it exceeding pleasant and the Inhabitants have the glory of making the best Compasses and most exact Quadrants of the World as also all other Instruments necessary to Astrology as well as the Sea It is about 35 Miles from Roüen and 62 from Hastings in England Lon. 20.4 Lat. 49.59 Havre de Grace HAvre de Grace is a Fortress built by Francis the First to oppose the English and to make a Haven of to serve as a Retreat for the Merchants of the Nation and a Magazine of Ships of War 'T is said that it is capable of holding 2000 Sail and more if so it must be one of the most considerable Ports in Europe It has a strong Castle and stands nigh the Mouth of the River Seine about 48 Miles from Roüen Lon. 28.44 Lat. 44.42 Bayeux BAieux the Civitas Baiocassium of Antoninus remarkable of a long time for a Bishops See One of the Bishops whereof called Odo Brother to William the Conqueror by the Mothers side was by him created Earl of Kent and afterwards upon some displeasure made Prisoner for which when reprimanded by the Pope the Clergy being then exempted from the Secular Authority he returned this Answer that he had committed the Earl of Kent not the Bishop of Baieux by which distinction he avoided the Pope's Displeasure It stands nigh the Sea about 16 Miles off Caen 45 off Coutances and 84 off Roüen Lon. 17.49 Lat. 49.28 Coutances COutances and Auranches are both memorable upon the account of their Episcopal Sees from the former the Country thereabouts hath the Name of Coutantin The latter is Situate upon a Rock with a fair prospect over the English Channel within 28 Miles of each other The Lon. of the former is 16.45 the Lat. 49.9 Evreux EVreux and Lisieux are Bishops Sees the former being the Mediolanium of Ptolomy and still a rich and flourishing Town being the Third in estimation of all this Province The First is about 27 Miles from Roüen and 58 from Paris The last about 45 from Roüen and Evreux Seez also is an Episcopal See and stands on the Fountains of the River Orne about 13 Miles from Alenson 33 off Lisieux and 64 off Roüen The Lon. of the former is 20.4 Lat. 49.2 What the Revenues of this Dukedom might amount to in former times is not easie to affirm That they were very fair and large appears by the Testimony of Philip de Comines who says that he had seen raised in Normandy 95000 l. Sterling which was a Prodigious Sum of Mony in those times Now they amount to as much as the King's Toll-Masters are pleased to exact 3. Of the Isle of FRANCE IF this Government is the least exteâ—sive of the Twelve which we haâ—â— observed in the Division of France yâ—â— it is without contradiction the most aâ—â—vantagious and charming not only uâ—â— on the account of its natural Beauâ—â— and the stately Houses of Pleasure whiâ—â— are to be met with therein but also 〈◊〉 the advantage of enjoying for the mâ—â— part the Presence of the King aâ—â— Court The Isle of France to speak wiâ—â— propriety is comprised between the Pâ—â— vers of Seine Marne Oise and Aisneâ— but there is added to in some parts 〈◊〉 the adjoyning Provinces whereof iâ— Government is composed to accompanâ— somewhat better the Metropolis of thâ— Kingdom It is 〈◊〉 the Isle of Francâ— to distinguish it from the main Contâ—nent of 〈◊〉 and is made to extenâ— 10 〈…〉 from East to West viz. fro◠〈…〉 upon the Aisne to Gisonâ— and as many from North to South from beyond Noyon to Courteny in Gâ—stinois It is bounded on the North with Picardy Bounds on the East with Champagne and la Brie on the South with Gastinois and la Beausse and on the West with Normandy The Soil is very Fruitful in excellent Corn Soil and produces a sufficient quantity of Wine and Fruits A Country generally very Delectable and so Fertile withal that the Hills are equal to the Vallies in most Places of Europe Amongst the Rivers are remarked the Seine which receives the Marne Rivers and the Oise which is encreased by the Waters of the Aisne which runs by Soissons and the Terrain which washes the Walls of Beauvais It was formerly part of the Province of Belgica Secunda and Lugdunensis quarta Division and is now divided into Four parts namely 1. The Dukedom of Valois 2. Gastinois 3. Heurepois and 4. That which is properly called the Isle of France by some the County of Paris Paris PAris in the Isle of France properly so called is the Metropolis not only of this Government but of the whole Kingdom It is in Compass about Eighâ— Miles of an Orbicular Form agreeablâ— seated on the Divisions of the Seine a Fair Large and Populous City but faâ— short of the Ostentations of the French one of whose Authors coming to mention London says that it is with as Emphasis as large as Paris the Suburâ— comprehended Whereas if the trutâ— were impartially delivered Londâ—â— would be found to exceed the other 〈◊〉 was thought in Lewis the Eleventh time time to contain 500000 People 〈◊〉 all sorts of Ages which must be considerably encreased since that Kingâ— time The Fortifications are of nâ— good assurance insomuch that when once a Parisian bragg'd that their Town was never taken by Force an English-Man replied that the reason of iâ— was because on the least Calamity iâ— used to Capitulate It has the conveniency of Boats and Barges served by the River Seine as the Thame Westward doth London It has anâ— Arch-Bishop and an University of great repute consisting of 52 Colledges whereof 40 are of little use It is aâ— Parliament City and the usual Seat of the French King when absent from Versailles It is about 170 Miles