes Natures works, and with her fairest flowers doth compare. The Nurse of many learned wits who fetch their skill divine From Rome, from Greece, from egypt far, and ore the learnedst shine, As doth the glymmering-Crimsin-dye over the darkest gray: Titan ore stars, or Phaebus flowers ore marigolds in May. Thy floods are Ocean Seas, thy Tounes to provinces arise, Whose civil government their walls hath raised to lofty skies. Thy soil is fertill-temperate-sweete, no plague thine air doth trouble, Bastillyons four born in thy bounds: two Seas and mountains double, The Crocodile fierce-weeping-teares annoyeth not thy main, The speckled-race of crawling Serpents haunt not thy domain, Not in one Acre of thy land that cursed seed is seen, Backs-venimous-winding to and fro t'infect thy meadows green, The Tigre-swift of-foote prays not within thy mountaines hollow, Nor hungry-soming ore thy plains enraged his chase doth follow. No Lions in thy deserts lurk: no Sea-horse monster rumbling, Swymmes to thy main, and steals thine infantes under waves them tumbling If in thy streaming- riuers-rich-swift-gliding be not rold The golden sands 'mong Pibble-stones, nor ore of massiue gold: Yf silver pure dropping from down thy mountaines be not found, And every step pearl, Ruby, Diamond, Grenate on thy ground, In contre-chaung thou art as rich in woad, in wool, in wines, In Salt pits, Sindon fine good grain: which are sufficient mines To make thee far and near renound of earthly kingdoms queen. Tis only Peace, thou lackst. Alas! O God whose Eyes haue seen Our blessings and our miseries, thine Eyes of mercy glance upon our present State and quench the flames consuming France: sweet father turn our storms to calms: Thy heavy hand retire, hid quickly in thy quiver all the arrows of thine Ire. Thou canst not Gentle reader desire to know any more of this country then this excellent poet hath told thee, concerning they great treasures, commodities and pleasures thereof, wherein it is worthily to be preferred before all other countries under the scope of the heauens. Thou seest first with what worthy and honourable titles he saluteth this rich and flourishing territory: then speaketh of the great numbers of warryours, famous Artists, and men of great learning that it hath brought forth and bread. next setteth down the situation of the country: to wit: that it is bounded towards the west and the North with the huge Ocean Sea: & to the Southward with the Mediterrane: being full of diuers riuers or rather little seas, passing and running every way clean thorough the main: the names whereof are: The Rosne▪ the Saone, Dordone, loire, Marne, Seyne, and Oyse: besides a great number of others smaller and yet very famous to: It hath her cities▪ as Paris, Tholouse, rouen, Lions, Bourdeaux, and many other which are more populous then so many duchies, Countries and whole provinces. The fortresses at this day are fairer, more in number and better fortified then ever before. As for the civility of the people, I leave that to the iudgment of the stranger that hath lived there. The fertility of the Country is almost incredible: the air is temperat every where. For rampires and walls it hath the two seas: and likewise the mountaines called the Alpes towards italy: and the Pyrenaean mountaines towards spain, beside it is exempt from all venomous, cruel and ravishing beasts, as Crocodyles, and other monstrous Serpents, which spo●●e the country of egypt and diuers other partes of Africa. If it haue not mines of Gold and silver, precious Stones and pearls, yet hath it in cont re-exchang other mines of far greater commodity and never to be preached to the bottom: to wit: linen clothes: woad, wolles, salt, corn and wine: The wadd and salt are found in languedoc: salt is found also in the Country of Guienne: wolles in province and in Beausse, where is also wheat in abondance: wine in diuers partes, and in all provinces except four or five great provision of two or three of these commodities: The poet hath remarked the principal things whereof great traffic is made into foreign and neighbour nations from France. This then might suffice to learn that nation to aclowledge the great gifts of God and bee thankful for the same. And seing they haue so many benefits, to know what they want, and to ask it at his hands that can give it. So also with my hart I can wish to this kingdom( that whilom was so flourishing) and I hope all good christians wish the same, a flourishing, firm, civil, vn●aigned and christian Peace, the band of true unity and concord to endure amongst them for ever. A TOPOGRAPHICAL Description of the two kingdoms france and Nauarre, by their several Parliaments and provinces. PARIS which serveth for the Ile of France, Paris. picardy, Champagne, Bry, Auxerre, Puysaye, Gastines, Hurepoix, charters, with the territories of the same, perch, Montforte, Amaury, Timere, Vandosme, Dune, Beausse, Orleans, Bloys, Sologne, Tours and Touraine, main, Aniou, Poictou and the land of Auniz, Angolesme, Lymosin, the high and low march, berry, nevers, Bourbon, Auuergne, foreste, lions, Beauiolois, and Mascon. 2 rouen serveth for normandy. rouen. 3 Renes serveth for Bretaigne. Renes. 4 Digeon serveth for Bargondie. Digeon. 5 Grenoble serveth for Dauphine. Grenoble. 6 Aix serveth for province. Aix. 7 Tholouse serveth for Viuares, Tholouse. Velay, Geuoudan, languedoc, rovergue, Quercy, Foix, Cominges, the county of item in jordan, the county of Gaure, again, Cendon, the county of Lestraec, Armignack, Bigorre. 8 Bourdeaux which serveth for Xantonge, Bourdeaux. Perigort, the land between the two seas; Bourdeaux, the land of Medoch, Buchez, lands, the duchy of Albret, Bazoles, and gascon, Mets with the territory thereof, which haue one President or sovereign judge. The King of Nauarre hath also two parliaments which serve for the countries which he holdeth in sovereignty. Pau. 1 Pau which serveth for the territory of Bearne. S. palace. 2 S. palace or S. Pelasge whereunto do resort al the Nauarrian part of Biskay. An abstract out of Belforest. THe realm of france is divided into eight parts in respect of so many Parlements therein contained. Paris. Paris serveth for many countries. Tholouze Tholouze which serveth for languedoc and part of Guyenne. Bourdeaux. Bourdeaux which serveth for the rest of Guienne. rouen. rouen which serveth for all normandy. Grenoble. Grenoble which serveth for all Dauphine. Digeon. Digeon which serveth for burgundy. Aix. Aix which serveth for province. Renes. Renes which serveth for britain. Metz. hereunto as a ninth part may bee added Metz, which serveth for the same town and the territory thereof where the king hath one President which iudgeth absolutely. jurisdiction of Paris. Under the jurisdiction of Paris are comprehended the bailiwick of Laon which hath the first place, then Rheims, Amiens, abbeville, Bullogne, Senlis, Sens, Auxerre, Troy, Vitrye in Partenay, Chastle-thierry, Chaumont in Bassigny, Meaux, province, Melune, poitiers, Angiers, Mans, Tours, Blois, burgess, Orleans, charters, Angolesme, Rochel, Monfort, Amaury, lions, Malins, S. Peter, the minster, Rion, Orillac in Auuergne, then the provostship and Uicountie of Paris, but Belforest observeth not this order of Bailiwikes. The provostship and viscounty of Paris. PAris standeth in as good an air as any town in the world, The situation of Paris. the territory thereof being pleasant, fruitful and plentiful in corn, Wine, Whitemeates, hay, fruit, Herbage, cattle, and clear waters, every way inhabited with farms, great Boroughs and villages, besides an infinite number of houses of pleasure, as gently, Bissestre, Vannes, Issy, Arcueil, where there are clear waters, fountains and good springs, vaulted and arched about. The lower Medoune which belongeth to the Charterhouse. The higher Medoune sometimes the cardinal of Lorreyns, who procured the building of the arteficiall and half natural cave in the same, S. clown, Montmartre, whence they haue their plaster of Paris, which is a great furtherance to the buildings of the same. S. Dionise S. Dionise in france( where are the tombs of the french kings) containeth eleven parishes, it is wide, and hath within the circuit therof arable grounds, meadows wine, and willow groves, whereby considering the compass therof it is nothing inhabited. It standeth as well and in as faire a field as any town in France. It is easy to be fortified and hard to bee forced, in that there is no hill or other thing to command it, for it standeth in a faire and large champion, almost every way compassed and environed with waters and marshie grounds. The provostship of Paris hath seven under bailiwikes, termed the seven daughters, whose seats do bear the name of under bailiffs, and the guardian of the provostship of Paris is the chief Bailie: their names are these, 1. Poissi. 2, S. Germain in lay. 3, Taurnon in Bry. 4, Torcie in Bry. 5, Corbeyl. 6, Mont-le-herye. 7, Gonnese in France. Poissy. Poissy standeth nere the river of Seine in a pleasant small vale, on the one side environed with groves, and on the other side with arable grounds. S. germans. Nanteere Wood of Treason. S. germans in lay is very well seated, and in a good air, specially for the game. Nanterre a village wherein S. Genouiefe was born. Within one league of S. germans there is a great wood almost all oak, termed the wood of Treason, if any twig thereof be cast into the water, it presently sinketh like a ston, and sithence the treason( whereof it taketh the name) was there contrived, it never prospered, for being cut it springeth no more, a matter utterly repugnant to the nature of oak, at this present time there standeth little but standards and Stompes. It is between Peck-gate and Cat-gate, five leagues from Paris. In a corner thereof somewhat within the wood on the side that lieth toward S. germans, there standeth a great ston table, whereupon it is said that Gaunelon of Hault-escul and his confederates conspired the destruction of charlemagne and his posterity. Corbeil. Corbeyl, a county lying vpon two riuers, Seyne and Essonne, or the river of Estampes, it is situate in a faire field, but ouerlooked and commanded with two hills. Among certain ruins and decayed buildings, between Consolans and Charenton, there is an echo which answereth the voice ten times. Villeneuf S. George or S. Georges new town, Villeneuf. is a great Borough, three leagues distant from Corbeil. Mont-le-hery, Mont-le-hery. which is not far distant from charters, between the same and Paris lieth the manor house of Palaiseau Longuineau, Anthonies bridge, or Pont-Antoine, queens borrow, or Bourg la Roine and Vau de Ceruay an Abbey. Gonesse no walled town, Gonesse. but nevertheless is one of the fairest and wealthyest Borowghs in all France, they make there most excellent bread. The Land and territory of charters. charters is a duchy scytuate between the 49. and 50. degree of the North latitude, charters. howbeit ptolemy placeth it in the 48. Westward, it bordereth upon the territory of Orleans and Beausse, Northward on Perch and normandy, Southward vpon Dune, and Eastward vpon France and the land of Gastine. The soil plentiful in al kind of grain, fruit, cattle, wine and gardeines. through this country passeth the river of Aure, which falling from Perch, keepeth his channel alongest charters, Nogentle Roy, Dreux and ●uet, & thence running near to Louiers at Pont de Larche, falleth into Seyne. The Church of charters was founded long before the coming of Iesus christ, in the honour of a virgin which should bring forth the saviour of the world. Vidamy of charters. In charters there is a Vidamye: the bishopric is forty leagues outright, and in ecclesiastical causes hath jurisdiction over 1600. Parishes or Steeples. It hath under it Bloys, Vandosme, Dune, Dreux, Mante, Montforte Great Perch & Poissy. Sundry baronages of Perch, do at every death or alteration of lord relieve of the Byshopricke as alloy, Brow, Monnirall, Anthone, Bazoch, the Uicounty of Laygny, and mess do relieve of the Vidam. The inhabitants of charters are familiar and courteous, and greatly given to buying and selling of corn. charters. charters is a bailiwick, and hath a iudgment seat, whereupon do depend these under bailiwicks. 1. Neufchastell in Timerais. 2. Great Perch. 3. Perch govet. 4. Estampes. 5. Dourdant. 6. Nogent le Roy. Bonneual. The land and terrytorye of charters comprehendeth also Beausse and Sologne, whereof: Beausse. Beausse hath on the South Gastine, on the East and North, the territory of charters and Vandosme, on the West. This country lying between loire and Paris is one of the plentifullest in wheat throughout Europe, and ever is an assured Storehouse to the Ile of France and Paris. It lieth unveil, no one place higher than other, and the plains so even that no river can run through it: whereby they haue there no water but out of pools, marshes, and wells, which for the most parte are dry in summer and so consequently water very scarce: such drought maketh this country more apt to corn then any other. therein do stand some towns & villages though not of any great name, as Toury Angeruille, Meruville, Gemuille, Artenay, & Pluuiers, which is rather thought to be in Gastine. Sologne. Sologne lieth beyond loire, which boundeth the Eastside thereof as orleans doth the North, Berry the South, and Touraine the West. The chief towns therein are Gergeau, Suly, Ferte, S. Laurent des Eaux, Clery, and others that lye in the plain which stretcheth from orleans to Bloys, and is one of the fairest in France, the soil is sandy and so consequently good for rye. Estampes a duchy, Estampes well seated in a good Uine ground, the town is of a reasonable circuit: howbeit but slenderly inhabited and is very waste, and yet rich by reason of the traffic of corn, there is a faire and strong castle, also a river which is well stored with Crayfishes, but hath no name but what it borroweth of the town. Dourctan and Espernon towns. Dune dependeth of the bailiwick of Bloys, Dune. it lieth in the 48. degree of the North latitude, and is 10 leagues broad but not so long: on the East lieth orleans, on the West Vandosme and the territory of main, on the North Galerne, charters and Perch, and on the South Bloys, the head town thereof is Chasteau Dune which standeth on a rock upon a very high hill and hard to come to, Chasteau-Dune. especially on the North side, from whence they may see as far about as the day can conceive. This Castle standeth upon such a hanging hill, that it seemeth to hang or lean in the clouds, and is fortified with a great tower. In this town is the iustice seat for the whole county of Dune, whereon do depend five castlewicks viz. 1. Montiguy Ganelon. 2. Courtalane. 3. Montilar. 4. Esdars. 5. Rebecan: With others which haue recourse by appeal like as Chasteau-dune hath to the royal Sea of Bloys, the suburbs are 4. times greater, better built and more plentifully inhabited then the town. The dwellers of good capasity, their speech meetly neat, proper and short. Toward Perch the territory of Dune is full of groves, Forrests and pastures, with pools and store of cattle. Toward orleans and Bloys, it is plentiful in corn and vines, the vine grounds do end at Chasteau-dune, for approaching toward Normandy there are no more except some few wild branches, which they maintain only for a show, making veriuice of the fruit of the same. In this county is the lake of Verde, which containeth two leagues in length, Verde Lake. and 250. paces in breadth when it is at the fullest, and is well stored with fish and wilde-foule. Bloys. Bloys. This country is well watered with dyvers springs and brooks, besides four rivers: loire, who taking his head in the forest of Chamrout, passeth by Illiers, Alluy, Bonneuall, so below the Suburbs of S. John de la Chaisne, at Chasteau-dune, so to Vandosme, and thence falleth into the river of Sastre at a Uillage called Escoublanc, which is a league above Chasteaudune. In swaloweth the river of Conny which springeth in the forest of orleans near to Arteuay, divideth itself into two channels, whereof the one runneth to Baygnolet in Beausse, and the other to Varez. This small stream notwithstanding whatsoever rain, doth never arise, overflow, or is troubled: but contrariwise it riseth, overfloweth, and is most troubled in the hottest season of the year and in the dog dayes, if it chance to overflow and pass extraordinarily beyond the banks and usual bounds of his bed, the contreymen are sure of a harvest plague or famine the next year after. The third is called Aigre, and the fourth Hyerre, which so soon as it is sproong up, immediately hideth itself in the earth, not far from the first head, breaketh out again, and soon after falleth again into the earth, where it runneth above a league under ground. This country appertaineth to the house of longueville, which is descended of John the Bastard of orleans, and natural son to Philip of france, who was son unto king Philip of Vallois. Millencay & Remorentine do depend vpon the bailiwick of Blois. Millencay and Remorentine. Remorentine is a small town standing vpon the territory of Blois, but comprised in Sologne. It standeth in the river of Sodre. Blois standeth in the 47 degree of the North latitude, Bloys. and somewhat more on the East lieth orleans, on the West Touraigne, on the South Sollogne and Berry, on the North Vandosme & Beausse, toward Beausse it standeth vpon Loire, part vpon a hilly rock, and part vpon the plain. For the plenty of excellent wines, corn and fruit, few countries may be compared to Blois. It hath store of vnderwoods, orchards, riuers, pools, and quick springs of faire and clear waters, whereof do proceed the fruitfulness of the soil: the feed is faire, the air wholesome and very temperate, the heat moderate. It excelleth Beausse and Sologne wherein it doth participate, in that besides the abundance of corn, it is provided of Wine, Fruit, and Water between Blois and Orcheze( a village within two leagues of it) where is found earth in colour and effect resembling the Turkes Terra sigillata. At Blois are conduits of such greatness and height, that three horsemen may pass afront vpon them. There is also a bailiwick and Iustice-seat, whose jurisdiction lieth forty leagues out, and containeth seventeen towns, and six hundred great parishes. Chambort. Chambort standeth within three leagues of Blois from whence it may be seen, it is a castle wherein is a stair, vpon the which a great number of people may pass too and fro at once, and yet not see each other. Therein is also the Q. garden containing x. acres of land, from the which stretcheth an ally toward the forest of Blois, which is half a league long and six fathom wide, beautified with faire rows of elms, each one planted six foot from other, whereof there are about six hundred in a rank. Vandosme. Vandosme and the territory thereof are bounded on the East with Beausse, on the West with Aniow on the North with Perch, and on the South with Touraine, it is a duchy appertaining on the farther side to the king of Nauarre, and is of the land of charters, the town standeth vpon Loire. Houdan & Dreux Perch. Houdan & Dreux are also of the land of charters. Perch a county, is also of the country of charters having on the East and North normandy, on the South charters and Vendosme, on the West the territory of main. The notablest towns therein contained, are Mortaigne, Bolesme, Feuilet, in high Perch in Perch. Mortaigne, Bolesme, Feuillet, govet. Bazoch govet. Aluge, Nonumirall, Brow, also Anthon, Malues, Rauxuiaillard, Conde vpon Huynes, Nogent le Rotron. The territory is watered with the streams of Huynes, Comerche, Lambee. Part of this country belongeth to the Duchy of Alenson, and therefore aforetime depending vpon the parliament of rouen, but now vpon the Exchequer of Alenson, the rest is of the bailiwick of charters, and so consequently hath recourse to the parliament of Paris. The bailiwick and duchy of Orleans. THis country hath on the East Gastine, Description of Orleans. on the South