Marvejols is a commune in the southern French department of Lozère. Its inhabitants are known as Marvejolais.

Geography

The commune is located in the Massif central. The Colagne flows southward through the middle of the commune and crosses the town.

History

A medieval city exemplifying the Occitan culture, Marvejols was strengthened during the Hundred Years War against the English. Following the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, the town walls were reinforced to protect the Huguenot population during the French Wars of Religion, Protestant Capt. Matthieu Merle based himself at Marvejols during his conquest of the Gévaudan. But, having sided with the then Protestant Henri of Navarre, the future King Henry IV of France, the town was besieged and burned to the ground by the Catholics. Henry had it rebuilt in 1601 in recognition of the town's support for him.

Population

Monuments and sights

Culture

Espoir Oc (Hope for Oc) is an association founded about twenty years ago, to promote and develop the Occitan language and culture. Based in Marvejols, they organize, on the first weekend of July, a festival based on the theme of the Middle Ages. Two big events take place; on the Saturday evening a great banquet consisting entirely of regional produce, finishing with a dance; on the Sunday morning, the mass is said in Occitan.

Notable people

In popular culture

The latter part of the story in the movie Betty Blue takes place in Marvejols.

Twin town

Colombo, Sri Lanka Cockermouth, UK