from Antwerp 208 from London 250 from Amsterdam 600 from Vienna Lon. 21.30 Lat. 48.45 Soissons THE City of Soissons is very ancient and was heretofore of great Repute It is seated upon the River Aisne in a very agreeable Plain encompassed with Fruiful Mountains Ptolomy calls it Augusta Suessonum and before him Caesar in his Commentaries speaks of Galba one of its Kings and says that in his time it was very powerful commanded Twelve Cities and could set our an Army of 50000 Men. It is easie to judge that it was the most considerable of Gaul Belgick since the Praetors made it their residing Place It is a Bishops See a Generality a Bayliwick a Presidial c. about 28 Miles from Rheims 33 off St. Quintin and 48 off Paris Lon. 22.32 Lat. 49.19 Laon. LAon is an Episcopal City the Bishop whereof is one of the Twelve Peers of France and Earl of Laon in Latin Laodunum situated upon a Mountain of difficult access about 24 Miles from Rheims 15 from Soissons and 66 from Paris Long. 22.48 Lat. 49.30 Noyon near the River Oyse Beauvais upon the Terrain and Senlis on the River Nonette are also Bishops Sees 4. Of the
Neither is there any Sububs or place of Entertainment hereabouts no Farmer daring to sell a Taste of Wine It is about 16 Miles from Orange 20 from Arles and 40 from Aix Lon. 23.54 Lat. 43.22 Orange WIth the Title of Principality is a very ancient City where was the Second Colony of the Romans It is an Episcopal See an University which would by right appertain to King William the Third but now to the French King It is famous for many rare Antiquities Marks of the Romany Grandeur but of most note in Church-History for a Council held here against the Semi-Pelagians in the Year 444 called Arausic anum It stands on the River Ligne about 47 Miles from Aix 55 from Mompelier and 105 from Lyons Lon. 24.3 Lat. 43.37 13. Of LORRAIN THis Province was the Southern part of the Kingdom of Austrasy whose Name it bore and which Lotharius Name Second Son of Lotharius the Emperor changed into that of Lother-Reich from whence comes the World Lorrain Charles his yougest Brother thinking that he had not justly dealt with him in the Division of his Territories cast himself into the Arms of the Emperor Otho who protected him against Lotharius and gave him the Investiture of Lorrain with the Title of Duchy upon condition notwithstanding that it should depend upon the Empire Thus Charles made himself German and renounced France against which he proceeded with so much Animosity that the States of this Kingdom looking upon him not only as a Stranger but as an odious Enemy excluded him from the Crown after the Death of Loüis called le Faineant his Nephew and elected in his place Hugh-Capet Mayor of the Palace and Earl of Paris the Chief of the Race of the Present Kings It extends it self from the 27th Degree 30 Minutes of Longitude to the 29th Extent and from the 47th 30 Min. of Latitude as far as the 49th 40 Min. insomuch that it may have from East to West about 120 Miles from beyond Biche to the River Aisne beyond Saint Menehou and near 180 from South to North from the Mount of Forks to beyond St. Vendel It is bounded on the North with Luxemburgh and the Diocess of Triers Bounds on the East with Alsatia and the Palatinate of the Rhine on the South with Franche-County and with Champagne on the West The Air is temperate enough the Soil sufficiently fruitful in Corn Wine Hemp Quality and Pasturage It affords also divers Metals as Silver Copper Tin Iron Lead and in some places Pearls Cattel and wild-Fowl are also very common here There are your Salt-Houses which bring a very considerable Revenue The Rivers abound with Fish especially with Trouts The Lake of Lindre is said to be 14 miles in compass which produces wonderful Carps some of them three Foot long of excellent taste and in so great qantity that it has been farmed at 20000 Livres per annum The Rivers of chief note are Rivers the Mosa Muse or Maes the Mosselle the Sare the Meurte and the Saone which takes its Original from hence This Seat is divided into two Duchies to wit that of Lorrain and that of Bar. The first is towards the East about the Mosselle the Sare and the Meurte the other is towards the West about the River Meuse The Duchy of Lorrain is subdivided into three Bayliwicks namely that of Nancy Vauge and Vaudrevange without comprehending the three Bishopricks of Metz Toul and Verdun which don 't properly depend upon Lorrain but are still enclosed within it Nancy NEar the River Meurte is the Capital of the Province It is not very large but has a pleasant and convenient Situation It is divided into the Old and New City both one and t'other were very well fortified after the Modern way As soon as the King had rendred himself Master hereof he demolished its Fortifications but 't is said that he has repaired them since and put them in a much better condition than ever It used to be the Dukes Seat for the most part and famous for the Overthrow which Charles Duke of Burgundy here underwent with the loss of his life It has never a Bishop but here is a Primate who has the Privilege of wearing a Mitre It is about 15 Miles from Toul 27 from Metz and 41 from Verdun Lon. 25.40 Lat. 48.40 Metz BY Ptolemy called Divodurum is a very ancient City seated in a pleasant Plain at the Confluence of the Rivers Moselle and Seille well enough fortified and commanded by a good Cittadel It was in former times the Royal Seat of the Kings of Austrasy from hence called Kings of Metz It is a Bishop's