Sologne, on the North Beausse, and on the West Touraine, Orleans is as well seated as any town in france, having at the foot of the walls Loire, which coming out of the mountains of Auuergne passeth toward Geuouand. In this river they take Salmons quick, Plaice, Aloses, and Lampraies, and they use thereupon great trade of merchandise, Loire● falleth into it, which is a spring or fountain, a small league from Orleans vpon the side of Oleuet, and runneth not past the length of one league in all, notwithstanding whatsoever drought it never drieth up, neither is it ever frozen, so that when Loir is so frozen that the milles cannot grinned, they haue recourse to those of Loiret. The soil is fruitful and well inhabited, sufficiently provided of corn, as well of the self growth as from Beausse, their neighbour and the side of Sologne. Great store of Fish and foul, but specially of good wines both White and Claret, for the Orleans wines do bear the name of the being more helthsome, delicate, and nothing so corrosife as the gascon wines. Their plenty is such that they send great store to Paris and all other parts of france, also into other foreign countries. The town standeth high, very wholesome, and in a fine air, and the inhabitants do speak as eloquently for French as do the castilians for Spanish, or the Tuscans for Italian. Unto the bailiwick of orleans haue recourse Bois commigne, Yeinuille which is in Beausse, Chasteau Reuard, Yeur the castle, Neusuill at the lodges, Syan, Montaugis, Loris, Neune vpon Loire, Boisgencye. Baugency. Baugency vpon Loire, one of the delicatest towns of the realm, as abounding in wine and corn, beside the pleasure of all sorts of game, as also in respect of the traffic. The forest of Orleans. The forest of orleans is twelve leagues long and feedeth an infinite number of cattle, besides that they there fetch their timber to build with, as also fuel for the whole country round about. Melune and the land of Gastine. Melune. MElune standeth vpon Seine, having on the East Bry, on the South Gastine, on the North that side of Paris that looketh to Corbeil, and on the West Beausse: it is about the 4 degree of the latitude, part thereof standeth vpon a high ground, paunching vpon which in that place maketh an Isle as at Paris, in the which the castle standeth. The soil is pleasant and fruitful in corn, wine, wood and fruit, and the river in fish. The Citizens are courteous, active, and of good capacity. The Bayliwik and Iustice seat of Melune hath recourse to the seas of Moret, Nemours, Chastealoudon, Chapelle la divine, Villy in Gastine. Gastine hath on the East Bry and the river of Seyne, Gastine. on the West Beausse, on the South the forest of orleans, and on the North the land by charters, the soil is in many places sandy, and yeeldeth but little. The most famous places are Nemours, Chasteauloudon, Nore●, Ferte, Fountainbeleau, and an infinite number of Gentlemens houses. S. Maturine l'Archant standeth in a large, S. Maturine l'Archant. sandy, dry, and almost barren soil. Fountainbeleau( the kings mansion) is very well seated. Fountainbeleau. Wood, game, brooks, pools, riuers, wild-foule, and fish, are plentiful. Moret a small town vpon Loire, Moret. easy to be fortified, and a reasonable good soil. Nemours standeth also vpon loire. Nemours. The duke of Nemours is of the house of savoy. Sens. SOme men think Sens to be in burgundy, Sens. others in Champagne, and some others do think it to be a province of itself. The territory of Sens hath on the East Champagne, on the West Gastine, on the South the territory of Auxerre, on the North Bry, from the which the river of Yonne doth part it, for the jurisdiction of Sens reacheth almost to Montereau. The town standeth vpon a hill, and leaneth over the river of Yonne, which runneth at the foot thereof, large and well ditched, with clear streams continually running through the streets thereof, which springeth out of a Lake that is without the town, not far from the which there is a Spring whose water naturally doth turn into pommish stones, which be very light and haue correspondence with the froth. The country aboundeth in corn, delicate wines, flesh, whit meats, wool, fish, and other commodities: there is also more store of oil and Nuts than in any other part of all france, for the whole country is covered all over with Walnuts, yea all the plain from Meutereau unto Sens, wherein are sundry towns and villages, faire meadows and good grounds, also on the other side of Yonne toward Gastine, are many hills, some very high, loaden with vines. Pont sur Yonne- Pont sur Yonne a little town, whose inhabitants are nimble, ticklish, and given to warres. Villeneuf le Roy. Villeneuf le Roy the onely sea royal, depending vpon the bailiwick of Sens. The land of Auxerre. Auxerre. AVxerre is situate in a most fruitful soil, very pleasantly vpon the river of Yonne, which dividing it from burgundy and the territory of nevers, cometh to wash the lowest part of the town, which beginning in a vale climbeth up to the top of a hil, whereupon standeth the castle, an ancient thing compassed and fortified with great walls. This town consisteth of eight parishes, out of this soil doth proceed the most parte of the wine that watereth Paris. Chablis. Chablis a small town not far from Auxerre. Champagne. Champagne. CHampagne and Bry are herein accounted but for one land, through the which the river of Marne taketh his course, and so at Charenton which is within two small leagues of Paris, doth fall into Seyne. These countries do on the one side of Marne comprehend these towns following: Laigny, Meaux, Forcy, Colomiers, province, Montereau, Bry county Robert, Nogent▪ merry, troy, Bar vpon Seine, Mussy l'Euesque, Douzenay, Vandoeure, Bar vpon Aube, Ferte vpon Aube, Pont vpon Seine, S valentine, Erny the castle, Fonuille, Sedan, Rebel, the land of Bassignye, the land toward Vitry in Perch, which parteth Bar from Champagne, and france from Lorraine. On the other side are Rheims, Glaye, Gaudelu, Chasteau-Thierry, Dormant, Espernaye, Chalons, Laygny, S. Menehou. Bry and Champagne haue on the East Lorraine and parr, Brye. Champagne. on the West france and Hurepoix, from the which Seine doth divide them, on the South burgundy, and on the North Picardy. Champagne is a country flat, fruitful, and meet for tillage. Brye is woodie, but yet in a manner as fruitful as Champagne, the firmament clear, and the air gentle and temperate, the riuers great, the people active and given to good husbandry, the nobility courteous, valiant, and many; the towns wealthy, the villages well inhabited, and to be brief, they want nothing necessary for mans life: corn, wine, cattle, wood, fruit, game, flight, fishing, as plentiful as in any other province of france. Howbeit the people of Champagne are somewhat teastie and selfwilled. troy The chief town of Champagne, troy. standeth some 47 degrees and a few minutes from the Aequator, being situate vpon the river of Seine. The soil fat and fruitful. The circuit of the walls the largest in france. It hath a Bayliwik and Iustice sea, whereunto haue recourse Bar vpon Seyn, Mussy l'Euesque, foreste vpon Aube, Negent▪ Pont vpon Seyn, Eruy the castle, S valentine, all towns situate in Champagne. Chastillon standeth vpon Seyne. Chastillon. Bar. bar vpon Aube is parcel of Bassigny. Arssy. Arssy standeth also vpon Aube. Bassigny. Bassigny whereof Charcont is the chief town, it is a town of great resort standing vpon a rock, furnished with a reasonable strong castle. It hath no river to water it, neither any water other than in cisterns, saving one spring which is beneath the Dogan, Dogan is a Townehouse or a Costomehouse. nevertheless beneath runneth the river of Suize, which taketh the head out of the fountain of Ormances, and pools of Maran, within four or five leagues of Chaumont. Marne which springeth out of Marmote near to Langres, runneth a good way from the town. The chief traffic is cloth both woollen and linen, and the drapers and weavers are of greatest account among merchants, and are wealthy and rich. The soil is fruitful. To the bailiwick and Iustice sea do answer the seat of bar vpon Aube. It hath also Consular jurisdiction. Montirandell. Montirandell standeth vpon Marne. Ieinuille, of the dependence of a younger son of the house of guise. Ieinuille. It is a principality whereupon doth depend the Boroughs of Sullye, Douleuant, Roches, Escairon, with other castles and villages. Vassy. Vassy, a royal seat of the inheritance of guise, and patrimony of the Scottish queen, it standeth in the midst of the woods vpon a small river name Bloys, and hath goodly fountains, of the which one being in the hospital of the Dogan, yeeldeth such plenty of water in less than 120 paces it driveth sundry milles. Not far from Vassy are the mines of earth whereof they make that notable Bole Armoniak, that is so greatly esteemed and transported all over france and other provinces. Parthois, Parthois. whereof Vitry is the chief town, lieth vpon the river of Saux, which coming from the country of Bar, & springing at Chenets( a strong hold 12 leagues from Vitry) doth within half a league of the said town of Vitry fall into Marne. The bailiwick of Vitrie containeth between 35 & 40 leagues square, beginning at S. Disiers vpon Marne, & higher on the south, & stretcheth Northward to Nogent l'Artant. Under the same ar comprehended the seats of S. Menehon, Teismes, Passe-avant. Espernay, Rouueray, and Passe-avant This town standeth vpon a hill, having on the east the plain of Parth, on the west the river of Marne which beginneth there to carry laden boats, whereby they transport to Paris al kinds of merchandise, corn, pulse of al sorts, iron, hemp and other wears, whereof Parth doth abound. The country is great, and every way enclosed with the riuers of Saux and Marne, which maketh it almost an island, except on the east, where these 2 riuers be 2 leagues asunder, & in that place standeth S. Disier, a faire strong town. Prouins a bailiwick of the land Bry, province. Montereau having under it Sesane, lay le chastel, Bray vpon Seyn, Montereau a town at the meeting of Seine & Yonne, the castle between two riuers, but ouercrowed by a high mountain whereon the vines grow: on the east it hath between the 2 riuers an extent of meadows, drawing toward Trole, on the west Gastine, on the north Bry, on the south Gastile with the confines of Moret. The soil fruitful in corn, wine, fruit, hay and wood, but especially pleasant for the game, chiefly on the side that lieth to Bry. between 2 riuers do lye the villages of Morolles & Molu, Morolles and Molu whereof Bertrand of Foessi knight of the order, who is known by the surname of Genuay, is Lord. On the side of Bry are the villages of Fonges, cell, Tauers, Vernon, Valences, whereof the eldest of the Allegrynes of Paris is Lord. They be now two brothers, William Allegryn Lord of Valences, and octavian Lord of boards, a Uillage not far from Valences. Nangis. Nangis appertaineth to the Lord of Beauuais. Blandye. Blandye, the mansion house of the Duke of longueville. Prouins. Prouins standeth vpon a hill, and is built on the point thereof, the river of Morat watering the foot of the said hil falleth near unto Laygny into Marne. There is small store of wine, whereby the people are forced to furnish themselves from other places. But the soil yeeldeth plenty of corn, Pastures, Wood, Springs of clear waters, and especially read Roses, called at Paris Roses of Prouins, whereof in the said town they make great store of conserves. Colomiers Colomiers in Bry dependeth of Meaux. Meaux. Meaux standeth on a hill in the very fat and fruitfulness of Brye. At the foot Westward on the side of france it hath Marne. This town is divided into two parts, whereof the town is one, and the market( a very strong place) the other, and it is a brook that falleth from the rock that parteth them: the hold is easy to be fortified, as having nothing to master or overthrow it. The bailiwick of Meaux comprehendeth the seats of Crecy, Colomiers, Ferte Gauchet. Bryecontyrobert and Torcye do belong to the castle of Paris. Monceaux. Monceaux a castle and a house of pleasure, which the queen mother hath built in the territory of Meaux. S. Fiacre. S. Fiacre a Religious house. Iouerre and Fermouchier religious of women. Iouerre & Fermouchier. Loygny. Castle-thierry. Rheims. Loygny which hath a fair fountain. Castle-Thierry, a bailiwick whose vnderbailifs are Chastillon vpon Marne, Ouchy le Chastell, Tressons milly S. Front. Rheims an university and bailiwick, comprehending the seats of Chalons, Veruz, Espernay, Tismes, and the bailiwick of Sauldron. Chalons standeth vpon Marne, Chalons. bordering Eastward vpon bar, Northward vpon Rettell, & Westward vpon Espernay, which also standeth upon Marne. Picardye. PIcardye hath on the East Flanders, Picardye. from whence the riuers do divide it, on the South Champagne, on the West the Sea and part of Normandy, and on the North the prospect of calais and cost of England. It is watered with the Riuers of Some, Oyse, Ayne, Escaut, Scurpe, and others. The country is great, and as well inhabited as any other in france. It is one of the fruitfullest in the world, and a principal storehouse for Paris, wanting nothing but coin. It containeth these bishoprics: Soissons, Senlis, Beauuais, which some count in france, Noyon, Laon Amiens and Bullogne, in stead of Teruin. The notablest places are fear, Gandelu, Villiers Costeruz, beaumond, Creyl, and Verbery between Marne and Ayne. between Ayne & Oyse are Lyance, Velly, Nato, Riemont, Compegne and Chauny. Breteuile, Clermont in Beauuais, Mondidier, Pinquignie, Blangis, abbeville and Valerye. Between Oyse and Some: Veruin, Guise, S. Pelle, Landrecy, Fousome, Bohan, S. Quintin, Nesle, Roye. And Some encloseth in Ham, rosne, Corbye, Dourlens, Rue, Crotoye. Hesdin now in decay, Renty Montereuil on the Sea, Staples, Bullogne. Where the land waxeth narrow along the cost of the sea, and so forth by the country of Oyse which comprehendeth the towns of Guyne, Ardres, hams, Blarues, calais. Soissons. Soissons is in the bailiwick of Laon. The territory of Laon is comprised between the riuers of Ayne and Oyse, whereof Laon is the chief town which standeth, it is a bayliwik whereon do depend Soissons, Noyon, S. Quintin, Riemont, Coucy, Chauny, Guise, rosne, Mondidier, Roye. Lyans. Lyans or the Lady of joy, is not far from Laon. Compigne. Compiegne is in the same quarters. S. Quintin. S. Quintin the head town of Vermandois, scituat vpon Some, environed with fens and meadows is the key of France. Ham. Chastelot. Hard by are Ham & Chastelot. Guise, a duchy and ancient inheritance of the younger sons of Lorraine. guise. rosne. rosne, a strong town vpon Some: Corbye, Roye, Mondidier, Nesle. The territory of Beauuois whereof is chief: Beauuais. Beauuais or Beauuois in a fair seat, having the little fruitful hills on the one side, with the meadows and pastures on the other, then the arable lands and vine groves. The walls thereof well flanqued and rampired, the ditches deep & large, with sluses to let the water out or in from the brooks and riuers. The town is one of the greatest & best set out in all france, so that in beauty of building, strength of carriers, stateliness of Churches, and pleasauntnesse of feed it is one of the notablest in all france, the territory for three or four leagues about the town is so full of Burroughs and great villages, that the one is not past half a mile from the other. The soil yeeldeth the finest Flax that may be: especially Bale, a small town where the Flemings and Hollanders do resort for those kinds of Flax, whereof they make there so notable fine linen cloth, which they disperse and sell over the whole world. In the same soil they dig also a kind of earth( almost as excellent as that of Venis) to make vessels and pots. But the original of the chiefest wealth of this town ariseth of their woollen works, and Diaprie, for there they make the best Serges in all france, yea such as may compare with those of Florence. The Stammels also of Beauuais are the finest in France, & are transported al over france, germany, spain, italy, & Greece. Clermont in the territory of Beauuais, Clermont Gerberoy, and beaumond. a county. Gerberoy a village not far from Beauuais beaumond vpon Oyse, do al belong to the bishoprik of Beauuais To the bailiwick thereof haue recourse Compigne, Clermont in Beauuais, Creyl. The Prouostof Augy, Chaumont in Welxin, Pontoise, beaumond vpon Oise, Cressy, Ferte milon, Pierrefons, montmoremcy, a small town near to Senlis. Amiens vpon Some which doth almost compass it about, Amiens. it hath the deepest & the most fearful ditches in France. On the east lieth the land of Artois, on the south Vermandois, on the west Beauuais, & the frontiers of normandy, on the north Dourdens. It is one of the best & fruitfullest towns in france, in respect whereof, it is exempt of garrison, for the inhabitants are so valiant, that they are able of themselves to withstand any adversary, the Maior and sheriffs haue the custody of the town, with the charge of the warding, as also nightlye to set watch and sentinel. abbeville abbeville a strong hold vpon Some, in the diocese of Amiens, it is the chief town of Pontiew, a country so called in respect of the great number of bridges therein contained, which proceed of the diversity of brooks that do fall into the Sea about S. Valeries. In this country are these towns, abbeville, Pequignye, Dourlens, Aury, Crecy, Rue and Crotoye, whom three brooks do water. Reny & Mutterell are on the sea, Hesdin & Terwin are decayed, and the bishopric of Tirwin is transported to Bullogne. S. Omer. S. Omer, a parcel of the Low country, and subject to the king of spain, it is one of the strongest that may be, both by the natural situation and manual fortification. It standeth on the river of Dae, which falleth into the sea on the North side traveling. On the North lieth the country of Oye, on the West Bullogne, on the South Pontiew and part of Artois, and on the East Flanders. Oye. given. Bullogne. Oye, Guine, Bullogne, three countries together being limited Eastward with the territory of Flanders, by the river of Dae, southward with picardy, and the bailiwick of Mutterell, from the which the river of Canche divideth Bullogne, and westward and Northward by the great sea. The whole country comprehendeth many towns, villages, boroughs & castles, as Beauquesne, Caerteuil, Estaples, which standeth at the fall of Canche into the Sea, S. Riquier, S. Iosse, Pont de Bricque and others. Bullogne. Bullogne is strong and inexpugnable. It is divided into high Bullonge and base Bullogne, and is watered with the sea, which is not much more then a hundred paces from the high town. High Bullogne is enclosed with strong walls, and fortified with very deep ditches. Guynes a county, Guynes. wherein standeth the strong castle of Blannes, the house and hill of Inglebert, and the town and fort of Guynes, which is divided in two, the one part standing in the salt fens, the other vpon firm land, and so strongly as it seemeth inexpugnable. between Guynes and Ardres also is a very strong town by the fens of Belangen & Andres, with that channel of the Sea that runneth unto Guynes, and parteth the country of Oye & Guines, making that country invincible. In the high country of Guines lieth the haven of Nieullet, Artincourt, Peuplinge, and others. calais is situate foursquare, calais. and is every way terrible, on the North lieth Rice-bank vpon a point of land that runneth into the Sea, on the West the causey of Nieullet bridge, on the South the salt washes fleeting from hams, on the East the land of Oye and the downs which stretch even to traveling. The land of Oye, so called by reason of a small town of that name therein. Langres with the remainder of the territories of Champagne. LAngres, Langres. a strong town nere the mount Vosegus vpon the frontiers of the free county, which together with part of Bassigny lieth on the East side therof, on the North that side of the mount Vosegus that breedeth Marne, on the West that side of the same mount from whence Seyne doth spring, on the south Bourgondie, within which duchy this town is comprehended, but the dependences haue their recourses to Sens. Vandoeur Vandoeur, a strong castle in the territory of Langres, near unto the head of Seyne. These lands do abound in corn, wine, groves, yron-mines, and other things. Vignory. Vignory, a town standing some quarter of a league from Marne, between two hills, vpon the one whereof standeth the castle. Montesclair. Montesclair, a castle three leagues from thence, standing on the top of a high hill in the country. It hath been fortified as being the first front in france on the side of Lorraine, and at the foot of the same hil is the great borough of Montesclair, a castle, three leagues from Rimanont. Other places. Ioignye, a county. Tonnerre, a county. Vezelay. Here was the famous clerk Theodore de Bezabotne. Vezelay and the castle of Grimont are built on the top of a hill, along the foot whereof runneth the river of Yonne. The land of nevers or Niuernois, a duchy. THis country is large, and watered with three navigable riuers, nevers. Yonne, Allier, and Loire: having on the East burgundy, on the South Bourbon, on the West berry, on the North Gastine and Sologne. The chief town thereof is nevers vpon Loire. The river of Nyeure runneth along the East side of the walls thereof. It standeth vpon a hill, round about enclosed with good strong walls and great towers well ditched, and beautified with a ston bridge of twenty arches over Loire, watered with diuers fountains, wherewith they may always fill their ditches. It hath no suburbs, and containeth ten parishes. half a league beneath it Allier falleth into Loire, Nyeure doth continually drive iron mills and forges. The country is full of wood & pasture grounds, so that the people do give themselves much to the breeding of cattle. They are poor & live miserable, as having no will to labour, except in some few places between nevers and charity. There are toward S. Leonards some silver mines which are not much haunted, but the iron mines are well frequented, by reason there is wood enough, beside they use some stone-cole which they find near Dezize within 2 leagues of nevers: they haue in the forest free ston to build with, the best in france, & that they transport to Orleans, Blois, &c. In the land of nevers are 11 walled Towns, as nevers, Dezize, Clamesy, Douzi, Monluis, Angilberts, Corbigue by S. Leonards, S. Sage, Luizy, Premery, &c. S Pierre le Monstier, S. Pierre le Monstier. is of the dependences of nevers, and a bailiwick whereunto haue recourse the land of Douzye, Xamcoignes, Cusset, the borough of S. steven of nevers. The rest answereth to the provostship of nevers, as charity vpon Loire. There be also other towns as Castlechinon, Lornye, Cosne, which belong part to the king, and part to the duke of nevers. S. Pierre le Monstier standeth on Allier, & joineth vpon Bourbon & Cosne, which lieth toward Sologne. The land of Douzy or Douziois, Douzy● is an addition to nevers, whereby the duchy containeth 30 castelwiks. Berry. Berry. THis country hath Loir, nevers, and Bourbon on the East, on the North Sologne which the river of great Soudre parteth from Berry, on the west Tourain which the river of under parteth therefro, and on the south the borders of Lymosin, from which the river of creusa doth divide it. This land containeth many towns, villages, boroughs and hamlets, forrests, hills, brooks, fountains, vine grounds, arable lands and pastures, with great store of cattle, wherewith they traffic throughout all france. The chief towns are Bourges, Sancerre a county standing vpon a hil, with the river of Loire at the foot therof. Cosne vpon Loire, accounted in the land of nevers, but not within the duke of nevers Lordship. Coucresant and the castellwike thereupon depending. Besides the which there are Aubigny vpon near, whose Lords are descended of Berant Steward Lord of Anbig, a Skot well known in the warres of Naples. Remorenti vpon Sousdre, is of the dependences of Blois. skulls in Berry. Menesto vpon Cher. Vierzō. Dun le Roy vpon Aurette. Chasteauneu● vpon Cher. Boussac, Aigurand, Cluys an ancient house. Argenton. Chastre vpon under. Victow and Berry by the river of Creuze. Blane in Berry which parteth Limosin. Chasteau roux, Buramois, Paluau, Chastillon, vpon under. Preuilly a goodly place that parteth Limosin from Berry. Thence returning Southward, are Chasteaumeillant, Limeres, Chaumroux, Issoudun, on the chief seat depending vpon Bourges. Bourges doth somewhat lean to the side that regardeth the fens, Bourges. the river of Auret runneth through it. It is one of the greatest towns in France, and so strong, that it is thought almost impregnable, by reason of the washes, which rising out of the quick springs, can never be driven nor turned away they haue such gulfs and depths. The great tower is round, from whence they may see three or four leagues, the walls are three fathom thick, the outside formed like a painted dyamond. It is also fortified with other towns, walls, and deep ditches, shaped like an Asses back. The form of the enclosure of the town resembles a sheep coat, being in compass 4004 fathoms, & fortified with 80 great towers. It hath seven gates, seven canonical Churches, and seventeen parishes. Also the house of james Geur now belonging to the Lords of Aubespine, the Dutch house, the sands, otherwise called the Arenes, in old time an Amphitheatre. It hath an university, also a bailiwick, whereupon do depend the seas of Issoudun, Dun le Roy, Menu vpon Yeure, Contressant. Under that of Bourges are Sancerre, Sancerre. a county which comprehendeth diuers parishes and Castelwikes, also the Baronage of Mont-faulcon, Mont-faulcon. which also containeth sundry parishes. Lary a small Town armed with a strong castle, Lary. with the riuers of Cher and Arnon running along by it. Issoudun the second royal town of Berry, Issoudun. strong, well walled and rampired, with a castle standing somewhat above it, whose walls the river of Cher doth wash. It is a wealthy town, and of traffic, containing but two parishes, the soil yieldeth good wine and wool. Of this sea do depend diuers Castelwikes, as S. severe a borough, Limeres, Bausac, peruse and others that are of the same Lordship. Of the bailiwick do depend Chasteauroux, Gracay, Argenton, Chastre, Chasteaumeillant, Chastelet, Charots, and many others. Charots. Charots, a town vpon Arnon, between Bourges and Issoudun. Chasteauroux. Chasteauroux standeth 16 leagues from Bourges, and is scituat vpon under, near to Blois and Limosin. It hath a faire castle, & containeth 4 parishes. Deols. Deols a fruitful soil in corn and wool, whereof they make great merchandise, the jurisdiction therof reacheth above 20 leagues about, and thereof do depend about 120 fiefes or farms. It is now a country belonging to the Lord d'Aumont. Argenton Argenton, a town with a strong castle, armed with ten towers. It standeth vpon creusa, and belongeth to the Lord of Monpensier. Boussac. Boussac and peruse, towns vpon the borders of Bourbon and confines of Limosin, the latter standeth in a barren soil. Chastre. Chastre a town and castle vpon under near to Limosin. It belongeth to the county of Chasteauroux and to the Lord of Aumont. Chasteaumeillant. Chasteaumeillant lieth now wast, howbeit there is yet a strong castle. Dun le Roy. Dun le Roy, the third royal town of Berry, and royal sea. Chasteauneuf. Chasteauneuf vpon Cher. Vierzon, the third royal sea of Berry, in a fair seat by reason of the woods, Vierzon. forrests, warrens, and the riuers of Cher and Yeure, howbeit the soil is sandy and more meet for gardens than tilth. Ametrun vpon Yeure, Ametrun the fourth royal sea of Berry. Aubigny, Aubigny. a town. Coucressant, Coucressant. a great borough vpon Soudre, with a castle almost impregnable, and of the fairest and best built in Berry, it is a royal sea. Augilon. S. Aignan, S. Aignā. a county under the walls whereof do run Cher, Soudre and Yeure together, and do carry reasonable boats. Lenrous, Lenrous. a town well walled. Vatan a town belonging to the Lords of Vatan. Vatan Tourain. THe territory of Tourain is not very great, Tourain. on the west lieth Anieou and Poictou, from which creusa doth divide it, on the South Poictou, along the river of creusa toward the haven of Piles, also Berry, on the East Blois and Berry, from which Cher doth divide it, on the North main and Vandosme, which Loir parteth from it. Towns subject to the jurisdiction and duchy of Tours: Chinon, Lodun, Thouars, Langers, Amboise, Loche, Chastillon vpon under, Montrichard, & others Tours is one of the wealthiest towns in france, Tours. as well in respect of the fruitfulness of the soil, which is termed the garden of france, as through their traffic, especially of silk. Amboyse, Amboise. the kings mansion standing vpon Loir in the best air and fairest feed in france. Montrichard, Montrichard. situate in a faire plain on the one side, environed with rocks and groves, on the other side goodly meadows. The river of Cher is a near neighbour unto it, without the town do appear the houses under ground, and above them the gardens and vine groves. Chaumont. Chaumont vpon Loir, well seated. Cormery. Cormery, an abbey. Loches. Loches, a town and castle vpon under. It hath on the East Chastillon vpon under, on the North Cormery, on the West Beaulieu, which is not past two bow shot from it. The castle is such as few places may be compared with it, it standeth vpon a rock with one onely way to it, and the same defended with a fair gate, armed with a great bulwark, strong walls, and double ditches large and deep, so as no human strength is able to force it, neither is there any way to beat it without breaking the rock which is about 1000 or 1200 paces long. In our Lady church in the castle lieth fair Agnes, Lady of Beauliew, hir tomb is of black Marble with hir picture lively drawn thereupon. On the east side of this castle be the manors, which are the Kings lodgings, and near thereto the lodgings of faire Agnes, which are very stately. These two together do make but one. There is also a great dungeon which serveth for a prison to such as the king mindeth to keep very strait, wherein are two iron cages, the one called Balue cage, because Lewis the eleventh did commit cardinal Balue to the same. These cages are six foot wide, and eight foot long, having no more room but for a pallet to lye vpon, the grates are of wood very thick corded on with iron, and the partitions so strait, that a man cannot put his hand out of them. Loches is a sea royal, depending vpon the iustice sea of Tairs. The suburbs are greater than the town. Paremy, Paremy. which is not far from Loches, is a castle, and standeth vpon a hill in a good air, with a park on the backside that is two leagues compass, and walled round about, wherein are two faire great pools, the town is watered with the river Brignon, the viscounty of Paremy belongeth to the house of Voyer. Lodum, Lodum. a sea royal between Tonnere & creusa. Chinon vpon creusa in a faire and fruitful soil. Chinon. Touraine hath plenty of fruit, Tourayn. which bearing the name above all other are transported into diuers countries, also of corn, Wine, Wood, Game, and wholesome waters. It is greatly traffiqued, the people courteous, tractable, faire spoken, whereby among all French speeches that of Touraine is best polished. Mans standeth vpon the river of Sarth. Mans. main. THe territory of main is divided, main. for Mans and the confines therof remain in the kings hand, but the town and duchy of main belongeth to Charles of Lorraine duke of guise. This country hath on the East Perch, on the West britain, on the South Anieow, and on the North normandy. It hath three riuers Maynne or main, whereof the town and duchy of main which standeth thereon do take their name, Loire which parteth main, Touraine and Vandosme, and Sarth which riseth in the land of charters. In this country are two faire Forrests, sundry groves and faire large lands, but more fit for game and breed of cattle than for tillage, whereby the country consisteth both of fat and lean, fruitful and barren, and many places aboundeth in wildfowl. The inhabitants are painful, industrious, not easily deceived, more crafty than their neighbours save in words, which is repugnant to the proverb, That one Mauxman is worth a Norman and a half. Mans. Mans is a bailiwick and Iustice sea, whereunto haue recourse the castle of Loire, Vall, beaumond, S. Susane, Chasteaugotier, Flesche, main, la-Iahais, Sable and Ferte Bernard. All under one clymat, of like fruitfulness, and of like liberties and laws. Aniow. Anieow THis country is one of the fruitfullest in France, it is hilly, as being replenished with risings, & hills, loaden with vines, beautified with forrests, groves and vales, flourishing with meadows and lands, the nurses of cattle; but above all the white wines do bear the name to be the best in the realm. It hath above forty riuers, beside fountains, pools, pounds, washes, brooks, stews for fish, and other small lakes, besides this region is moistened under ground with good springs. It hath Tourain and Vandosme on the East, britain on the West, Poictou on the South, main and La-Val vpon the North. Angiers. Angiers standeth vpon Mayenne, which runneth through it, and is fortified with a fair and strong castle. Of the bailiwick of Angiers do depend the seas of Saumure, Bauge, Beaufort, Pont de Se, and others. Riuers in Anieow. Riuers in Anieow. On the one side of Poictow are Loire, the chief▪ Viene, which coming out of Poictow and Limosin falleth into Loire, in the Baronage of Monserean Monserean above Saumeure, a royal see. Dine which springeth near Moncontour, Dine. falleth into loss of Poictow, & loss into Thonets, which falleth into Loire near Samur. Antane, Antane. whereinto do fall the lakes and pools of Brissac, whereof Charles of loss is county. Layion runneth to Chemille, Layion. a county depending of the marquisat of Beaupre, and so falleth into Loir above Cassone, which is the B. of Angiers. Leure falleth into Loire beneath S. Florentz. Leure. Guynet beneath Chant, Ceaux. Guynet. On the East, Anthyon. West, and North side. Anthyon beneath Logne, receiveth Latan, which taketh the name of Latan, the Lords whereof do bear the surname of Neaille, also Coesnam which passing by bag a town and vnderbayliwike, and by Beawforte an vnderbayliwike and county, from whence are issued the families of Cauillac and others, falleth into Anthyon, above Audard, which is near the state quarries, whereof Anieow is full, as also of white lime & marble of all colours, and so finally Anthion falleth into Loire, benaeth Angiers above Pont de Se. Loyr swalloweth Ternaur beneath Lude, Loyr. a county belonging to Guy of Daillon, seneschal of Anieow, which runneth by the said town, and so falleth to the barony of Flesche, thence to Duretall, a county belonging to the Lord francis of Speaux, marshall of Vielluille, so to the castle of Verger, belonging to Peter of Rohan, Prince of Guimenay, also by Matesilon an ancient house, and finally falleth into Sarth, beneath Bryolay, which appertaineth to the marques D'Elboeuf. Riuers on the east, West & North side of Anieow. Sarth cometh out of Normandy, Sarth. and runneth along the country of main, runneth to S. Nicholas de Sable, a town and baronage of the Lords of Guyze so to Chasteauneuf a baronage, and so beneath S. Aubins falleth into Mayenne. Mayenne. Mayenne springeth above Alenson, and so passeth through the duchy of main, the which belongeth to Charles of Lorraine, a younger brother of the Guyze, so to Castelgautier a sea royal, having recourse to Angiers and depending vpon the duchy of beaumond le Voyer which is the king of Nauars, and so passeth close by the castle of Angiers, and within two leagues thereof falleth into Loir, at a place called the mouth of Mayenne. It hath diuers other riuers, but none of any name. Normandy. Normandy NOrmandy hath on the East Picardy, and the river of Epte, on the west britain, with Cenon a river running from Fougiers, and passing by Pontarson, and so falling into the sea at S. Nicholas mount, doth seperat from it on the north the Ocean sea, and on the south main. It is in elevation of the 46 & 47 degree of the North latitude, & so one of the coldest regions in France, except the country of Oye. Normandy comprehendeth seven Bayliwikes, rouen, Caux, Caen, Eureux, Gisors, Constantine, and Alenson, which now is an exchequer by the favour of Monsieur the kings late brother. rouen. rouen standeth vpon the banks of Seyn, not far from an arm of the sea, the flood doth almost beat the town walls: with 2 small riuers on the East that water it, vz. Rober & Aubette, on the North a great plain of meadows with sundry high hills, round about the town there are faire fruitful fields, as the field of Rohonois, so called of the village of Rohom, one of Neusbury, of old Wessin and of Caux. It is a merchant town by reason of the river and channel which is capable of great ships, so that the neighbourhood of the sea hath made it so plentiful, that at this day there is no town in Europe more haunted with marchants, or where the citizens are better seen in traffic, either by sea or land, either where there are more expert Pilots, or that make greater or longer voyages than they, as indeed it is a thing almost natural to the Norman. The fairest houses are the Archbishops lodging, the Abbot of S. Ouins house, standing in the fairest, best aired, and eastliest of the town full of faire gardens. The kings when they come to rouen do ordinarily lodge therein. The old castle, where in time past the parliament was holden, which now is kept in the palace. There is also a court of aids, whereto all the elections of Normandy, Perch, the provostship of Chaumont, with the counties of Maigny & Pontoise, haue recourse, the bailiwick & iustice sea is usually called the Cohue .. The stateliest buildings are the Bridge and our Ladychurch, which is armed with three great Towers. Eureux a bailiwick and Iustice sea depending of rouen, Eureux. it standeth on the river of Iton. On the East it hath Seyn, on the West the territory of Lisieux, on the north the confines of rouen, & on the south Perch. It containeth sundry towns, as Vernon, eagle, Passy, Furilles, Conches, Breteuil, Rogles, brain, and Hermonuille. Lisieux hath on the east the land of Eureux, Lisieux. on the North Auge, on the South Perch and Alenson, on the west the confines of Seez, the teritorie of Lizieux stretcheth to the river of Rille, which coming out of the forest of eagle, passeth under sundry bridges, as Autene, Montfort, Ponteaudemer, so falleth into Seyne at Honflew a cost town, dine doth also water it, Lizieux. and parteth it from the territory of Seez. Lizieux, far enough from the sea between Seez and Verneuil. Caux. Caux a reasonable large country, having on the East the territory of abbeville, on the South Beauuais, on the North the Ocean, on the West Seyne, and part of the territory of rouen. The notablest towns therein are Gisors, S. clear vpon Epte, Gournay, Aumale, a duchy. Pontoise, rather of France than of Caux. Neuf-chatell, a see royal. Hen, a county of the duke of Nauars heires. Fescamp an abbey. S. Valery on the Sea. S. Valery in Picardy, is vpon Some. deep. deep a famous haven, a strong town, and of great resort, the inhabitants are famous on the sea, and do make long and dangerous voyages. Haure de grace. Haure de grace, and New haven a war town, which cannot be forced but toward the old tower, by reason of the river, of the washes, of the flood and ebb, the haven is very safe for travelers, and every way openeth on the plain, except one way, where there are diuers small hills that seem to command it, but they are all to small purpose. In the country of Caux, when either Noblemen or yeomen do die, all the inheritance falleth to the eldest, neither can any part thereof be given to the younger, except some pension to maintain them