See adorned with a Parliament and Bayliwick established by the late King Lewis the Thirteenth 1633. It was once an Imperial City but is now subject to the French King It is about 26 Miles from Luxembourg 34 from Toul and 78 from Philipsbourg Lon. 25.38 Lat. 49.15 Toul THE Tullum of Ptolemy the Civitas Leucorum of Antoninus so called from the Leuci the Inhabitants of it and the Tract about it It is pleasantly seated on the Moselle and anciently honoured with an Episcopal See It was formerly in the Number of the Imperial Cities of Germany whose Bishop is still subordinate to the Archbishop of Trier◠but is now French It is about 14 Miles from Nancy and 30 from Barle-Du◠Lon. 25.20 Lat. 25.20 Verdun SEated on the River Meuse an ancient Bishops See formerly an Imperial Town but now subject to the French The Bishop whereof as also those of Metz and Toul being the only ones of this Country of Lorrain acknowledge the Archbishop of Triers for their Metropolitan All of them heretofore Imperial Cities but taken by Henry the Second of France Ann. 1552. during the Contests between Charles the Fifth and the Protestant Princes of Germany under pretence of aiding them against the Emperor Since that they have been always under the subjection of France It stands about 30 Miles from Metz and 41 from Nancy Lon. 24.48 Lat. 49.11 Bar-le-Duc a neat and beautiful City Capital of the Duchy of Bar stands on the River Ornaon about 50 Miles from Metz. The late Duke of Lorrain died about three years since and lest a Son the present Duke 14. Of the FRANCHE-COUNTY THis Province is a part of the ancient Cisjurane Burgundy which entred in the dependances of the House of Austria by the means of Mary the Heiress of Burgundy and Wife to the Emperor Maximinian The present King of France who never wanted Pretensions to any thing when he found it consistent with his Ambition and Advantage has taken it twice even with Expedition He restored it once in favour of a Peace say the French Geographers but say they now he keeps it as his Right and Conquest And to demonstrate that it is with Justice pursue they the King of Spain resigned it to him by the Peace of Nimiguen in 1679. It is situated between the 46 and 48th Degree of Latitude and extends it self from the 26.20 Min. of Longitude to the 28.20 Min. insomuch that it may have from South to North about 120 Miles from Chavannes to St. Ann's Mount nigh the River Saone and near 90 from East to West from the River Doux near Franquemont in the Bishoprick of Basle to French-Fountain in Burgundy It is bounded in the North by Lorrain Bounds by Suisserland in the East in the South by Bresse and in the West by the Duchy of Burgundy with Champagne It is very populous and fertile in some places Quality where is produced most excellent Wine Corn and store of Cattle The Country in some parts very Mountainous but those Mountains yield excellent Vineyards and in lieu of a little Barrenness you have an intermixture of most delicious and fruitful Vallies There are here as well as in Lorrain some very considerable Salt-Houses from whence one City has taken its Name One finds herein several Quarries of black Marble Jasper of divers Colours and very fine Alablaster Amongst the great Number of its Rivers Rivers is remarked the Saone the Doux the Longnon and the Louve which are stored with incomparable Fish The Province is divided into Three Bayliwicks That of Vesoul is in the upper part that of Dole in the middle and that of Poligny is in the lower Dole UPon the River Doux is the Capital of the whole Province considerable too for its Riches Strength and Beauty It is very ancient and Charles the Fifth Emperor fortified it after he had rebuilt it almost entirely new Formerly it was an University for the Study of the Civil Laws but now it is devoured as it were by a College of Jesuits who have expresly forbid the People all Protestant Books and even to talk of God either in a good or bad sense So extreamly fearful are they left the Reformed Doctrin should creep in amongst them It was also a Parliament City and once a Baily wick It is about 30 Miles from Dijon 34 from Besancon and 66 from Geneva Longitude 24.44 Latitude 46.54 Besancon UPon the same River is also a ve◠ancient City called by Caesar Vesontio then the chief City of the Sequani as afterwards the Capital of the Province called Maxima Sequanorum and an Archbishops See who stiles himself Prince of the Empire The Fortifications which have been added to it make it very strong by Art and it Situation between two Mountains almost encompassed by the River Doux makes it so by Nature too The Parliament which was a Dole has lately been transferred hither About 51 Miles from Montbeliard 55 East of Dijon 65 from Geneva and 73 from Basil Lon. 25.28 Lat. 47.7 FINIS
Province made part of Gaul Narbonois and was the First Conquest of Caesar in Gaul He called it the Province 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by excellency Name over the other Parts which he had reduced under the Obedience of the Romans It was the First of the ancient Kingdom of Burgundy some of whose Kings have born the particular Title of Kings of Arles It extends it self from East to West above 150 Miles Extent from the Mouth of the Var to the Rhône And from South to North near 120. From the Cape Ceerchiez towards Toulon as far as the Durance 9 Miles beyond Ambrun It is bounded in the North by Dauphine in the East in part by Piemont Bounds from which it is divided by the Alps and the County of Nice and in part by the Mediterranean Sea In the South by the same Sea and in the West by the Rhône which separates it from Languedoc The whole is much of the same nature with Languedoc Quality but is one part thereof to wit between Marseilles and Arles different from all the rest of France By the French usually called le Crau by the elder Writers Campi Lapidei because all in a manner overspread with Stones In this Province is said to be made the best Oyl of the Kingdom and very good Salt at Berre and Pecais Besides the Rhône Rivers one observes amongst its Rivers the Durance which receives the Verdon and the Hubaye the Argens the Var and the Arc which take their Original all Three from hence Here are also several Gulphs as that of Marseille Hyeres Grimaut Lerins c. Between la Crau and the Durance is to be found Five or Six Lakes The Mouths or Channels of the Rhône are called Graus in the Language of the Country Upon the Coasts one meets with the Iâ—ands of Martegue Pomegue Hyeres or Stecades the Isles of Lerins in their Gulf which were heretofore renowned by the Conquest which the late Earl of Harcourt made here with a handful of Men. Although Provence is divided into Vpper Middle and Lower Division yet it will be better distinguished by its Diocesses which I will endeavour to put in the easiest order imaginable First of all in the Middle one finds the Diocesses of Aix Riez Senez and Digne the First about the Durance the other Three about the Verdun in ascending to its Spring which is in the last Upon the Coasts the Diocesses of Arles Marseille Toulon Trejuls Grace and Vence which are to be met with thus in order going from West to East The Diocess of Glandeve is about the Var. Towards the North those of Sisteron and Apt with the County of Venaissin with the Principality of Orange Aix Near the little River of Arc is the Metropolis of Provence and was that of Narbonensis Secunda and at that time called Aquae Sextiae from Cajus Sextius who brought hither a Roman Colony and the Hot Baths here It is now and has been of a long time an Archbishops See and adorned with a Court of Parliament for this Country An. 1501. also a Generality and a Mint It is a very neat and populous City memorable in History for the great Defeat of the Cimbri by C. Marius Eâ victoriâ visus meruisse ne ejus nati Rempublicam poeniteret by this Victory and this alone obliging the Romans as Vellejus has it not to be sorry for his Birth About 14 Miles from Marseille and 36 from Toulon Lon. 24.40 Lat. 43.4 Arles UPon the Rhône by Ausonius called the Rome of France and in those times so highly valued that Constantinus Flavius being chosen Emperor by the British Legions in the declining times of the Western Empire designed to have made it his Imperial Seat It is a very ancient City where the Romans established their Sixth Colony It has yet the Remainders of an Amphitheatre an Obelisk all of Stone and some other Monuments It s Bridge of Boats over the Rhône passes for a very Noble Work It has a low and marshy Situation which natural Strength seconded by the new Works of King Henry the Fourth have made it one of the most assured Bulworks of France on this side the Kingdom It has been the Regal Seat of the French Kings of Burgundy who from hence were stiled Kings of Arles Between this City and the Sea but on the other side of the River runs a deep Channel cut with infinite Charge and Industry by C. Marius for Conveyance of Victuals into his Camp in his War against the Cimbri before mentioned It is an Archbishops See c. about 44 Miles from Aix as many from Marseilles and 16 from Nîmes Lon. 33.38 Lat. 43.5 Marseille A Known Port on the Mideterranean and a very ancient City which flourished in the time of Caesar by whom it was forced and made a Colony It was governed as a Republick and had a famous Academy It is an Episcopal See and one of the Admiralty It s Port passes for one of the securest of the Mediterranean See the Ships of France retire hither for the mosh part 't is a place of the greatest Resort by the Levantins and has a very considerable Traffick For which reason it must be very populous It stands about 14 Miles from Aix 38 from Toulon and 44 from Arles Lon. 24.35 Lat. 42.47 Coulon IS also an Episcopal City by Ptolemy called Tauroentium and by some Tholone beautified with a fair and capacious Haven one of the best of the Mediterranean which serves also for a Retreat to the French Ships of War Gallies and many other Vessels It is well stored with Oyl great quantity of Salt conveyed hither from the Isle of Ere 's about 9 Miles off and a sort of Almonds called Provence Almonds made by this means one of the most frequented Ports of the Miditerranean About 38 Miles from Marseilles 43 from Aix c. Lon. 25.22 Lat. 42.34 Salon A Little City which is renowned for being the birth-Birth-place of the famous Nostradamus whose Tomb is still to be seen here enclosed in the Wall of the Church with his Pourtraiture upon it Of the County of VENAI SIN THis Country has been in the Dependance of the Holy See ever since the Year 1228. Pope Clement the Fourth having translated the Pontifical See to Avignon in the Year 1305. Clement the Sixth purchased this City 38 Years after together with the County and his Successors made their Peaceble Residence here to the year 1380. when Gregory the Eleventh returned again to Rome Avignon UPon the Rhône is the Capital of the County the ordinary Seat of the Popes Vice-Legat an Archbishop aâ— Inquisition and an University In this City are said to be Seven Palaces Seven Parish-Churches Seven Monasteries Seven Nunneries Seven Inns and Seven Gates There is one thing remarkable in Relation to this City and very necessary to be known by Travellers which is very incommodious about Avignon Namely that the Gates of this City are exactly shut at Sun-set