during life, but if they die it returneth again to the eldest, so as the younger cannot dispose thereof in any respect. This law with some small difference is observed through the rest of all normandy and britain. Seez standeth vpon the river of orn, Seez. which falleth into the Ocean beneath Caen. It is a bishoprik which hath jurisdiction over the most part of Alenson and Perch. This country standeth in the midst of Normandy, having on the east Lisieux, on the West Bessine, on the South Alenson, on the North Caen and Auge. Part of Alenson, a duchy, now an Exchequer with right of sovereignty in iustice and roialtie. Afore time this duchy had recourse unto rouen, and part to Paris; for the duchy of Alencon stretcheth out to normandy. Falaize belongeth to the bishopric of Seez, Falaize. and to the bailiwick of Bayeux. Bayeux the head town of the land of Bessine, Bayeux. is near to Seez, which is on the East side therof, Constantine on the West, main on the South, and the confines of Caen on the North. The bailiwick is greater than the bishopric, as having inrisdiction over the most part of the diocese of Seez. The territory of Bessine is plentiful in corn and fruit, Bessine. the river in fish, and the champion in cattle and pasture. Bayeux is a bailiwick and Uicountie, Bayeux. depending vpon the iustice sea of Caen. In this Uicountie standeth the great borough of Torigny, a county appertaining unto james of Matignon, who hath three sons, vz. Odel, Lancelot, Charles. Aure, Aure. a river that runneth not far from Bayeux, it falleth under ground at a place called la Fosse au Souoy, and appeareth again half a league thence vpon the sea shore. It maketh a faire haven called the haven in Bessine. Argenton Argenton a town vpon orn, near Hiesmes. Falaize. Falaize vpon orn, standeth equally distant in the bottom of a valley, being every way compassed with mountains, the form therof resembling a long and narrow ship. It hath but three streets, of the which two do run clean through it from the one end to the other, the castle standeth as the stern of the ship. It is vpon a rock and commandeth all the town. It is armed with deep ditches, environed with two pools, and hath a great round tower, so high that it is thought to be the fairest in france, also over against it there is a rock almost as high as it. It hath also a dougan as strong or stronger than the castle. The town is more inhabited with Gentlemen and Lawyers, than with Merchants, and to say truth, there is no great trastike, it containeth but two parishes. It standeth in a faire and healthsome air, by reason of the meadows and small hills, which always are green, as also through the infinite number of fountains that water every part of the soil, whose brooks do wash and cleanse the town. They make there the best Knyues in france. Guybray. The borough of Guybray is not far thence, where the fair of Guybray is holden at mid-August, with great resort of people and wears. Arinnes. Arinnes, a mountain within a league of Falaize toward the West, therein do breed hawks and Fowle for the game, as Faucons, Sacres, Tircelets, Sparhawkes, and sometime Eagles, and other fowle as well for the game as the mouth. Arnes. Arnes, a village near to Falaise, within 8 or 9 leagues of the Sea, situate in a plain Champion, naturally very dry, without any river or brook at all, and yet sometime by conduits vnderground, the Sea cometh in so plentiful, that it maketh a lake or pool, bringing in great store of Fish, and when the Water is gone again, the place remaineth dry. Vire a small town castle and viscounty, Vire. whereof the territory about it is called Vau de Vire. Caen vpon the river of orn or Anhie, Caen. which twice a day is filled, according to the ebb & flood of the sea. It is next to rouen, and chief of the lower Normandy, and accounted one of the fairest and plentifullest in france. The river running under S. james bridge, whereon the Townehouse is builded, vpon piles and bending arches, with 4 stages, and 4 towers, and at the four corners divideth it into two towns. On the other side of the town runneth Oudon, and that part ●s best builded and inhabited of the whole town. It runneth through the midst thereof, and driveth diuers milles, then falleth into the great river, which embracing the town, fals at Estreban 3 leagues from the town into the sea, whereby the great boats haue passage, which causeth both the country & town to abound in al sorts of merchandise, wines, fish, and other victuals. The castle standeth on high over the town, vpon a rock fortified with a dougan, in the midst whereof there is a great square Tower of a woonderful height and bigness, at the four corners flanqued with four great Towers and Ditches, deep and full to the brim. This castle hath so great a court that therein you may range six hundred men in battle ray. And in respect of the importance of the place, it is usually committed to the custody of great Lords. The late Constable was captain thereof, whose room the Marshall D'Anuille now enjoyeth. At Caen they haue a court of aids, a Iustice sea, and an university, the traffic and the fruitfulness of the soil are great, and although normandy yeeldeth no Wine, yet groweth there some at Caen that may serve, but at Argences, which is within three leagues thereof doth grow very good, and thence do the inhabitants of Caen usually furnish themselves. Auranches Auranches is in the bailiwick of Constantin, scituat vpon the top of a hill and rock which is very steep and hard to come to on the sea side, standing on the top of the town walls, they may see above four leagues about vpon a white and sandy ground, whereupon the Sea fleeteth even unto the foot of the rock, which is a pillar and prop to the said town, which the Sea at his full flood doth wash, on the other side they may behold the flat country covered with groves. From the top of the walls they may also see S. Michaels mount in the Sea. Auranches is in circuit round, well walled and flanqued, the ditches large and deep, and the Suburbs greater than the town. Constantine. The land of Constantine hath the Sea on the North, the territory of Seez on the South, the bailiwick of Caen on the East, and britain on the West. The towns thereof are Carentan, near whereunto is the closet of Constantine, that aboundeth in pastures. Valtorgue. S. lo. Constances. Constances, which resembleth a champion without walls or enclosure, without the same on the West side is a fair bridge with many arches, under which runneth a brook, and about it a fountain conducted in pipes of led a long half league into the midst of the town, which otherwise should want fresh water, saving that they haue a few wells that do somewhat help them. Villedieu, Villedieu a commandrie not far thence belonging to the knights of Rhodes. Hay parsnell. Hay parsnell. Grand ville. land Heroult. Gran-Ville, a haven town. land Heroult. This country of Constantine along the sea side is beautified with an infinite number of castles, and some towns. It hath almost an island which is unfruitful, called Hague, also all these haue recourse to Constances: Monteburg, an abbey. Hague. S. Voast, Barsleur, Chierbourg, a town and castle. Breuall, Briqueber, Hanby, belong to the house of Esconteuil. The Isles of Constantine, are Gerzaie, Grenezaie, these ysles belong to the diocese of Auranches. Sere, which haue all forts to withstand rovers. Constantine is the last bailiwick in Normandy, Constantine. having under it the castelwikes of Briquebec, Noyon, S. Sauueur. l'Audebu, Hay du Puis, Creances, Villedieu. Normandy is one of the wealthiest, normandy. goodliest, and mightiest provinces in france, considering the great number of towns, burroughs, and gentry, with the fruitfulness of the soil, and traffic vpon the sea. The Normans are the wariest and doest people in france, hardest to be deceived, great talkers, given to profit, sly, cunning in plays, shifts, cautels, and circumuentions of cozenage. Normandy Normandy aboundeth in cattle, fish, corn, fruit, trees, especially in pear and Appletrees, so as the inhabitants make their drink of those fruits. The common people for the most part are given to spinning and weaving of cloth, using little other drink than Perrie and Lider. britain. britain britain by astronomical measure lieth out 3 degrees and a half, or 4 at the most, and standeth in some 44 or 45 degrees of the latitude, so as the longest way it is not above 120 French leagues, having on the east main and part of Anieow, on the north the britain Sea and Constantine, on the West the ocean sea, and on the South Poictow: the whole country is divided into three languages, whereof every one containeth three regions and dioceses, vz. three speak briton Brittonant, Cornouaile, S. paul, alias Leon: Freguier, alias Landriguet, Qunipercorantin: three for the French britons, & speak French, Dol, R●nes, S. Masco, alias Alet. The other three dioces do speak a mixed language, sometimes French sometimes briton when they list, Nantes, Vannes, S. Briew. Thus are there 9 bishoprics in britain, and on the east the riuers of Cosnon, Sarth, and do part it from Normandy & main. main and Loire from Anieow. Dol. Dol a bishopric, sometimes an Archbishoprike. S. Malo. S. Malo, alias Alet, a bishopric not far from Dol. Caucale. Caucale, a haven town. Combourg. Combourge. Sābriard. Sambriard where they take makrels in May. Dinant. Dinant a faire town, the river of Rause runneth by it, and not far off falleth into the sea, which maketh the town far richer and of greater traffic. Chasteau-Briant, Chasteau-Briant. belonging unto the lords of montmoremcy. Lambales, Lambales whereof the country is called Lambalois, and dependeth vpon the bishopric of S. B●ieu. Treguier, Treguier alias Landriguet, Quinp●●…, standeth vpon a point running into the sea, scituat in the waters, and oftentimes watered with the flood and ebb of the sea, ships do arrive there to the great commodity of the inhabitants. Vannes, Vannes. wherein standeth the castle of Hermine. S. Brieux, S. Brieux there is a great rock which serveth for a harbour to ships against wind and wether, vpon the which standeth the castle. Quintin a town and castle, Quintin. near whereunto is a forest ten great leagues long. Iugon, Iugon. a town near whereto is the forest of Hunandye, also the castle of Corlay belonging to the Lord of Ton. Auongour, Auongour. Guimpgand. Lambalois. a town and ancient house descended of the race of the duke of britain. Guimpgand. Lambalois a land in the marches of S. Brieu, where they make more parchment than in any country of france, by reason of the plenty of cattle. Leons, or S. paul a bishopric. Cornouail, Leons. a bishopric. Renes the parliament seat for all britain, Cornouail Renes. standing on the river of Vilene, not far from Chambourg and Guerch. Rohan an ancient house. Rohan. Guymenay, Guymenay. descended of the marshals of Gye. Nantes upon Loire, there is a chamber of accounts. Nantes. In the territory of Nantes are Anc●nys vpon loire. Clipson, Montagne, on the cost of Poictow. britain britain is one of the fruitfullest and goodliest countries in france in arable land, meadows, lands for pasture, forrests: traffic vpon the sea, salt, iron, led, in some places silver mynes. There groweth also some wine, but it is but small. The Brittains are generally tractable, but those that are nearer the sea cost are not so courteous as the rest. They are sly and subtle, though naturally they seem dull and gross. They love their profit, and haunt taverns, where they make most of their bargains. La-Val. La-Val, an ancient house vpon the borders of britain and main. In britain are also Rieux, Raiz, Blossac, Ponthieure, Vitrye, Fougeres, and As●erac. Poictowe. Poictow. ON the East it hath Berry and Touraine, from which Creuze and Vienne do separate it, on the South Angolesme and Limosin, on the North Touraine and part of britain, and on the West the sea from creusa to Rouffec in Angolesme, which is the bounds of Poictow, it is 36 good leagues towards Limosin. It standeth vpon the county of Bridiers, which is in the contribution of Poictow, and on the other side within 3 leagues of Nantes, so as in length, going overthwart it is above 100 French leagues. This country containeth one thousand two hundred parishes, comprised under three Bishops. poitiers. poitiers, the chief town, under whose diocese there are ten abbeys. Lusson, Lusson. under the which there are ten abbeys. Maillezai, Maillezai. under the which there are four. The Isles of Ree & Oleron are also in Poictow. Poictow hath royal towns with Iustice seas, poitiers, Niort, Fontenay, Mommorillon, Luzignan. Cyuray was lately made a seneschal sea. The other Towns are, Touars, a neighbour to Touraine and Anieow. S. Maixent. Partenay, a Uicountie. Chastelleraut a duchy, Nelle, Rochsur-yon, a principality in the house of Bourbon. Chize, Chaun●quy, Angle, Lussac, Cirnaw, Bressenire, S. Low, Blanc is of the diocese of Bourges, but of the resort of Mommorillon. Gencay, with infinite Castelwikes and Burroughs, as: Chastagneray, S. Messinin, Plauian, Sables, Aulonne, Mareuille, S. Hermene, Montagu, cove, a walled town. Vi●on, an ancient house. Mortemer, Lezay, S. Sauin, Bourgneuf, Maigne, Vouuent, Neruant, Chefbotonne, Narcillac, Chasteauneuf Dampierre, Puygurreau, Iarnac, Argenton, Aspremont Comiquiers, S. Michail en ●her not far from the sea. Talmond, a principality belonging to the house of Trimouille. Mauleon, Mortaign, Tifanges, Essars, Fon-Benist. To the iustice sea of poitiers are subject the seas of Lusignā, Chateleraut, Mommorillon, Dorat which comprehendeth part of Limosin and part of Berry, the low marches, Fountenay the county, Nyort, Ciuray, S. Maxent. In Acquitaine the Captaines of Roch-foucaut, Roch-foucaut. Rochchouart, and Rochchandrye, ever since the gospel was first preached at poitiers, do stand vpon their gard, as the family of montmoremcy do at Paris, and the house of Senecey in Burgondye. Rochchouart is a Uicountie in old Poictow. Rochchouart. Sauray. Sauray, a town and castle vpon the confines of Anieow and Poictow, standeth on a hill between two Riuers, whereto a number of Gentlemen bee vassals, the Lords thereof are issued of the ancient earls of poitiers, he that now is Lord thereof is called Rene de Sanzay, governor of Nantes, whose children are Rene Lord of S. Marsant, colonel of the Ban, and Arrierban also, Christopher, Charles, Anne. Clayn. Clayn, a river running by poitiers. The Husbandmen of Poictow are sly, subtle, will deceive a man with prattling their pedlarly speech, dull witted lubbers, malicious, disloyal, and finally to be trusted, louers of brabblings and novelties: but such as inhabit the towns are utterly of an other disposition, they are tractable, courteous, and willing to do pleasure, liberal, open without deceit, pleasant, foreseing, and such as will not easily bee deceived, they know cosenars afar off, they love knowledge and learning. The nobility is wary, valiant, and extract from ancient race. The soil is good, fat, wealthy, fruitful in corn, Wine, Flesh, Fish, Wood, wool, Flax, Fruit, and game for the nobility, but especially about Chasteleraut. Rochell and the country of Aunys. Rochell. ROchell beginneth at the gate of Marans, and is divided from Poictow by the Riuers of sure and of Nyort, and reacheth unto S. John d'Angely. On the East and North lieth Poictowe, whereof some think it to bee a parcel, on the south Xantonge, on the West the sea and the Isles of Ree. Rochell standeth vpon an edge and goulphe of the Sea, Rochell. which maketh a point therein, it is one of the easiest havens of Xantonge to arrive at, and the fortress of the whole country, having the sea vpon the one side, and the washes and fens vpon the other, whereby it is almost impossible to beat it, it hath such strong walls, carriers, Towers, defences and ditches, that there are few towns in france comparable unto it, either in strength or wealth, how great soever it be. It is in the 45 degree of the latitude, and head of the confines thereof and of Aunys, and hath recourse to the Parliament of Paris. It is exempt of all Garrisons, and Citadels, saving of one tower where the armor of the town is kept. The Maior and sheriffs haue the custody of the town, moreover it standeth in a fruitful soil. Xantonge. XAntonge hath on the East Angolesme, Xantonge on the West the sea, on the North Rochell, on the south the territory of Bourdeaux. Xaintes, xaintes. the chief town of the country standeth vpon Charente, which springing at Carenac that is between lymoges and Angolesme runneth to Siuray, Angolesme, Cognac, Sainctes and Soubize, where it falleth into the sea about some 15 leagues from the head thereof. Blay, Blay. which hath a castle several from the town. Marenes, Marenes. where they make their ●ault with the heat of the sun. Marans. Marans is a great borough, fortified with a strong castle, through the midst thereof there runneth a great arm of the sea that maketh a haven, whereby with the help of sure and of Nyort they may sand their merchandise out of Poictow into al parts of Europe. The castle cannot bear the Cannon, but is accessible in Summer, by reason the least warmth layeth the Marshes dry. Pontz. Pontz standeth within four leagues of saints, and is built like an arch, for standing vpon a small hill it doth cover the head and sides thereof, vpon the highest part standeth a strong castle, and in a valley at the foot thereof runneth Seugue through 3 several channels, the one along the walls, the second through the midst of the meadows, and the third parteth the vplands from the meadows, and all these arms do gather again together, then they come at the low town where they make sundry bridges, on the one side of the mountain it hath the groves and woods, on the other the champion where it is double walled with ditches, full to the tops, except on the river side. It containeth three parishes, it hath jurisdiction over 32 Parishes, and hath 250 ●iefes of Noblemen and Gentlemen that hold thereof. S. John d'Angely. S. John d'Angely is one of the greatest and best built towns in Xantonge, and is reasonably well walled and ditched, it standeth in a valley with an abbey that serveth it in lieu of a rock and fortress: the river of Bottonne which springeth at Chef-bottonne in the hills of Angolesme, doth wash the walls thereof, on the side of Poictow the country is hilly and of difficult access. Barbezieux. Barbezieux is within 9 leagues of Sainctes, vpon the confines of Angolesme, and is within 5 leagues of the town of Angolesme, of Congnac, and of Pontz. The country is fruitful, far from riuers it is but a wild thing and containeth but three parishes, it hath a strong castle. There are also Bourg, Soubize, with other towns and villages. This country is under the Parliament of Bourdeaux. Angoumois is the territory of Angolesme. Angoumois. It hath on the East Limosin along the channel of Charenton, on the West Santonge, which is the whole length therof, and amounteth to 24 leagues, on the South Perigort and parte of Xantonge, on the North Poictow, with a cantle of Santonge, which is the breadth, and containeth sixteen leagues. The towns are Angolesme, Angolesme. the capital Seneschal sea and iustice sea depending of the parliament of Paris. Chasteauneuf, Cognac, seas royal, having recourse to Angolesme, Auoelerre, Rochfoucault, an ancient house. Morton vpon Baudille, belonging to a younger son of Rochfoucaut. Blanzac, the partition of the Lord of Marmonstier. Valeois & Nareuille, belong to the house of Nareuille. Montberon, Boutteuill, to the house of Montmorencye. Angolesme standeth vpon a very long promontory between the riuers of Eugeny & Charente, Angolesme. which do there meet. The flat of this hill is no more than is requisite for the compass of the town walls, every way environed with a natural rock. The houses stand out of order, the streets rugged, the walls of several workmanship, but double on the side of the valley eastward, the ditches also double because that side seemeth the weaker, though now the strongest