A DESCRIPTION OF FRANCE IN ITS Several Governments TOGETHER With the most considerable Cities Sea-Ports and Rivers of that Kingdom as also the Distances with the Longitudes and Latitudes of each Place c. With many other Remarks necessary to the Knowledge of that Kingdom By J. S. Gent. Illustrated with a Map LONDON Printed for Tho. Minors in the Inner-Temple-Lane 1692. Licensed July the 18th 1692. R. M. To the Illustrious Mainard Duke of Leinster May it please your Grace THE following Treatise would not be so familiar as to presume upon so high a Patronage were not your Grace so immemediately interessed and concerned therein Neither was it without some serious Reslexion and Debate that I could resolve to make this Present to your Grace For though Dedications are lately grown so Epidemical that no Person of Quality either sooner or later can avoid the Infection yet methought your Grace was as much above the common disturbances that attend your Quality as you are exalted above the common Level of it But my Lord you are now going General of an Expedition in whose very Name encounter an admirable Policy and a certain Glory for the Service of which was principally intended this ensuing Description This it is which made me conclude I should have done a great Injustice had I put this Tract under any other Protection than yours And indeed at whose Feet can a Subject of this Nature be so fitly placed as at your Grace's You being so experienc'd a Commander and about to perform such vast important Actions My Lord it would but argue me of the meanest Impertinence to pretend here an Harangue of those Encomiums you deserve For he who acquaints the World whose Son you are has said enough to those who do not know you Your Grace being the best Panegyrick upon your self The Son of the Great the Immortal Schomberg whose stupendious Actions and invincible Courage together with his unspotted Zeal for the most rational Religion of the World at a time when the Thorns of Persecution forced him from his Estate and Dignities have rendred him even above the Turennee's the Montecuculli's and the Condees that is to say the Caesars of our Age. Go on my Lord and prosper And whilst your glorious Father's Blood inheres in you where 's the considering Man that questions Victory ordares dispute Success Methinks I hear the Men of Gaul declare amazed upon the Notice of your Landing He comes 't is Schomberg's Son why do we defer to yield We read in English History of the prodigious Actions of the Mighty Talbot whose very Name at last was of sufficient force to defeat whole Armies The Case being parallel to the great Exploits of your Renowned Father of whom your Grace is a compleat Resemblance how can it be that we should fear a Victory The Present that I make bold to send your Grace is a Geographical Description of France considered in its several Provinces the most considerable Cities and Sea Ports their Distances one from another their Longitudes and Latitudes what they are most remarkable for together with many other observable things that necessarily occur in a Treatise of this Nature But lest I prove tedious I will conclude this Epistle with assuring you that not only this Book but the Author of it are both Dedicated to your Grace's Service with hearty Prayers for the Success of your Expedition by him who in all imaginable Humility subscribes himself My Lord Your Grace's Most Obedient Servant J. S. ERRATA PAge 25. line 19. after Besanson read and Cambray p. 27. l. 15 for Boulonis r. Boulonois p. 35. l. 4. r. Vexin Normand p. 37. l. 23. before King r. the and l. 26. for Government r. Governour p. 47. l. 8. for Rhetelor r. Rhetelois p. 52. for Bree r. La Brie p. 57. l. 10. for more r. most p. 58. l. 19. r. Families p. 61. l. 10. r. Poitou p. 65. l. 11. r. Bretagne p. 66. l. 1. r. covered with Slat p. 83. l. 14. r. Charente and l. 26. after Guyenne r. is p. 90. l. 3. after Modern r. Authors p. 93. l. 2. r. advancing p. 101. l. 14. r. It should not be p. 108. l. 5. r. in one part p. 109. l. 18 after Venâ—issin r. which encircles p. 112. l. 1 r. most p. 115. l. 9. r. Roman AN INTRODUCTION TO THE Geographical Description OF FRANCE THE Romans gave the Name of Gaul to that extent of Land which is between the Alpes and the Pyrenaeans the Mediterranean-Sea the Ocean and the Rhine At present with an exception of the Low-Countries and some other Parts which do as it were depend upon the Empire of Germany it is called France from the Name of the French who made it subject to their Power Julius Caesar had finished his Conquest of it about Forty Eight Years before the Nativity of Jesus Christ insomuch that when the French had absolutely established themselves therein it had been near Five Ages under the Laws of that Empire Now without reckoning the Country which the Gauls had subdued beyond the Alps from these Mountains as far as the little River of Rubicon and which was named Cisalpine Gaul in respect of the Romans It was first divided by Augustus into Four Parts Narbonoise Gaul which they called Province because they had subdued it first and reduced it into a Province Aquitanick Gaul Gaul Celtick