of the town, it hath no gates. The castle and castellet haue their issues apart by themselves. The soil yeeldeth store of corn and good Wine, also hemp, as having plenty of water, it is meet for gardens and hath store of wood, and among the rest there lieth the forest of Brancone, which containeth 14500 acres of land. near to Angolesme is the head of Townur, within half a league thereof it falleth into Charente. It is so deep a goulph, that there can no bottom be found thereof, heretofore covered with tens, and paved with the best salmon trowts in france. It is supposed to be Baudiat a swift brook, with so quick a spring that it never drieth up, the same coming out of Lymosin & passing by Noutron loseth himself under ground at Marton, which is within three leagues of his head. The inhabitants of this country are quick witted, standnig vpon their reputation, stout, great boasters, taking small delight in traffic, living for the most part vpon their rents, and counterfeiting gentry, courteous, &c. The pesaunt dull witted, rude and clownish, given to toil, testy, meet for warres, yet of very good courage and bold. Perigort. Perigort. PErigort hath some 40 degrees of latitude, and 20 or 20 and a half of longitude with Limosin, on the East Angolesme, part of Santonge on the West, on the North Angoumois, whereinto it is entangled, on the south Dordonne, which divideth it from again, and the land between two seas. It is hilly, stony, sharp and rough, for the most parte full of woods, some of oak, but the most of Chestnuts, which they use to fat their swine, also to sell into all parts of france and spain. Chestnuts being cut do soon grow again, and beareth the fairer and better fruit after it is cut at the foot, otherwise it were impossible to maintain so many iron and steel Forges as there are. It hath grain enough to serve the country, and good Wines, though in some places but small: the air subtle, healthful, and temperate, so as seldom there is any plague or contagious disease, whereby the country is wonderfully inhabited. The men sound, nimble, lusty, strong, and long lived by reason of their natural sobriety, for they feed little, and use great exercise: they are affable, courteous, wary, meet for warres, especially the nobility, whereof there is store. The women more fair than nice, and good huswiues. This land is watered with sundry riuers, having on the one side Dordonne, which running out of Auuergne, runneth through Quercy, again, and Perigort, and so falleth into an arm of the sea beneath Libourne, not far from the castle of Fronsac L'isle giveth the name to a small town in the country, and so runneth to Perigueux, Vezere, Holuezere. Dionne runneth to Brancone, B●ndial, to Noutron, and sundry other brooks that stand the country in great stead for their iron forges, dwell makers, braziers, also for their corn and paper-milles. It hath also diuers fountains, whereof some are medicinable and hote. near to the burrow of Marsac there is one which hath his ebb and flood, as the arm of the sea at Bourdeaux, and yet it is two long leagues from thence. Also near to lived a small town vpon Dordonne, there riseth one out of a square Tower which with his spring doth continually drive two milles. near to Miremont there is a cave name Cluseau, that runneth 5 or 6 leagues under ground, and hath faire rooms paved after the antic fashion, some altars & paintings, diuers fountains & brooks, especially one, which being 120 foot broad, is both swift and deep. Perigort hath as many simples as either Italy or Greece, also Capilaray of all sorts. Concerning minerals about Noutron, there are great silvered crustes, also ston like unto same, which the latins do call lapis Azuli, vpon a rock four leagues from Perigueux there is red earth, of the same colour, virtue and effects, as Bolus Armoniacus, and from that mine they do fetch into sundry parts. The towns are Perigueux, Sarlar, a bishopric, Bergerat, both seas royal, having recourse to Perigueux. Lyude, Miremont, Mussidan, Lisse, Riberac, an ancient house and Uicountie. Aubeter is of Angolesme, but in the diocese of Perigueux. Noutron a town and castle, an impregnable fortress. Branconne, a small town vpon Drone, in a fat and fruitful soil, with one of the fairest abbeys in guienne: therein Limel standeth on a rock, the Lords therof are come of the house of Touraine. Perigeux Perigueux standeth almost in the midst of the country in a plain, every way environed with hills & mountains, which nevertheless cannot command it, & they ar covered with vines, yielding reasonable good wine: within 50 fathom of the city is algrotte toward Vizone, which is 100 foot high without apparance either of door or window, & the entry into it is under ground, and near thereunto are the ruins of an Amphitheatre, wherein do yet remain the cages wherein the wild beasts were shut up for the combats and punishment of condemned persons. Perigueux is separat into two parts, whereof the city is walled, and containeth not past 8 acres of land at the most within his circuit, and is a bishopric. The town standeth 150 paces from the city, containeth some 14 acres of land. It is very close, well inhabited, and in a small ground comprehendeth much building. It is a iustice sea of the parliament of Guyenne, they use much traffic and mechanical sciences. Limosin or the territory of lymoges. LImosin standeth in the 45 and a half degree of the North latitude having on the East Berry and Auuergne, Limosin. on the west Angolesme and Poictow, on the North Poictow and Berry, on the south Perigort. It hath 2 bishoprics, and is divided into high and low Limosin, & yet is but one government and seneschal sea, depending on the parliament of Paris. The brook of Bredasque with high Vezere, and the march land doth part high Limosin from the low, and the longest way it is 40 French leagues long: this high country is watered with Vienne, which falleth out of the mountains of Ville. Vannes runneth to lymoges, so through Angolesme & Poictow to Chastelleraut, and thence into loire High Vezere springeth out of the pools of Forsac, near to Masseres, and so runneth into Perigort. This country being so waterish, hath plenty of cattle. lymoges is the capital town thereof, lymoges. standing part in a valley, vz on the side of Vienne, and part on the top of a small hill. It is more long than it is large, well walled and ditched. At the top of the town it hath a fountain wherewith they water their houses and cleanse the streets. It is a viscounty belonging to the king of Nauarre. It hath consular Iustice by reason of traffic, which is so great as it seemeth impossible, considering how far the sea is off, as also all passages, and beside hath never a river navigable. The very meanest will bee a merchant: the men are active, the women painful, fair, and charitable, not greatly delighting in decking up themselves. High Limosin. High Limosin is almost barren, howbeit it hath some corn, namely rye, barley, Tares, Chestnuts, and plenty of Radishes. The wine about lymoges is green and nothing pleasant, bread, flesh, fruit, wildfowl and venison are reasonable cheap, and it is good living at lymoges, or there about, because the inhabitants are sober and content with a little, and drink little wine, except it be in the towns: they detest licourishnesse, and are healthful, lusty, strong, and good husbands. In some villages you shall haue one family wherein an old man shall see his children to the fourth generation, and without dispensation they may marry together and dwell together without parting of goods, yea there is some one family of above a hundred persons, all being kinsfolks, which live together and haue al their goods common as it were in a college. The rest of the towns in high Limosin are: S. Irier, Perch a sea royal upon the confines of Angolesme and Limosin. S. Iunien vpon Vienne. S. Leonard a town and abbey. Saloignac, Souterraine, Beneuent, Pierrebuffier, a great burrow commanded by sundry hills, which being full of Uines stretch to the gates of lymoges. Chaslus, where there are great fairs kept for great horse and cattle. Grammont an abbey and chief of that order. ancient houses, Pierrebuffier, Chasteauneuf, Rochchouart. Cars, a county from whence is sprung that of Vaugnyon. Maignac beareth the surname of Neusuille, they be diuers brothers, of whom the eldest is Lord of Maignac. Low Limosin is almost as large as the high, Low Limosin. it containeth the county of Ventadour: T●ne●, Canbort, Uicounties which contain much lands, and many other small towns. It is watered with Dordonne, which running along the confines of Perigort parteth it from Auuergne. Vezere, which falling to Ruff●gnac and Vzarch falleth into Perigort. Coreze, which falling from the hills of Mon●idier, runneth to Tulle and brine le galiard, and thence falleth into Vezere. It hath but three towns worth the speaking of, vz. Tulle, Perch brine, all three royal towns. Tulle, Tulle. a bailiwick and bishopric, it passeth the rest of the towns of this low country in wealth and traffic. The inhabitants are painful, subtle, very crafty, and love brabblings. It standeth between two mountains in a rough ground, for the whole country is hillic and crooked, nevertheless fruitful in vines and walnuts, out of the oil whereof they reap great profit. Vzarch is fair, Vzarch. pleasant, and in a good air, it standeth vpon Vezere( a swift stream, and not to be waded over during the raynes. The situation is such as it seemeth impregnable, being round about environed with waters, having onely 2 ways to come to it. The soil is fruitful in corn, Wine, and chestnuts, and the riuers in Fish. The townsmen love weapons, are warlike, and care not for traffic. Bryues. Bryues standeth in a faire champion, with wood, wine, arable and meadow sufficient, were it not the bishopric, it would bee no great matter, for the inhabitants are not much given to travell. Other towns, Treignac, Douzenac, Alassac, Beaulieu, Neissac, Vslet. S. angel and others, al standing in a faire and fruitful soil. ancient houses, Ventadour, Combort, Turenne, Pompadour, Neaumont, Ruffignac, the houses of S. jacob, and others: much nobility, wealthy and valiant. The Limosin is grave wary, ripe, wise, subtle, and crafty, not too hasty in his doings, diligent and painful, ready enough to do pleasure, niggardly and slovenly at home. The gentry are most hardy and valiant, and the citizens are more civil than the clowns. Auuergne. Auuergne AVuergne standeth in the 44 degree and a half of the North latitude, having on the East foreste and lions, on the South Velay and Geuoudan, on the North Bourbon and la March, on the West high Limosin, there is also high Auuergne and base Auuergne, which is the same that standeth in the champion and plain name Limagne, by reason of the river Lamone or Lymone, which falleth from the mountaines into Limagne, and so taketh his course toward S. flower, Nochers, S. Amaw, and S. Saturnine, from whence it falleth into Allier, it is the fruit fullest place of Auuergne, and in dead hath always been accounted the chief, besides that, Clermont which is the capital of the country standeth therein, near whereunto there are vaults under the ground whereby a man may walk well a league under ground. Clermont standeth at the end of the plain country, 〈◇〉 which endeth at the foot of the mountain of doom, upon a hil every way 〈◇〉 with 〈◇〉 full final hills, from whence sundry brooks and fountains do fall, the streets, houses and buildings are of little cost, and seem as they had been made in hast. Before the 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 standeth one of the fairest fountains in france, which is brought by pipes under the 〈◇〉 a place called ●●on. The town is n●w 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 good 〈◇〉 〈◇〉 strong ways & divers towers without the 〈◇〉 standeth the abbey of ● Allier, through the 〈◇〉 runneth a stream name F●●●●●●ne whereupon standeth the bridge of L●●●●●●●●… which is of 〈…〉 of the water of a fountain which 〈…〉 ston: this fountain 〈…〉 river, whereto as 〈…〉 wherethrough it passeth 〈…〉. The bridge is 10 fathom long, 6 fathom thick and 8 fathom wide. 〈◇〉 Clermont there is a fountain whose water tasteth as 〈◇〉, but 〈◇〉 to drink. There is also 〈…〉 〈…〉 Combrailes, Montagri, Aigues perses, Clermont, Monpensier, it is the second of the country, and is wealthy and rich, standing in the fat of the country. Montserrant. Montserrant, the chief of Lymagne. It is one of the fairest towns in Auuergne, and enriched with the court of generals. There are also other towns, as Billon, Issoire, Briond, Tusonne, Langeac, S. Germain, Lambron, Aigues-perses, Eusureule, S. Porsain, besides many other towns, burroughs, villages and castles, belonging to diuers great Lords, as Montagu, Montmorin, Montgazon, Antregues, Cuseron, Rundan, Montpensier, Rauil, Fontauiles. Limagne Limagne is 20 leagues long from old Bryond unto Ganat or S. Porsain, and eight leagues broad from the mount of Puy de Doyne unto Tier a wealthye town. All the soil is fruitful in corn, wine, wood, meadows, fountains, riuers, hot baths, saffron, silver mines, and all sorts of merchandise. The spring of Allier is 4 leagues beneath Bryond, it runneth by Vsson, where is a goodly mine of gold and azure, thence to Pont de Chaldam, a small town where it beginneth to carry boats so to S. Pisain the least town of Lymagne. High Auuergne. High Auuergne consisteth in mountayns, having on the East Velay, on the West Quercy, on the south rovergue, on the North Lymagne, S. flower is the head town thereof standing vpon a high rock, which seemeth to be hewn plumb down with the chisell, it is a wealthy town and bishops sea. Orillac. Orillac the second of high Auuergne, a bailiwick and iustice sea, whereupon do depend the seas of S flower, Carlat, Morat, and others, which haue no other traffic than such cattle as they are able to feed, although in diuers soils of the towns aforesaid there be plenty of grain of all sorts, because al Auuergne is of itself fruitful, except on the side where the vines cannot prosper by reason of the height of the hills, which are always covered with snow, and yet are always very profitable, in respect of their pastures and cheese. Other notable places of Auuergne: Pontgibaut. roar. Pongibaut, a small town 4 leagues from Clermont. roar, a village near to Pontgibaut, both appertaining to the Lord of Fayet. There is a silver mine which by the kings leave the said Lord hath caused to be searched with profit. Dome-hill, Dome-hill. a league from Clermont, it is pleasant and one of the highest in france, fruitful in pastures and simples. Cosme-hill, Cosme-hil which is laden with trees and pastures, near whereunto in a place called Cherre, is a fountain which in the greatest heat of summer is all frozen and full of ice, and in the winter and coldest time doth thaw, yielding smoke as out of a furnace. The golden hill is a good league high, Golden hill. and hath plenty of pasture and springs which make the head of Dordonne. It hath also baths both hote, lukewarm and could, whereby yearly diuers diseased persons do by washing themselves find ease. There is also Besse, Besse. a town standing near to the hill of gold or D'or, within a quarter of a league whereof there is a great lake, almost on the top of a hill, of which lake there can no bottom be found, neither can it be perceived that any other water hath recourse thereunto, and if any do cast any ston thereinto, let him assure himself of thunder, lightning, hail, and rain. Creux de Soultis. Not far from this lake there is a goulph called Creux de Soultis whereinto casting a ston you shall hear a most wonderful noise and roaring, which also in summer it maketh though nothing be cast therein. near to the town of V●chy is a fountain of hote water, which causeth that near thereunto be sovereign baths for such as will bath themselves therein in april, May and September. At Chaudes-Aigues, a strong place about 8 or 9 leagues from S. flower are many baths wherein men do find great ease. Bourbon and the territory thereof called Bourbonois. Bourbon. BOurbon hath on the North Niuernois or the land of nevers. It is a sea royal, and Iustice-sea for the seneschalcie of Bourbonois. ●●●rre le ●●… stier. S. Pierre le Moustier is also comprehended therein. It is a town and iustice seat whereto haue recourse Douziois, or the land of Douzy; Xaincois, or the land of Xantonge; Cussell, and others that are parte in Varennes, and part in Auuergne. Bourbon. Bourbon, a town standing between Allier & Cher. Loire. Loir passeth through this country. foreste. foreste. foreste taketh the name of the woods & groves therein growing, and hath some good towns. The soil is fruitful, and the inhabitants very good husbands, subtle, and given to take great pains. Treues, Metz, and the country of Messine. TReues is wealthy by reason of the commerce which Mosselle( whereof it standeth) doth procure. Treues. The Archbishop is one of the electors. Metz hath Treues on the North, Metz. Thoulon on the south, and Verdune on the west. It is a faire and strong town by reason of Mostelle and Seilles, that do run through it, and hath nothing to command it but the citadel. There they pled not by any written law, but custom only taketh place, so that for the most part the iudges are men of occupation, and none but the only president for the laws doth in sovereignty judge and determine the appeals, which were wont to go to the imperial chamber of Spires. The soil is fruitful and plentiful in corn wine, flesh, fish, hay, salt, wood, and mineralles, whereby they stand not greatly in need of their neighbours. The people are somewhat dull & rude, smelling of the Dutchmens maner of life, many of them speak both French and Dutch: they are valiant, strong, painful, simplo, and not very greedy of learning. Verdune a wealthy town and second in Messine, Verdune. it standeth on a hill along the river of Meuse. Thoul vpon Moselle, Thoul. standeth beneath Ponta Musson, in a fat and fruitful soil. Bourgondy. BOurgondy hath on the north Champagne & the land of Auxerre, Bourg●●y on the west Niuernois, on the south Biauiolis and Lion, on the east Saone, which divideth at from the french county and Bresse. Diion Dijon the head town, situate almost upon the frontiers in a faire champion, coasted with a mountain which yeeldeth the best vines in france, that are planted vpon the sides thereof. This town is 66 leagues from Paris, and 33 from lions. On the south the river of Ousch doth water it, on the north the brook Suzon. It is strong by nature, but made by handiworke in respect of such great bulwarks and fortification. It hath a castle that standeth for a citadel. To the parliament of Dijon do resort the Bayliwiks of Dijon, Autun, Chalon, Aysie, the mountains that are simply of the body of the estates: the lands laid to thē are Mascon, Charrolois, Auxerre, Auxone a Uicountie, these haue particular estates: Noyers, and Bar vpon Seyn haue no estates but of the kings elect, and officers who make the departiments. The Bailie of Dijon hath under him four seas, whose appeals are immediately brought to the parliament. At Digeon also there is a chamber of accounts. Beaune, Nuiz, Aussonne, S. John de Laune. Talant. near to Dijon is Talant, a marvelous strong town vpon a hill, and fountain a village where S. Barnard was born. Dijon is but smally traffiked and standing at the least six leagues from any navigable river, besides that the soil yeeldeth no more victuals but for the sustenance of the inhabitants, neither is it wealthy, and few strangers do haunt it, onely the inhabitants thereabouts haue recourse thither for their business and administration of law, they are also more perfect and haue less corruption then such as dwell in towns of great resort of strangers. They love well, and haunt one another, are easy to be acquainted with, hard of capacity, and so obstinate, that it is hard to turn them from any thing that once they haue printed in their mindes: the women gallant and bravely adorned, the commons