and Gaul Belgick To these three last they gave the Name of Gaul Cheveliie and when Gaul was absolutely spoken Celtick was understood Then by Succession of time and under divers Emperors it was divided again into Seventeen Provinces to wit Five Viennoises in which number were computed the First and Second Narbonoise Three Aquitains Five Lyonnoises comprehending the Sequanoise Four Belgick Two of which were called German because some People of Germany had long since inhabited those parts and Two Belgick properly so called Each of these Provinces had its Metropolis to wit the Five Viennoise Vienna Narbonne Aix Tarentaise and Embrun the Three Aquitains Bourges Bourdeaux and Eaulse the Five Lyonnoises Lyon Rouën Tours Sens Besancon The Two German Mentz and Cologne the Two Belgick Triers and Rheims Under these Seventeen Metropolitans there was above a Hundred Cities or Towns Heads of People in which the Church has since constituted Episcopal Sees Under these Cities there was a much greater number of other Towns which they called Oppida When the Romans conquered Gaul there was no less computed than Twelve Hundred with Walls but they pulled down the Enclosures of the greatest part or let them fall to ruin As to the Governments of these Seventeen Provinces Six of them were Consular and Eleven under Presidents commissioned by the Emperor Constantine the Great put Counts into the Cities and Dukes into some of the Frontier Towns Judiciary matters were performed according to the Roman Law but some Municipal Customs it 's probable were kept up They were not much disturbed by the Soldiery because the Legions lived with sufficient
the Reign of Lewis the Twelfth That of Grenoble Grenoble was Instituted sedentary by the same Charles the Seventh in the Year 1453. That of Bourdeaux Bourdeaux was Instituted by Lewis the Eleventh 1462. That of Dijon was Instituted by the same King Dijon in 1476. That of Aix Aix by Lewis the Twelfth in the Year 1501. That of Rennes Rennes was Instituted by Henry the Second in 1553. That of Pau Pau. by Henry the First King of Navarre in 1519. That of Metz Metz. was Instituted by the late King Lewis the Thirteeenth in the Year 1633. That of Tournay Tournay which is called Sovereign Council was Instituted firxt by Lewis the Fourteenth the present King in 1669. That of Dole Dole was Instituted in the Year and rendred sedentary by Philip the Good Duke of Bourgogne in â—he Year 1422. It is at present transâ—erred to Besanson These Parliaments have in their Juâ—isdiction the Courts of Justice of those Cities which are in the Government where they are established That of Pau extends it self into Bearn the lower Navarre and the Country of Labourd And that of Tournay to all the Conquests of France in Flanders and Haynault The Roman Catholick Religion Religion is exactly followed in France yet the Reformed was Tolerated there not long since but with this Circumstance That all their Temples were situated without the Cities There are computed in France Eighteen Arch-Bishopricks 18 Arch-Bishopricks 106 Bishopricks since one may add those of Besansonâ— and 106 Bishopricks which shall be observed in their due Places 1. Of the Government of Pâ—CARDY THis Province heretofore made parâ— of the ancient Gaul Belgick Name anâ— there is not an Author that could certify to us from whence this Name 〈◊〉 Picardy proceeds which is notwithstanding new It extends it self 132 Miles from Eaâ— to West Extent from between la Capelle anâ— Rocroy to the Mouth of the River Brâ—sle which separates it from Normandâ— and 102 from South to North froâ— Beauvaisis to Calais It is bounded in the East by Champagne Bounds in the South by the Isle of France in the West by the British Sea and Normandy and in the North by the samâ— Sea and the Low-Countries It s Soil is very fertile in Corn Quality Pasturage and Fruits but it produces littlâ— or no Wine It s most considerable Rivers are the Oise Rivers which receives the Serre the Somme Authie and Canche The two first are towards the East and the other three run to the West where they discharge themselves into the Sea In this Government are comprehendâ—â— Picardy and Artois to which one â—ay at present add the Conquests of the King in Flanders Haynault Dutchy of â—uxembourg and Cambresis Picardy is divided into Seven little Provinces Division which keep the following Order in their Situation First la Tieâ—ache lyes about the Rivers Oise and â—erre le Vermandois Santerre l' Amieâ—ois which is Picardy properly speaking â—nd Ponthieu may be observed following the course of the River Somme Then â—e Boulonis to which is added the Paisâ—econquis with the Principality of Ardres which is more advanced towards the North between the Sea and Artois Amiens AMiens upon the Somme Capital is the Capital of all the Province 'T is a â—ery ancient fair and well fortified City â—t is also honoured with an Episcopal See under the Arch-Bishop of Rheims a Mint a Generality and a Presidial subject to the French King It stands in the Road from Paris to Calais about 70 Miles from each Lon. 21.26 Laâ— 49 44. Abbeville Abbeville is a Modern City divideâ— by the River Somme Capital 〈◊〉 the County of Ponthieu which derivâ— its Name from the great number 〈◊〉 Bridges which are to be seen full 〈◊〉 Water Lakes and Marshes which dâ—â— charge themselves into the Sea near Sâ—â— Valery which is a very ancient Monastery About 84. Miles from Pariâ— Lon. 21.00 Lat. 50.9 Boulogne BOulogne is a fair and large City dâ— vided