given to labour, especially to the tilth of vines, they are valiant, bold, and such as will not be dealt with, but to others cost. Beaune standeth in a plain Champion near to the mountain in a fat and fruitful soil, Beaune. chiefly for wines which are esteemed the best in france. It hath a lake at hand wherewith the town may arm herself making the enemies lets. It is strong and closed with good walls, well ditched and rampired with a strong castle, the air temperate and healthsome, waters plenty, whereof they haue two springs, the one entereth into the town, where it runneth like a river, the other falleth into the ditches and inuironeth the circuit of the walls, both of them do drive milles. The hospital resembleth rather a kings palace than a hospital for the poor, and therein all kinds of diseased are harboured and cured, except of leprosy & French pox. The chief inhabitants are lawyers, the merchants and poorer sort are given to tilth of their vines, also to making of drapery and cloath of flax and hemp, whereof they haue plenty. Cisteaux an abbey standing in a great and dark wood. Cisteaux. The Abbot is as it were metropolitan over 1800 monasteries of men, and as many of women. Authunois or the land of Authune. Authunois. Autune, Autun● the head town thereof standeth at the foot of the mount called Conis, and is watered with the river Aron, it is wide, scattering, and without bridges saving in the Castle, and in the Fort called merchant beneath the Castle. Under this Baylewicke are contained three other, viz. Montenis, Bourbenancy, Semur in Brianois. Auxerois and the land of Auxerre. Auxerois. AVxerois is hilly, but fruitful, having no hill but is laden with Uines & arable grounds. It yeeldeth the best wine in burgundy: It hath plenty of woods and groves, also of Cattle and wool, whereof they make merchandise. It hath on the east, the territory of Dijon: on the south, Autune, on the west, Niuernois, and on the north Auxerre, and the mountain: It containeth 20. leagues in length, and almost as many in breadth, and hath diuers towns, as Semur, Aualon, Aisay le duke, Noyers, Sauliew, Flauigny, Moubar, Viteaux, Rauieres, mount S. John villages, as Moustier sur Ion, with other Castles and villages: Missery, Thoi●y l'Euesque, Montigni, vpon Ormensac, Saum●iz le duke, Bourbilly, Espoisses, Baigny and others. Auxerois Auxerois is a bailewick, whereof Semur is chief: but it hath been divided into other seas, as Aualon, Aysay le duke. Semur. Semur is capital of Auxerois, and standing in the midst of the Country is environed with hills every way, saving toward the East it hath in the compass thereof three enclosures, but so joined together that a man would not take them all to be but one town. The first enclosure is called the Borough, and is the greatest and most inhabited, and that of the nether front: The second is the dougan which serveth as a circled to the whole town. It is a strong thing standing between the Castle and the Borough, armed with Cartines, and hath on the outside great, thick, and marvelous high towers, which on the inside are filled with earth up to the loopholes: It standeth on a rock whereto there is no access, and round about it environed with the river of Ormenson: It is 120. paces long, and 50. paces broad. The third is the Castle founded vpon a rock, which although it be very high, hath nevertheless two wells, whereof the deepest is not above 30. foot deep. The people are gentle, quiet, courteous, charitable, one loving another, and living in good concord together, and do delight in strangers: they haue plenty of Uines, violets, and Giroflowers, the dellicatest and sweetest in France. Flauigny a town near to the mount of Auxerois, Flauigny at the foot whereof standeth Alise, a village where sometime was Alexia. Chalons, or, Chalonois. CHalons the capital town standeth vpon Saone. Chalons. The compass of the walls resembleth ascutchion: It is fortefied with a citadel. Senecey the first Barronage of burgundy is not far from it, Senecey. and is in the possession of the Lords of Bausremont. The Castle is one of the strongest in burgundy, standing on a great plain vpon the way from Diion to Lions: the soil is plentiful in fruit, wine, pulse, wood and pools. It standeth not above a league from Saone. Bausremont a barony in lorraine. turns between Chalons and Mascon, Bausremont. turns. a small town, more long than wide. It standeth in a fruitful soil, and good easterly air, well flanqued with Saone: it is of the dioces of Chalons, but of the bailiwick of Mascon. Mascon or Masconois. Masconois. MAsconois hath on the East Saone and Bresse, on the west foreste, on the north Charolois, a country in the king of Spaines hands, but of the jurisdiction of france, on the South is Blauiolois. Mascon. Mascon, a country standing along Saone, and almost of the same proportion. Concerning Saone, it falleth out of the mount Vosegus, divideth the duchy of Bourgondy from the franche county, & with a soft course runneth southward, and falleth into Rhosne beneath Lions. Lions, foreste, and Biauiolois, which haue recourse to Paris. Lionois. LIonois, or the Territory of Lions, hath on the north Bresse, on the East savoy, on the South Dauphine and languedoc, and on the West foreste and Auuergne. Lions. Lions is one of the greatest, wealthiest, fairest, and stateliest towns in france, standing vpon the confluence of Saone & Rhosne, a river descending from the Alpes, and running through the lake of Lausanne, and without mixture falleth down to Lions, where it receiveth Saone. These two great riuers make the seat of Lions pleasant, and the country wealthy through the great plenty of merchandise conveyed vpon the same. Two mountains do fortify it, and mans hand hath made it impregnable: there resort merchants out of all Europe, whereby the exchange is greatly exercised there: it is a iustice sea whereon do depend Lionois, Masconois, foreste, Beauiolois. Domees, Domees. a hilly soil near to Lions, it is a sovereignty appertaining to the Lord of Monpensier. foreste. foreste hath on the East Biauiolois, foreste. on the West Auuergne, on the north Bourbonois, on the south Velay. It comprehendeth 40 walled towns, and 37 burroughs: Montbrisson. the chief towns, Montbrisson, the capital and sea of the bailiwick, answerable to the iustice sea of Lions. Ieures vpon Loire. Ieures. S steven of Turan, S. steven. where they make the armor and sire pieces that are used through the realm, by reason of the commodity of the water, which maketh good trempe, and the mines of natural and earth coal the belt in france. S. Galmier. S. Galmier. S. Germain le vall, standing in a good and fruitful soil for wines. S. Germain le vall. S Bouer, the castle where they make the most and best clothworkers shears in Europe, whereof they haue great vent. S. Bouet. Rouane, Rouane. one of the best towns in the country, and standing upon the passage of lions and Loir. There is no bridge over hereabout, but that of S. Rombert, which is the first bridge over Loire, from the spring thereof. The country hath no more corn or wine but for their own provision, but plenty of cattle and forrests of fir, the people simplo, subtle, wary, using great words and loving gain. The principal houses are Versse, an old Castle standing so high as it may be seen all over the country: Cosan which is of the house of levy. Dauphine. Dauphine. DAuphine hath on the North Lionois, & on the one side lieth the low Country of Dauphine: whereof Vienne an archbishopric is capital: on the west Rhosne, which parteth it from Lionois, Viuaretz and Velay: on the East savoy, on the South province, and this part is called high Dauphine, whereof Embrun is capital. This country lieth in length from the 43. degree of the latitude unto about the 45. and from Durance unto Rhosne, wherewith it is watered, as also with Drosine, Isere and others. High Dauphine. High Dauphine hath Embrun, an archbishopric: and these towns, valemce, Gap, die, S. Paul, bishoprics. The low country hath Grenoble, the capital and parliament of the country. Vienne an archbishopric, Romans, Crest, S. Antony of Vienne, S. Vallier, Coste, Moustier, Chasteau Dauphine, Briancon standing in the hills whereof all the country doth take the name. Montelimart famous for the traffic there. Tiny vpon Rosne pertaining to the Lord of Tournon. The people are valiant, and constant in their dealings, careful to keep their own, dull witted, smelling somewhat of hilly rudeness: and although among the clowns there appear a certain wild barbarousness: yet are the gentry and Burgesses of towns, courteous, sociable, quick witted, free in speech, seldom dissemblers, high minded, capable of reason, and such as will easily be moved. The soil in some places is very fruitful in corn & wine, in other places barren saving for chestnuts and marons whereof they haue store, as also of cattle and victuals, both good, and reasonable cheap, whereof they may also spare for their neighbours. Grenoble standeth on the frontiers of savoy and river of Isere, Grenoble. and is capital and parliament of Dauphine. It is in a fat and fruitful soil, and by little and little adjoining to the foot of the hills, stretcheth eastward, whereof the soil is also round about the town & is so fat that the country passeth in fruitfulness and abundance of things necessary for mans life. Isere a river springing out of the tops of the Alpes on the east side thereof, and violently passing along the country of Torrentuise, and Morienne, watereth and washeth Dauphine, and so falleth into Rhosne between Tiny and valemce, on the north part it hath a faire bridge of Isere, and on the south side runneth Drac a fierce brook, which not far from Grenoble falleth into Isere. On the same side is the flaming fountain which boileth continually, and burneth whatsoever cometh near it. On the side of S. Laurence suburbs the country beginneth to be hilly, and thence do appear the high hills covered with vines, and yields the best wine in all Gaule Narbonense: on the tops of those hills is the great charterhouse, chief of al that order, also on the one side is the excellent vinegrounde of Challemont. At Grenoble they haue also a chamber of accounts. Romans standeth vpon Isere, Romans. and is one of the fairest and wealthiest towns in the country. Viennois. Viennois a county having on the East side savoy on the West Rhosne, on the North Lionois, on the south Valentinois. Vienne is head thereof. Valentinois. Valentinois hath on the North Viennois, on the south avignon, on the East high Dauphine, on the west Rosne and Viuarets, the soil is fruitful. valemce. valemce, the head town thereof standeth along Rhosne, having on the east the fountains of Charon which are so vaulted that a man may go upright under them, of the one of thē there can neither head nor spring be found. The town is wealthy & of traffic, within a league therof Isere falleth into Rhosne at a place called Consolans. It is walled with two strong walls, and flanqued with sundry towers equally distant each from other. It hath a iustice sea an university, and a storehouse of salt. Embron. Embron standeth in the mountaines of Dauphine, vpon the confines and passage of Italy, & so bounded that in a half a day a man may from it enter into the county of Nice, in a small time into piedmont, and in less than 2 hours into province. It standeth on a rock in the midst of a pleasant valley, so as from the town one may see al the field round about, and the meadow wherethrough Durance doth run. It is every way environed with mountaines, that from the top to the feet do abound in corn, wine and fruit, & in diuers places the air is so mild & temperat, that they gather there as good & delicate manna as any in the world. These hills do also yield agaric, Turpentine & other simples. The town containeth 7 parishes. There is a fort on the rock which is formed like a terrasse or platform, being thirty fathom high, and so steep as it were hewn, and cannot be mined, scaled, surprised or forced by assault, the rest is well walled & flanqued. It hath five gates, the waters of the fountains haue their springs in the town itself. It is a bailiwick and iustice sea of the dependence of Grenoble. The inhabitants of Embron are courteous, obedient, peaceable, no quarrelers, nor deceitful, given to labour the earth, and careful of their husbandry. The ancient houses of Dauphine: Bressieux, Boutieres, S. Vallier, Nauigeron, Gordes, Clauezon, and others. The knight Bayard also was thereof, and issued of the house of Terrail. province. province is divided from Italy by the river of Var and standeth in the 40 degree of the North latitude, province. and so subject to much imtemperate air, for the heat is there greater than in any other part of france. In plenty of corn the Ile of france cannot surpass the fields of Arles, which lye after the manner of a tongue of earth, and a champion enclosed with 2 arms & channels of the river of Rhosne, containing 7 province leagues, as long as twelve of France: the plain of S. Chaumur, Miramon, Senai, and Melemort to Ourdan & Ardage, and so toward the river of Durance, is comparable to Beausse: and that which lieth from Ourgen unto Aix and Marseilles, and so to Yerres, Frein & Antibe, unto the river of Var, which divideth province from the Duke of Sauoys land, throughout the whole extent therof is replenished with store of fruit & sweet trees as Orrenge, citron, olive, pomegranate & quince. The soil covered with rosemary, myrtles, iunipers, and other sweet shrubs. They haue also palm trees which bear very good fruit, and in manner as great as those of Affrike, near to Yerre they haue planted sugar canes, whereof they hope for profit, for the soil is very good. Also Rosine, Rue and wood are plentiful in many places, oil of Oliues the best in Europe, they do moreover gather Manna there. In province the high country and havens do resemble Normandy, as at Escales, Seyne, Cohuars, Castelnaw, and other grounds that bear no vines, but are replenished with apple, pear, chestnut and walnut, and other such trees as rejoice in could soil, for one side of province by reason of the mountains whereupon the same lieth all the year long is very could, but plentiful in cattle. They also make cheese but of sheep and goates milk only. The land of Ryes and the country that stretcheth out unto Moustier, Draguignon, Lirques, Terealquier, Oigne, Vallansolle, haue resemblance to the soil of Brye & France, for the seasons are more backward, as standing in a more could and temperat an air than the other parts of province, whereby their harvest is longer out by 15 daies or 3 weekes than in other places, neither are their wines so strong and forcible as those that grow about Arles, Salon, Aix, or Marseilles: besides that their vintage agree with the season in france. Those few forrests and groves that they haue, do for the most part consist of oaks and Pinetrees, as well male which yeeldeth Rosine, as female that bringeth forth the pyneapples and kyrnels which are good to be eaten with their Almons. Also in some places namely in the mountaines of Lestent, which are between Treyn and Antibe they haue cork trees. They haue likewise goodly salt pits, as at Berre, Yerres, also at the pool of valemce out of the which at that time of the year that the salt is baked and hardened, it is not possible for ten thousand men to draw it clean out. In air province also resembleth Italy: and such fruits as do grow in Italy, prosper in province. The people valiant, strong, bold and quick witted. Nice is the first town of province, Nice. on the East standing vpon a gulf of the sea, where Var falleth into the Ligustian sea, which is called the river of game, this town belongeth to the duke of savoy, and is a bishopric suffragant to the Bishop of Embrune. Antibe, Antibe. situate very strong on the sea shore, it hath Gene a bishopric, whose sea is now translated unto Tarascon▪ over against Antibe is the Ile of S. Honorat otherwise called Leuin. Frein a bishopric and haven one of the strongest places in all the country. Frein. Eres or Yerres with the isles adjacent, Eres or Yerres. which bear the same name do lye alongst the cost between Freyn and Tolon: along those Isles they gather coral. Tolon a bishopric. Tolon. S. Victor. Marseilles S. Victor. Marseilles is almost over three sides washed with the sea, and the fourth which is firm land is hard to be assaulted because the valley lieth high along, and of difficult access. The inhabitants are great seafarers, and do traffic into al places, into Afrike yea even into the hart of Ethiopia. It is in a manner the storehouse of all such wealth as is transported out of the East into the West. The kings gallies do usually harbour in that haven. between Aix and Marseilles lieth balm a solitary place and an oratory where Magdalen doing her penance died: this Mount is craggy, being 3000 paces high, and 10000 long. It is as it were even hewn, and is inaccessible, resembling a wall, at the foot whereof is Magdalens cave raised as high as a man may cast a ston. The opening of it lieth like the mouth of a furnace: in the end of this cave is a spring whose issue cannot be perceived. S. Maximine. S. Maximine a town six leagues from Aix. Aix the capital town, standing almost in the midst of province is a Parliament and university. Aix. Cisteron. Cisteron a bishopric standing vpon Durance, not far from dauphin. Cauallon. Cauallon a bishopric standing vpon the entry into the church lands and county of Vanduse. It is watered with three riuers, Rhosne, Durance, and Sorgue. Pont S. Esprit. Pont S. Esprit standeth vpon Rhosne. Aurange a bishopric, a principality fallen to the house of Nassaw, Aurange. where are yet extant the ruins of the most woonderful Theatre in the world, with other antiquities. avignon the Popes tomb. avignon containeth seven notable things, and of every of the same, seven: vz. seven palaces, seven parishes, seven hospitals, seven nunneries, seven colleges, seven covents, seven gates. The kings lands do lye almost round about it, for at Demipont is the entry into languedoc, and within half a league of it passing over Durance, they enter into province. The town is stored with victuals, cloth, fine colours, and good paper, Durance a river. al growing and made in the same soil: one branch of Durance serve their diars, who make the best die in grain or crimosine that is in france, they haue great plenty of small grayns which they use for a very fine vermilion, and do therewith die their silks. avignon is an Archbishoprike, and hath there a continual legate representing the Popes person. It is also an university which is fortified with the spring and fountain of Vanduse, which enclosing it doth fall into the ditches thereof. Vanduse, Vanduse. a place not far distant from avignon, whether Petrarch usually withdrew himself. It lieth in a pleasant valley environed with rocks, from whence the spring afore mentioned doth arise, which growing into a river through the course of other springs thereabout, is called Sorgue. Croux a very strange country. Croux. Carpentras, Carpentras Vaison, bishoprics. Mirtegue Salon of Croux, Martegue &c. S. Chama, towns. The 3 M●ries, a cost town between Arles and Marseilles. Tarascon standeth vpon the fall of Durance into Rhosne. Tarascon Arles an archbishoprike nigh to Rhosne standeth in the fens where they now breed as goodly cattle as may be. Arles. therein are to be seen the ruins of an Amphitheatre. Being past Arles ye come to Camargue a fruitful soil whereon standeth S. Giles the head town of the country, also Aiguemortes so termed of the still and sleeping waters. This town standeth vpon the swallowing of Virdoule into the sea, from whence nevertheless the channel of Rhosne keepeth his course westward. languedoc with other the countrieo depending vpon the Parliament of Tholouze. Viuaretz VIuaretz near to Rhosne whereof Viuiers is the chief. Velay. Velay, whereof P●y is capital, in this country lieth Tournon. just Lewis of Tournon county of Roussillon is Lord thereof. Geuoudan which on the East and North bordereth vpon Viuaretz and Velay, Geuoudan on the South vpon rovergue, and on the West vpon the territory of Albye. lined is the chief town thereof. languedoc. languedoc vpon the East hath the Pirenean mountains, on the west Garonne, on the south province, and on the North Geuoudan, and Auuergne. It comprehendeth two archbishoprikes. Narbone. Narbone wherevnder are the bishoprics of Carcasson, Bezieres, aged, Lodesue, Nismes, Maguelonne Vzes, Eaule, Aleth, and S. Pont of Tonniers. Tholouze Tholouze which containeth under it Montauban Rieux, Mirepoix, Vaur, Lambars, S. Papoul, and Paumiers. Narbone standeth as it were in a quagmier at the fall of the river of and into the French Sea. This river springeth in the Mountaines of Foix, thence passing through languedoc falleth into the Sea near to Narbone where it maketh a great fenny marish, vpon the which this town is situate. Carcasson Carcasson standeth vpon and. Aleth. Aleth standeth at the foot of Pireneans. Agd. Agd is scituat not far from the fall of and into the sea vpon a goulph thereof. Beziers. Beziers is vpon the river of O●be, which falleth into the sea between Montpelier and aged. Montpelier. Montpelier standeth not far from the Sea in a good air vpon a hill, in a faire and fruitful soil. The river of Lez runneth within a bow shot of the walls. The town is faire and wealthy, the inhabitants courteous. It containeth an university wherein physic is as learnedlye read as in any place of the world. It hath also a court of aids. Beaucaire a seneschal sea, Beaucaire the town standeth vpon guerdon, the territory thereof do stretch on the one side to avignon, on the other to Viuarets. It hath jurisdiction over sundry towns as Allaiz a viscounty, Vzes a bishopric and duchy in the house of Cursol. Lodesne, a bishopric standing vpon orb. between Beaucaire, Vzes and Lodesue, standeth the bridge of guards, which being of a marvelous workmanship, hath served as a conduct to Nismes. Nismes standeth in a fair and plentiful soil, Nismes. beautified with sundry antiquities as Arennes and others. Sommiers standeth vpon Virdoule. Sommiers. Castres, &c. Clermont Carcasson Castres, Villemans, Pezenas, aged vpon the river of Erhant, Cabestan, S. Nazare. Clermont and Lodesne. Carcasson a strong town and the chief sea of the seneschal sea of Tholouze, except Tholouze itself. leaving Carcasson wee come unto the plain of languedoc, which is accounted one of the fruitfullest in france, comprehendeth sundry Towns, as Auragnes, the territory of Tholouze, part of the country of Foix( for the land of Alby and the rest of Foix is all hillye) S. Pons of Tonniers, S. Papoul, Vaur, bishopriks. Castelnaw of A●y, the chief town of Auragnes, standing in the flat champion, is fruitful in corn, pulse, and wood, wherein also the most part of languedoc aboundeth. Quercy. Quercy and rovergue are accounted in Acquitain, and yet haue their recourse unto the Parliament of Tholouze. The river of turn parteth rovergue, whereof Rodez is the chief town, from the rest of languedoc. Rodez. Rodez a seneschal sea belonging to Tholouse, whereupon do depend the seas of Alby, Castres of the Albigeois, Gaillac. The country being hilly, is but barren, the people painful and quickwitted, howbeit contrariwise the soil of Alby aboundeth in corn, wine, saffron, and jet, and is bounded with the riuers of Lot and turn. Quercy. Quercy a seneschal sea is one of the fairest and fruitfullest parts of Aquitaine, having on the East Auuergne, on the West and North Perigort, on the south the very languedoc and territory of Tholouze. corn, cattle and wood are plentiful, as also natural coals, the riuers abounding in fish, the soil yeeldeth a sweet air, as consisting both of vales and hills. In this country are two bishoprics: Mountaubon, a town standing vpon a hill leaning to the bridge that goeth over turn, and fenced with an old castle, having at the head of the town a fountain sufficient to water the whole. The town standeth in a fruitful soil vpon the great high way from Tholouse to lymoges, and Paris. Cahors the other bishopric, is the chief town of Quercy, and standeth vpon the river of Lot which falleth from the hills on the side of S. flower. It standeth on a hill, having toward Mountaubon a deep valley, and toward Sauillac the river. The whole soil is stony, and the vines grow vpon two steep hills, that it seemeth impossible for the labourers to climb them: the town is faire, large & wealthy, framed like an egg, the streets beautiful, hard to be besieged, it is the seneschal sea, notwithstanding Montaubon hath the Iustice sea, and is an university. The Bishop is county of Cahors, and so consequently Lord both temporal and spiritual, celebrating mass he hath his sword, gauntlets, and helmet on the altar, with his legs armed. Castle Sarasin standeth in this country on turn, Castle Sarazin. it is no great town, but strong, and standeth low. Montech, Montech. a town. Moissac, Moissac one of the four principals of Quercy, pleasantly seated, having on the North and West the hills loaden with vines, on the East turn and a faire champion replenished with vines, gardens, and all maner of fruits, and on the South even along the walls runneth turn, which falling from the hills of Auuergne passeth by Geuoudan, and somewhat above Alby, thence with a swift course through a pipe in the rock it maketh such a noise as may be heard two leagues off, then enlarging itself it waxeth navigable and falleth into Garonne, may be discerned by the space of two leagues. This is the greatest trafficked town in Quercy, as dealing with corn, wine, wood, saffron, oil, wool, salt, and fish. It was but lately erected to a Seneschall-sea. Lausart, Lausart. a town situate vpon a rock not far from Moissac. Tholouze standeth under a hill along the banks of Garonne, Tholouze part in languedoc, and part in Acquitaine, Garonne falleth out of Mount S. Beat in Cominges, nigh to S. Bertrands and passing by Caseres, Narsac, Meuret & others, it runneth almost through the midst of Tholouze, which next to Paris is one of the greatest towns in france, and hath an university, Parliament, Iustice sea, and seneschalsea. The soil fat, wealthy, fruitful, and abounding in all things necessary for mans life: the people civil and courteous, devout, and severe in punishing offenders. Part of Guyenne which is under the jurisdiction of Tholouse. Foix and Cominges FOix and Cominges. The jurisdiction of Tholouse reacheth into Guyenne from Lorat unto Biscay, the division being limited by the river of Gane. It stretcheth from the one sea to another. The mountaines of this country are described according to the inhabitants of the sane, on the side of languedoc are the mountaines of saint which part Roussillon from Narbon, next are those of Foix, and Westward are the mountains of Cominges, Aure, Bigorre, asp, S. Serance, and Biskay, these mountains are wealthy, and their valleys fruitful: the tops beautified with woods, and the sides with green pastures, besides that no soil yeeldeth better iron mines than Foix, it also yeeldeth rosin, turpentine, pitch, frakinsense, cork, marble, jasper, and salt, also whitmeats, and an infinite number of wild beasts, with many quick springs. The diols of nine of clock & noon, which are two hills, so termed because the funne is never off the one at nine of the clock, neither of the other at noon, & are two of the highest hills of the Pireneans, the one is in Bierne, the other amongst the mountaines of Auronne. The mountaines of Lauedon do breed the best horses in France, yea such as exceed the Spanish both in strength and quickness, but the number is not great, because the hill is small, and hath also wolves, bears, bores, harts, hinds, goats and camels, also plenty of simples: from the same do spring sundry riuers, as and, Aure, Garonne, say, Baiz, Gerz, Dour, Garand, Graues, and other which fall into the sea. The county of Foix lieth on the mountains side, and is the nearest region to Tholouse. It hath a Bishops sea which is at Pamiers, but the town of Foix is the iustice sea and chief of the country, whereunto it giveth name, as also to a noble family: on the East lieth languedoc, on the West Cominges, on the North the country called Riueres. The Riuerins do inhabit about the mountaines of Foix, along the course of Garonne, on the South the Pireneans. Most part of this country is hilly, especially on the side that lieth toward Tarascon, where the hills are plentiful in iron mynes and natural coals. Carmain a county. Carmain The Lordship of Mirepoix, are of the dependences of Foix At this day there be the children of the late county of Carmain brother to the Lord Poule of Foix one of the privy counsel, but the Lords of Mirepoix are come of the family of levy. Caseres vpon Garonne, Caseres. and Rieux a bishopric not far from the same river, are between Tholouse and Cominges. Cominges a county nigh unto Foix, Cominges which lieth on the East thereof, having on the North, part of languedoc and the counties of Lisle and Gaure, on the South the Pireneans, and on the West Estrac, and Armignac, it is divided into the higher and the lower, the higher is all hillye, comprehending the towns of S Bertrand, Conserans, S. Beat, S. Fregon, Moregeau, Saliers, and others. The lower containeth Lambers a bishopric, Samathan, Mourer, which are the chief royal seats, and haue recourse unto the seneschal sea of Tholouze, and thence unto the Parliament thereof. S. Bartrand S. Bartrand is the capital of Cominges, and standeth on the top of a hill, and several from the rest. The territory about it is fruitful. In the valleys and on the mountaines are plenty of groves and pastures for cattle, to the breeding whereof the husbandmen do more apply themselves than to any other thing. Coserans. Conserans standeth vpon the river of Pamiers. S. Tregeō S. Tregeon situate vpon the side of a very high hill, so strong, that the access unto it is very difficult. This hill is full of Vines, and the valleys are replenished with fat and fruitful meadows and arable grounds. From hence runneth a valley along the river of sane, even to the fall thereof into Garonne, beneath Grenade, from whence you may behold Coheiles, Pamier, Rieux, Espaon, also the isle of Dodon, a town standing very high with Sone, at the foot thereof, and is one of the royal castelwikes of Cominges under the jurisdiction of the castle of Samathan, the ancient mansion of the earls. Dez. Dez a commaundrie in the aforesaid valley from the top whereof ye may discern Saueterre, a town belonging to the Lords of Aubigeou of the house of Amboise. In this country are the families of Moncorueil, Lauuesan, Aulin, Rocquet, Polansic, Saias, Sarac, and others. Lambers vpon sane a small town, Lambers. yet well walled and ditched, the vines on the one side, and a faire champion of corn and meadows on the other. It standeth four leagues from Samathan. Samathan standeth parte vpon a hill, Samathā. and parte in the bottom of the valley of sane, which running through the midst thereof, parteth the town called the Borough from that part that is termed the Market. The higher parte is hovered with the side of a castle, and is environed with marvelous deep ditches. The noble houses of this country: Montamar, Aligne, Bezerille, Polustron, Sauiquas, Lahaz, Noalhan, Cazoux, whereof is la Vallet, Esquiuso, Moth of Sauinez, Montague, Moublanc, Basside, Andohiel, Fonterailles and others. Montpezat near whereto is the house of the L. of Bellegarde is near to Samathan. Montpezat. Mouret being within 5 leagues of Samathan standeth vpon Garonne in a fruitful champion, Mouret. & hath a hill which ouerlooketh it. The whole territory of Cominges is plentiful in corn, wine, oil of nuts, fruit, millet, wood, or other things, and is well inhabited, the men valiant, and warlike, nothing regarding learning, patient, in labour, sore in diet, discreet in talk, not lavish in apparel, and haters of pleasure. The women great huswiues, chast and never idle. Beneath the castle of Lahaz there is a brook which parteth Cominges from the county of Gaure between which two is enclosed the small county isle in Iordain, a town standing vpon sane, appertaining to the house of Nauarre, she extendeth hir limits far into the forest of Baconne, on the side whereof standeth the town of Lauignac. Gaure. Gaure a great county with fair towns therein as Gimount, beaumond, Grenade, which standeth vpon Garonne, not far from the fall of sane thereinto. beaumond. beaumond the chief town of the county is in the plain, divided so with waters, that some think it to be part of Lomagne, but in troth it dependeth vpon the bailiwick of Gaure. Gimont. Gimont lieth on the side of a steep hill, hard to come unto: along the walls therof runneth the river Gimoe. It containeth three parishes, and is a great town, and wealthy in corn, but cheeflye in wine. again. again the capital town of the territory of again called Agenois, which lieth out at length between Lot and Garonne, having on the East Quercy, on the west gascon, on the South Garonne, on the North Perigort, that land containeth faire towns, as Port S. Marye, Villeneuf in again, Hautefay, Clerac Tonins, Marmand and others. again. again, a bishopric standeth in a faire, fat, & fruitful soil: it is accounted one of the wealthiest in Guienne, and is watered with three riuers Lot, Dordon and Garonne. The town standeth in a plain champion, and is the Iustice sea and Seneschal sea of the country. It is greatly traffiqued with merchants from Tholouse, Bourdeaux, Quercy and rovergue by means of the said riuers, for it is very plentiful. Condone the head of the territory of Condone, Condone. is a great town, but not so wealthy as again, for it is no throughfare, neither hath any navigable river coming to it. It standeth in a fruitful soil, almost every way environed with small hills, full of vines, and hath the river of Baize, which springing in the Pireneans parteth Armignac from Bigorre and watereth the territory of Condone. It is a iusticesea and hath under it valemce, Clairac on Garonne, Romio● between Condone and Lectore, Nerac, a wealthy town, Montreall and others. Also Noble houses, the Uicounties of Fitzmarcon, Gondri, Forces, Moulac. Estrac a county appertaining to the house of Condale, Estrac. lieth vpon the confines of Samath, Auchx, and Cominges, it comprehendeth diuers towns and villages, as Mirande the capital thereof. Pauy a small league from Auchx, Castlenaw of Barbareux, a strong hold and inaccessible. Santelix, Cimorre, Saromon and others. The noblest houses thereof are, Uicountie of Lupereux, Lord of Maccube, lord of Pauesac, the houses of terms, and others. The inhabitants( especially of the villages) are dull witted, rustical, nothing wary, al stammerers, their tongues fat, gross, and heavy, and therfore not able to pronounce the latin, and so consequentlye more unapt to learning than any country in France. Auchx one of the chief towns of Armignac, Auchx. standeth vpon Gers, it standeth on a very rock inaccessible, but on the one side: It is built scattering, except on the height thereof, where it is sufficiently enhabited and replenished with people. Armignac. Armignac is a large country containing many towns whereof Lectour is capital, and a bishopric and seneschal sea standing on the top of a hil, which each way except on the passage to Tholouze, is inaccessible. The castle is on a rock safe from mining or battery. This is one of the strongest towns in france, having a triple wall armed with a strong bulwark, terraces and platforms, on that side which is accessible, having in it a fountain sufficient to minister drink to the people and water to their horses, for the town standeth far from any river. It hath also foure-skore wells or more, whose springs cannot bee cut off no more than the springs of the said fountain. The inhabitants are civil and courteous, few artificers, as living for the most parte vpon their revenues, through the fruitfulness of the soil in corn, Wine, and other things. Castera. Castera, a town belonging unto the Lords of Founteuilles in Cominges is not far from the same. It hath Vic, Nogueron, Euse, Casauban, and others. Lectour, &c. Lectour, Auchx and Vic do all three stand in a fruitful soil, but approaching toward the land of Bourdeaux. The country of Armignac yeeldeth nothing but chestnuts and such other Trees and further all pastures, but finally it is a mere wilderness. The inhabitants are gross witted, simplo, good husbands, such as can make commodity of any thing, and given to traffic especially in cattle: they haue also honey and wax. Bigorre. Bigorre bordereth Eastward vpon Armignac, Westward vpon Bierne, Northward vpon Albret, and Southward vpon the Pireneans, in the which the most part thereof doth lye even from the mount of Aure unto the hills of Saule and asp, which are in Bierne. Tarbes the chief town thereof standeth in a fruitful soil vpon the river Adour and is partend into four or five bodies whereof each hath his channel, Tarbes. bridge, gate, and wall. It is the seneschal sea of Bigorre, wherein are contained these other towns, Try, Runectain, Mouborget, Bagueres, wherein are the hot baths. Wood is reasonable throughout the whole country, which is very could by reason of the mountains wherein standeth the town of Lourd, which is the last of Bigorre, as also of the jurisdiction of the parliament of Tholouze. These famous houses are also therein contained, Aste▪ the original of the Cramounts who now are in chief authority in Biskay. Bennac, Louirs, Barbassan, Aussune, and others. The people high minded, born to warres, sudden in their attempts, deep dissemblers, churlish, rustical, not bearing with injuries, for trifles ready to kill and slay, loyal, no robbers, nor malicious, but simplo, how beit in towns society maketh the people more civil. The nobility are valiant courteous and sociable. In Bigorre as well among the gentry as peasants, the eldest brother beareth away the whole inheritance, saving some small allowance to the rest, but in Bierne it is as in Caux. They haue also in Bigorre few or no Gentlemen that haue authority of high Iustice, but all haue lawe from the king. They cannot take notice of any matter above 60 soulz value, neither may they whip but imprison, but so that within 24 houres they yield the body of the offendor into the kings presence. In Bigorre and in Bearne and almost throughout all gascon, there is a race of people called Gabots or Gathets, Gabots or Gahets. of whom all men generally do shun and avoid the acquaintance, esteeming them as lepers, they may not dwell within any town, but several in some corner of the suburbs, & in the Churches haue their seats severally enclosed. They are all either Carpentars or Coopers, and of no other occupation. Goodly men, painful, very mechanical, they are strong in smell, and coming near to them their flesh savoureth very much. They are not very greedy of devotion, and haue their burial apart from all other Christians, almost without any solemnity: wheresoever they inhabit they are poor and live vpon day labour, ready to serve every man for his money. If any of them grow rich, it is seldom seen that his children inherit his substance, except such movables as every man shuneth as the pestilence. There is almost no town nor village in gascon especially in Bigorre or Bierne, but hath some one family of them. They are said to be of the off spring of Gehesi, whereto the leprosy of Naaman the Syrian shall cleave unto the last day. The Resort of Bourdeaux. Guyenne. GVyenne at this present containeth no more but the countries depending vpon the Parliament of Bourdeaux, vz. the land of Bourdeaux, the territory of Bazas, the lands of high gascon, parte of Biskay and Medocke, which lye beyond Garonne, but on the hither side are those countries that are termed the land between two seas, depending vpon Bazas, Fronsades, Perigort, Limosin and Xaintogne, already described. The land between two seas is so called because the sea floweth on each side thereof by two arms, The