in two parts the one is calâ—ed the Vpper City and the other 〈◊〉 Lower because 't is built in a Plain adâ— joyning to the Sea where there is â— Haven The Vpper is well Fortified and has a considerable Castle The enâ— trance of the port is a little dangerouâ— and there is more difficulty in bringing Ships in secure than in that of Calaisâ— The River Liane washes its Walls and then goes to discharge it self into the Sea near Dunefort It is a Bishoprick under the A. of Rheims about 17 Miles from Calais 40 from Abbeville and 125 from Paris Lon. 20.46 Lat. 50.47 Calais CAlais in the County of Oye is a City so important to the Kingdom of France that it is as it were the Key of France on the Sea-side It s Situation is in a curious Plain and the Ditches filled with the Sea The Port is very commodious and secure by reason of two Towers that defend it from all Opposers It stands on the Sea about 19 Mile off Dunkirk 96 off London and 140 off Paris Lon. 21.4 Lat. 51.2 Arras ARras upon the Searpe is the Capital of the Country of Artois It is a large fair and strong City an Episcopal See under the Arch-Bishop of Cambray subject to the French King â—bout 15 Miles off Doway 20 off Caâ—bray 92 off Paris Lon. 21.55 Laâ— 50.20 Saint-Omer SAint-Omer a Bishops See upon 〈◊〉 Aa and Aire upon the Velule boâ—â— in Artois were yielded to the King 〈◊〉 Spain by the Peace of 1659. But find the French are become Masters of theâ— by the Peace of Nimeguen Lon. 21 2â— Lat. 50.52 Tournay TOurnay upon the Scheld is an Epicopal City of Flanders which Lew is the Fourteenth has honoured with â— Sovereign Council under whose Juriâ—diction are all the Courts of Justice iâ— the Low-Countries depending upon France About 20 Miles off Doway and 32 off Mons. Lon. 22.36 Lat. 50 43â— Cambray CAmbray upon the Scheld is the Capital of Cambresis an Arch-Bishops See Fortisied with one of the best Citadels of all the Low-Countries which has a long time served as a Bulwork against the Spaniards Within 34 Miles of Mons 40 off Amiens and 94 off Paris Luxmbourgh Capital of its Province and Valencienne upon the Scheld are also very considerable Places Lon. 22.24 Lat. 50.51 Ypres is a strong City of the Low-Countries in the Earldom of Flanders a Bishoprick under the A. of Mechâ—â—n subject to the French It stands in a fruitful Plain within 18 Miles off Newport 23 off Dunkirk and 35 off Ghent Lon. 22.3 Lat. 50.57 Dunkirk is a strong Sea-Port Town and Castle in the Earldom of Flanders subject to the French about to Miles from Graveling 16 off Newport 19 off Calais and 24 off Ostend Lon. 21.30 Lat. 51.7 Mons or Bergen a very strong and rich City of the Low-Countries Capital of Haiuault subject to the French and taken in 1691 about 27 Miles from Brussels 37 from
Government of CHAMPAGNE THis Country was heretofore famous through the Grandeure of its ancient Earls who were Sovereign Princes and withal so powerful that they have sustained long and vigorous Wars against the Kings of France and Burgundy and so nobly esteemed of that those Kings have not disdained to seek their Alliance They bear the Title of Earl and Pear of France It s Name undoubtedly proceeds from the delightful and spacious Plains that are therein particularly about Rheims and Chaalons It extends it self above 138 Miles from West to South-East from Lagny in Brie to Bourbonnecls-Bains in Bassigny and 162 from South to North from Ravieres in Senonois to Rocroy in Rhetelo It is bounded on the North by the Duchy of Luxemburg and Haynault on the East by Lorrain on the South by Burgundy and on the West by the Isle of France The Soil is for the most part white and chalky bearing no other Corn but Rye yet it produces most excellent Wine There are but few Forests towards the South but in the Nothern part they are more frequent where also is to be found several Mines of Iron It s principal Rivers are the Seine which receives the Ionne and the Aube the Marne the Aisne and the Vesle This Government comprehends Champagne and Brie Champagne is divided into Upper and Lower The first comprises the Territories of Chaalons and Rheims Pershois Rethelois and the Principality of Sedan and Raucort with the Provostship of Donchery The other comprehends the Territory of Troyes Vallage and Bassigny together with Senonois The chief Cities are Troyes TRoyes upon the Seine is the Capital City of the whole Province It was the Habitation of the ancient Earls of Champagne whose Tombs it still preserves it doth now enclose many Jurisdictions being one of the best of the Kingdom very populous and rich upon the account of its Fairs inhabited by a great number of substantial Merchants Among other things they make here a vast Quantity of Paper It is adorned with an Episcopal See a Mint and a Presidial About 32 Miles from Sens 68 from Rheims and 80 from Paris Longitude 23.17 Latitude 48.7 Rheims AN Archbishops See who is the first Duke and Peer of France seated upon the River Vasle At this City the Kings of France are usually crowned that so they may enjoy the Unction of a sacred Oil preserved in the Cathedral Church here which they say came down from Heaven and never decreaseth the Truth of which I leave to the Reader 's Judgment to determine especially if he has read Gregory d' Tours who is so prodigal of his Miracles and yet doth not mention this The Arch-Bishop hereof has the Glory and Privilege of anointing the French Kings It is a Presidial See and an University of no small esteem wherein there is a College appointed