land between two seas. which in their course do receive two great riuers: the one Garonne at Bourdeaux, the other Dordon at Libourne, whereby the said two arms do make the country almost an island, the point whereof lieth at a place called Carboniers, where beginneth the great stream of the flood and ebb which runneth so furiously along the channel of Dordon that it ouerwhelmeth the great ships if it take them on the one side. The inhabitants of the country do term it Marcareth, and it seldom openeth but in the whottest of summer in the equinoctial. The towns standing in this said land between 2 seas, belong part to again, part to Bazas, & part to Bourdeaux. To Bazas do belong Reone vpon Garonne, a strong and wealthy town, Montsegar vpon Drot, two leagues from Reolle, S. Bazille, S Ferme, Castelmouron, Geronde, Saueterre, and others. In Bourdeaux: S. Maiere, Benanges a county, Libourne vpon Dordon, a goodly town at the gulf and fall of Dordon into the sea, Fronsades lying beyond Libourne, now a Marquisate and famous in respect of the castle of Fronsac, which is one of the strongest in Guyenne, and standeth on the side of a hill, with the prospect along into the sea. Bourdeaux standeth vpon the banks of Garonne which in sundry places washeth the walls thereof, Bourdeaux. yea and at the full of the moon when the tide is in, it cometh up before the palace. The haven resembleth a horned moon, which maketh it the fairest and strongest in france, and great ships may enter into the same. The sea shore is on the North side, for on the East and South side of Bourdeaux lye the lands, and on the West the fens, the marches and land of Medocke. Round about it is very well fortified, beside the natural strength of the situation which is with great walls, bulwarks, carriers and ditches. It hath a Seneschal sea, Parliament, admiralty, and Uniuersity. The soil plentiful in good wines, as the wines of grave, Larmont, Bastide and others. Also farther off at a place called Melion are such white wines as in plentifulness and goodness may compare with Maluoisy. The bread of Potensac and Alenson, that are not far from Bourdeaux, is accounted the best in guienne. Bourdeaux wanteth no store of fish or flesh, but the air of the sea maketh the country vnhelthfull, and much subject to sickness and pestilence. Espare, &c. Along the cost beneath Bourdeaux standeth the town of Espare, then Cap S. Marye, also about the fens lieth the land of Medock, very low and much subject to inundation. Blanquefort. Blanquefort a castle belonging to the lord of Duras, standeth in this fenny and slimy land, whose slime proceedeth of the gulphes that the river of Garonne maketh therein. Buchz. The land of Buchz is a principality belonging to the house of Cantalle, the Lord whereof beareth the title of Cantalle, lieth also in the aforesaid fenny and slimy soil. This country is full of Rosine, whereof the poorest sort of the inhabitants, as also of Armignac, Bierne, and Bigorre, do make their candles, whereby their house doth wax black, for the smoke of these candles do yield a wonderful black colour, and maketh the very people look with the sent of a tawny and dusky complexion, besides that naturally the people of Medocke and the lands are not all of the goodliest personages. The lands wherein lieth a long way all sandy and full of gravel, lands. which in summer is very tedious, for these sands do skald and skorch, besides that, the country is so dry, that there is scarce a drop of water to be had, which notwithstanding there be some villages standing out of the way: the inhabitants therof are very industrious, and for the most part of small stature, simply appareled, spare in diet and yet somewhat wealthy by reason of commerce of cork, rosine, pitch & cattle, whereof they haue store. Albret a duchy whereof all the country is name, Albret. doth lye in this country. Chalosse, Chalosse. a town famous in respect of the goodness of the white wines which ther grow, is near. Bazas whose territory and land comprehendeth mount de Marson, Bazas. Castle-Geloux, air and Bazaz itself. bishoprics also, the Mas of air and others whose soil resembleth the lands. Bazas standeth in the midst of the sands, and yet toward the North hath a reasonable good soil, plentiful in corn, wine, fruit, and cattle, which is their chief wealth. The bishopric and seneschalsea therof haue their jurisdiction extended into both sides of Garonne. S. severe, S. severe. the chief scape or point of gascon, for in these quarters was the ancient habitation of the Gascoigns. The true Gascoigns are the inhabitants of Bayonne the Basques and the people of Bierne. gascon gascon comprehendeth sundry towns as Axe a bishopric and Seneschalsea, whereto haue recourse lands, Bayon, and high gascon. Axe. Axe a strong town having therein hot baths which heal diuers diseases: therein standeth a castle which serveth as a citadel. Without the town there is a pit of salt water, whereout they draw plenty of salt, but it is corosiue, as being tainted with some vain of Alum. Adur. Adur, a river which runneth by Axe within one quarter of a league of the said river there is a cave wherein do stand three tombs, which in the full of the moon are full of water, but in the wane haue not one drop. The soil is fruitful, and hath therein sundry baths, also mines of iron and other mettall, and pitch. Bayonne. Bayonne standeth in the edge of the West sea, even at the fall of Adur and Gane into the same. It is one of the strongest in france, and chief of so much of Biskay as pertaineth to the French king even to the river called I-hon, which is beyond S. John de Luz, and divideth france from spain. It is a bishopric and a government of great importance. It is not lawful for any man to come weaponed into it, except the king and the princes of his blood, al other whosoever must leave their sword at the gate of the lower town. Bierne. Bierne. BIerne lieth at the foot of the Pirenean Mountaines, bordering southward vpon Bigorre, Northward vpon the Bayonnoise parte of Biskay, from the which the river of Sonson doth divide it Eastward upon the lands and Chalasse along the river of Adur, and Westward vpon the Nauarrian Biskay, of the which S. palace or S. Pelasge, is the chief, and is the second parliament for those lands that the king of Nauarre holdeth in sovereignty on this side of the mountaines. Bierne is divided into two parts, Bierne. whereof the one containeth the mountaines, and therein is the bishopric of Oleron. The other the valleys wherein do lye the towns of Escar l'Euesque, and Pau the chiefest town of the whole country. There be also other good towns as well traded, as O●tes, Morlais, Nay, Pontas, Coderch, Nauerreins, which standing at the foot of the mountaines is a bulwark to the rest, and is very strong as well by nature as by art. Oleron standeth on the top of a mountain between Courde and Nay even in the very sharpest of the hills. Oleron. Pau, Pau. the Princes seat is the parliament town for the whole country. Therein is a stately palace. Serrances, which standeth on the top of a mountain, and is the first of all Gaule. The valleys of salt and asp, salt and asp. are the best inhabited in all the country, and the people valiant, bold and stout. The territory of Iuranoon where do grow good wines. Iuranoon. The baths of Aigues-chaudes and Cauderats, are the best and most excellent in Europe. In the country is plenty of Millet, though not for want of corn or wine, the land is also fruitful in pasture, so as there is store of cattle, milk, butter, cheese, flax, hemp and wool, whereof they make great trade. It also exceedeth the rest of all france in goats. The people nimble, familiar, courteous, subtle, crafty, faire spoken, valiant in the field, louers of liberty, and such as generally will bee all Gentlemen, high stomached, accounting well of themselves, and contemners of all others. The noblest houses are Grammont, and Lusse, which bear now all the sway in Biskay. There are also in Bierne Andoyns, who is now high steward of the country, Mitenes, Iarders, Mouens, S. Columbe, Esgarrabague, Coderch, Nauailles, Castelnaw, Naseres, Laz, Suz, and others. FINIS. A brief recapitulation of the parliaments of france, with the countries which haue their recourse to the same. under the Parliament of Paris are comprehended the Countries ensuing: THe provostship and Uicounty of Paris, Paris. whereto do appertain S. Dionise, S. Clou, Poissy, S. Germaine in Lay, Tornan in Brye, Torcy in Brye, Corbeil, Montlehery, Gonnesse, S. Georges, Newtowne or Villeneuf, S. George, Palaiseau, Longumeau, &c. Meleun, a bailiwick whereof do depend the land of Gastines, whereof Milly is the chief town, then Nem●urs, castle, Landen, Moret, Ferte, S. Mathurin of Archant, Fountaynbeleau. Picardy which comprehendeth: Picardy. Monfort l'Amaury a bailiwick. Laon a bailiwick under it are Soissons and Noyon. The territory of Vermandois, whereof S. Quintin is chief, Riemont, Coucy, Chauny, guise, rosne Mondidier, Chastelet, Corby, Nes●e. Senlis a bailiwick in the government of the Isle of france, whereto haue recourse Beauuais, Clermont which also is under the government of France, Champagne, Creyl, Augy, Chaumont, Pontoyse, beaumond, Crespy, Ferte, Milon, Pierre, Fons, & montmoremcy: Amiens, the chief town of Picardy is a bailiwick. abbeville a bailiwick, and the chief town of Pont●ieu under the jurisdiction whereof are Poruigny, Dourlens, Aury, Crecy, Rue, Crotoy, Renty, Montruil, otherwise called Muttrell. Bullogne, a bailiwick comprehending Estaples, S. Rogmer, Guynes, Ardres, hams, Blarnes, Clais, Oye. In Picardy there are also Ferte, Gandelu, Villiers-Costeretz, Verbery, Velly, Male, Veruin, Capelle, Londreoy, Tonsomme, Bohain, Breteuille, Blangy, and Valerie. Champagne, which comprehendeth: Champagne. Troy the chief of the country, and a bailiwick whereto haue recourse Bar vpon Seine, Ferte vpon Aube, Meussy l'Euesque, or Bishops Meussy, Nogent, Pont vpon Seine, Castle Erny, S. Florentin, Chastillon vpon Seine. Chaumont the chief town of Bassigny and a bailiwick, whereto haue recourse Bar vpon Aube, Montirandall, Ianuille, and Vassy. Vitry, the chief town of Parthois, and a bailiwick, having under it. S. Disier, Nogent, l'Arcant, S. Menehou, Feisme, Espernay, Roueray, Passeauant. Rheims, a bailiwick comprehending Chalons, Espernay, Tismes, Vertuz, and Saudron. Sens, a bailiwick containing Villeneuf le Roy, Pont sur Yonne, Langres, Vandeaur, Vignorye, Montesclair, Rimaucourt, Andelon. Brye comprehendeth: Brye. Meaux the capital town and a bailiwick, having under it Crecy, Colomiers in Bry, Ferte Gauchet. Moneaux, S. Tiare, Iouerre, Laigny, Brye, County Robert, Torcy do depend of Chastelet in Paris. province, a bailiwick whereto haue recourse Sazaime, Loy, the castle Bray vpon Seine, Monterain, Vallery, Nanges. Castelthierrie, a bailiwick comprehending Chastillon vpon Marne, Tareffons, Castle Ouchy, Milly, S. Front. In Champagne and Berry there are also merry, Tonuille, Rebel, Glaye, Dormans, Ioigny, Tonnerre, and Vezelay. The territory of Auxerre. Auxerre. Auxerre a bailiwick head of the same, wherein are contained Chablais, Tontenay, &c. The land of charters. charters. charters a bailiwick whereon do depend Nogent le Roy, Neufchastel in Timerais, Vandosme, Estampes, Dreux, Houdan, Dordan, Espernon, great Perch, that which containeth Bazach, govet, Aluy, Momiral, Brou, Autonne, Rouxmaillard, Conde vpon Huynes, and Nogentle Roteron. Beauce which comprehendeth the towns of Toury, Angeruill, Merennelle, Genuille, Artenay, Yeinuille is of the bailiwick of orleans. Sologne, which hath under it Gergeau, Suly, Ferte, S. Laurence des Eaux, Clery, Millansay, and Remorentine, whereof some are depending vpon the bailiwick of orleans, and some of the bailiwick of Blois. orleans a bailiwick, whereto haue recourse Boiscommune, Castlereinard, Yeinuille in Beausse, Castle Yeure, Neufuille at the lodges, Gian, Montargis, Lorris, Meune vpon Loire, Baugency, Gergeau, Clery, &c. Blois, a bailiwick whereto haue recourse Millancy, Remorentin, Chambort, &c. Touraine. Touraine. Tours a bailiwick, containing Chinon, Lodun, Thouars, Longests, Amboise, Loches, Chastillon vpon Indre, Montrichard, Chaumont, Beaulieu, Pauny. main. main. Mauns a bailiwick, to it haue recourse la Val, the castle of Loir, beaumond, S. Safarie, Castlegautier Flesch, main, Luhaiz, Sable and la Ferte Bernard. Aniou. Aniow. Angiers a bailiwick wherein are contained Saumur, budge, Beaufort, Pont de se, Mont●oreau, B●issac, Chantoceaux, Lude, Durall. Poictow. Poictow. poitiers a bailiwick comprehending Lusson, Mailezai, the Isles of Re and Oleron, Niort, Fontenay, Monmorillon, Lusignan, Ciuray, Thauars, S. Maxent, Partenay, Chastelleraut, mill, Rochsuryon, Chize, Chauigny, Angle, Lussac, Orinac, Bresseure, S. Lou, Blanc, Charcoux, Gensay, Chastaigners, S. Melun, Paluiau, Sables, or the sands, Aulonne, Mareuille, S. Hermine, Montagu, cove, Viuorne, Mortemer, Lezay, S. Sauin, Burgaife, Maigne, Vouent, Mernaut, Chefbouton, Marrillac, Chasteauneuf, Dompierre, Baygereau, Iarnac, Argenton, Aspremont, S. Michael en le her, Maulion, Mortaigne, Tistanges, Es●ars, Ton Bommint, Talmonde, Sausay. Angolesme. Angolesme. Rochell a bailiwick for the Territory of Aunis. Angolesme a bailiwick containing the towns of Chasteauneuf, Cognac, Aubeterre, Ma●●on, Villebois, Mareuille, Mombacon, Bouteuille. Berry. Berry. Bourges a bailiwick comprehending Sancerre, Cosne, Coucressant, Aubigny vpon near, S●lles, Meneste Vierzon, Doule Roy Chasteauneuf, Boussac, Augurane, C●uys, Argenton, Chastre, Blanc at Berry, Chasteauroux, B●zances, Paluan, Chastillon, P●enby, Chasteaumeillant, Linieres, Charroix, Essoudun, Menu vpon Yeure, Lury, Cracay, Augelon, S. Aignan, Leuroux, Vatan. Bourbon, Auueagne and nevers, and the territory of Do●zye. Molins a bailiwick. S. Pierrele Moustier a bailiwick for part of Bourbon and Auuergne, as Bourbon Xancois S. Poursain Casset, also for Keuers Do●zy Desize Clamery Augillert S. Leonard S. sang Laizi Premery charity Castle Chinon Lornie Cosne in Berry. lions, Biauuiolois, and forest. lions. &c. lions a bailiwick, containing Monbrisson, the capital of forest, Teures S steven of Turan S. Salimer S. Germain le val, the castle of S. B●net, Rouane, Vise, cousin. Mascon. Mascon a bailiwick having under it turns, Mascon. &c howbeit this country is under the government of Bourgondie. Auuergne, wherein are: Auuergne Ryon a bailiwick of Limagne, having under it Clermont Mont●errant Combrailles Montagu Aiguereses Montpensier Billon ●●●oire Brionde Langeac S. Germain Lambrun Eusbreule S. Porsain Cusset Montmorin Montgason Antragues Cuseron Rondon Fontamilles Pontgibaut. &c. Orillac a bailiwick of high Auuergne, comprehending S. flower Carlat Murat Chaudes Aigues or the hot waters. Limosin. Limosin which hath: In high Limosin, lymoges and Iuet, Perch, S. Iunion, S. Leonard, Saloignac, Souterrane, Beneuent, Pierrebuffier, Segur, Chasluz, Cars, Maignac. In low Limosin are Vantadour, Turrenne, Combort, Tulle, Vzerch, brine, Treignac, Douzenac, Alassac, Beaulieu, Meissac, Vslet, Pompodour, Ruffignac. rouen. under the Parliament of rouen is all Normandy, which containeth: rouen, a bailiwick. Eureux a bailiwick comprehending Vernon, eagle, Passy, Breteuille, Rugles, brain, Hermeinaille, &c. Lisieux, Honflew, Ponteaudemer. Caux, a bayliwik comprehending Gisors, S. clear vpon Epte. Pontoise is rather of france, Gournay, Aumale, Neufchastel, Heu, Dieppe, S. Valery upon the sea, Tescampe, hour, Harflew, Caudebec. Alenson a bailiwick. Caen a bailiwick. Bayeux, a bailiwick containing Sees, Falais, Guibray, Torigny, Argenton, Hiesmes, Vire. Constances, the capital of Constantine, whereto haue recourse Aurenches, Carenton, Valognes, S. Lohay, Poiuel, Granuille a haven, land Herould, Montebourg, Hogue, S. Voast, Barfleur, Cherebourg, Breuall, Briquebec, Amby, Hogue, which is almost an island, Gerzaie, Grenezaie, Sere, islands. Renes. under the Parliament of Renes is britain, which comprehendeth: Renes, Dol, S. Malo otherwise called Alet, Caucal, Combourg, Sambriort, Dinant, Castle Briand, Lambales, Treguier, alias Landrignat, or Quimpercorentine, Vannes, S. Brieux, Quintin, Iungon, Auangour, Guimpgand, Leon alias S. paul Cornouaill, Rohan, Guimenay, Chambourg, Guerch, Nantes, Aucems, Clisson, Montagu, Raiz, Blossac, Pont ewer, Vitry, Fouggiers. under the Parliament of Dijon is Bourgondy, Dijon. which comprehendeth. Dijon a bailiwick under the which are Beaune, Nintz, Ausonne, S. John de Laune, and talent. Autune a bailiwick comprehending Monteins, Bourbonency and Semur in Brionois. The bayliwik of the land of Aux containeth Semur in Aux, Aualon, Arnay le duke, Noyers, save lieu, Flauigny, Mombarre, Viteaux, Raniers, mount S. John le Moustier, Espoisses. Chalon a bailiwick. The bailiwick of the mountains. Charolois a bailiwick whereof Charolois is the capital town. under the Parliament of Grenoble is dauphin, Grenoble. which is divided into two parts: High Dauphine comprehendeth the towns of Ambrune, valemce, Gap, die, S. paul, &c. Low Dauphine containeth Grenoble, Vienne, Romans, Gest, B●ianzon, Montelimart, Triennes, S. Antony of Viennois, S. Valier, Coste, Moustier, castle Dauphine. under the Parliament of Aix is province, Aix. which comprehendeth these towns: Aix, Marseilles, Antibe, S. Honore an isle in the sea, Freins, Erez, Tolon, S. Victor, S. Maximin, Casteron, Pont S. Esprit, Craux, Tarascon, Martegue, Salon of Craux, S. Chama, the 3 Maries, Arles, S. Giles; Aguimortes, Senas, Malemort, Ourdon, Andage, Escalles, Seiues, Colmars, Castelaume, Riez, Moustier, Draguignon, Lirques, Folcaquier, Vallensolle, Oigne. avignon Cauallon Nice Aurenge and Carpentras are not the kings. under the Parliament of Tholouze is languedoc with other Countries, Tholouze as: Viuarets, whereof Viuiers is chief. Velay, wherein standeth Puy and Tournon. Geuoudan, whereof lined is capital. languedoc, which comprehendeth Tholouse Narbone Carcasson Beziers aged Lodesne Castelnaw airy the chief town of Lauragnes. rovergue containing Rhodes Alby and Castres, Albygeois. Roueray containing Cahors Montaubon Castleserrasin Montech Moissac and Lausarte. Guyenne hath recourse also to Tholouse. Foix a county, comprehending the towns of Paumiers Sauerdun Masers Carmain Mirepoix and Rieux. Cominges, containing S. Bertrand Conserans S. Fregeon S. Beat Montregeau Saliers Coheilles Paumier Esperon. Also in the low country of Cominges, Lombers Samathan Ile Dodon Muret Ruimes Dez Saueterre and Montpesat. Isle in Iordain, a county containing the town of Lauignac. Gaure, a county containing the towns of Gimont beaumond and Grenade. The land of again comprehending again Port S. Mari Villeneuf in Agenois Hautesay Clerac Touers and Mermande. Condone comprehendeth Condone Nerac valemce Lairac Romion and Montreal. Estrac a county, containing Mirand Pauy Castehian of Barbereus Santelix Cimorre Saramon. Armignac containing Lectour Auchx Castera Vicynogueron Casanbon Ense. Bigorre, comprehending Tarbes try Rauistains Maubourget Baigners lord. under the Parliament of Bourdeaux is Guyenne, Bourdeaux. which comprehendeth: Xaintonge containing Xaintes Blaye Marennes Marans Pons S John d'Angely, Barbezieux Boury and Soubize. Perigort containing Perigeux Sarlate Bergerat wind Miremont Mussidam Lis●e Riberac Mantrone Branthone and Luneis. Reolle. Reolle. The land between two seas, containing S. basil Montsegur S. term Castlemoron Gerind Sameterre S. Macire, the county of Benanges, Liborne Fronsac. The territory of Bourdeaux containing Bourdeaux grave Esparre, the land of Medoc Blanquefort, the principality of Busch, the country of lands, the duchy of Albret, Chalosse, &c. Bazadois comprehending Bazas Montdeniarson Castlegeloux air, the Mas of air. gascon containing S. severe Axe Bayonne S. John de Luz. The king of Nauarre hath two Parliaments. Pau for the territory of Bierne which comprehendeth Pau Oleron Escarre orts Morlais Nay Pontac Cadeich Nauerrems and Serrances. S. Palus or S. Pelasge, whereto haue recourse the whole Nauarrian Biskay. FINIS.