for the Education of young English Fugitives The first Seminary for this purpose was erected at Doway in the year 1568. A second at Rome by Pope Gregory the Thirteenth a 3d. at Valladolid in Spain by King Philip II. a fourth in Lovain a Town of Brabant and a fifth here by the Dukes of Guise about 72 miles from Paris Longitude 23.18 Latitude 49.13 Sens. BEtween the Rivers Yonne and Seine stands the City of Sens Civitaâ— Senonum in Antoninus renowned for the ancient Senonois who made great Conquests in Italy and Greece The Cathedral Church has Ornaments of an immense value the Appurtenances of the Altar being of Massy Gold garnished with Pearls It has an Archbishop who styles himself Primate of the Gauls also a Bayliwick and a Presidial About 30 Miles from Troyes 28 from Auxerre 60 from Paris Long. 22.29 Lat. 48.2 Langres THe Capital of Bassigny seated very advantagiously near the River Marne and not far from the Head-Spring or Fountain of the River Seine One may see here Marks of a great Antiquity 't is very strong and has the Reputation of being never taken It s Bishop is a Duke and one of the twelve ancient Peers of France He is also a Marquis Earl and Baron It has also a Presidial See About 40 Miles from Dijon 56 from Troyes Long. 24.32 Lat. 47.44 Chaalons UPon the River Marne is famous for the great quantity of Woollen-Cloth it conveys to Paris by way of the Marne In the year 453. there was a memorable Battel fought in the Neighbouring Plains where Attila King of the Huns who qualified himself the Scourge of God was defeated by Merouee assisted by Theodoric King of the Visigoths who was slain and Aetius Lieutenant to the Emperor Valentinian the Third 180000 Men were left upon the place It is a Bishops See who is an Earl and Peer and has a Generality and Presidial About 24 Miles from Rheims 50 from Troyes Long. 23.38 Lat. 48.54 Rethel BEtween the Aisne and the Meuse lies Rethel which communicates its Name to the Dutchy of Rethelois and which is at present called Mazarin Few Cities have been so often taken as this has been in the last Wars There was an expectation in these Quarters of Seeing the Conjunction of the River Aisne with the Meuse by the means of the little River Barre and so to have the conveniences of Navigation by Rivers from Paris to Holland about 22 Miles from Rheims and 24 from Chaalons Long. 23.42 Lat. 49.29 Brie THis Province is situated between the Seine and the Marne and its Extent from East to West is about 30 or 36 Miles from North to South much the same distance It s Soil is not every where alike for near Champagne and towards Chateau-Thierry it produces tolerable Wine and towards the Isle of France as also about Meaux the Wine is much grosser There is every where good store of Corn delicious Fruits and good Pasturage The Country is very fine and very agreeable for the diversion of Hunting Meaux UPon the River Marne is the most considerable of the Cities of the Upper Brie It is very ancient honoured with a Bishoprick and a Bayliwick about 24 Miles from Paris Chateau-Thierry upon the same River bears the Title of Dutchy and passes for the Capital of the Upper Brie It is adorned with a Bayliwick and a Presidial See Provins upon the little River of Vouzie is received by some for the Metropolis of all Brie seated in the Lower and is sufficiently known for the excellent Conserve of Roses which is made there 5. Of the Government of BRETAGNE AFter that Maximus had usurped the Empire and that the Army which he commanded in England had proclaimed him Emperour Conan one of his most famous Captains who had been very assistant to him in that great undertaking soon obtained a Recompence for his Services The Emperor gave him the possession of Bretagne whereof Conan took the Quality of King in the year 300. His Successors quitted this noble Title in 878. under the Reign of Lewis le Begue King of France to take the Quality of Earls At length they were made Dukes and Peers in 1520.
and became very powerful by their great Alliances The last of its Dukes dying left only a Daughter who was married to Charles the Eighth and afterwards to Lewis the Twelfth Kings of France Thus this Dukedom was united to the Crown from which it has not been dismembred since Bretagne was anciently called Armerique Name as being situated along the Sea Some pretend that its new Name was given to it by some People of Great Britain who came to inhabit there or else from Brutus King of the Gauls but there is more probability that this Name proceeds from an old Gaulish word called Brit which signifies painted because its ancient Inhabitants used to paint their Beards and their Hair This Province has about 180 Miles from East to West Extent from beyond Vitrey to the Point of Conquet and 120 from South to North from the Isle of Boüin to the Mouth of the River Coüonon towards St. Michael's Mount It is bounded on the East by Anjou and Main Bounds advancing it self towards the West like a Peninsula to the Ocean which confines it on the other sides The Soil abounds in excellent Pasturage and Cattel Quality from whence they furnish themselves with very good Butter They have good store of Corn some Wine Linnen and Fruits in a great quantity They make Salt upon the Coasts and abound in excellent Fish Here also are the best Sea-Ports of the whole Kingdom Amongst the Number of Rivers which water this Country Rivers is observed the Loire the Villaine which receives the Ouste Those of Blavet Auffen Trieux and Rance Yet these laft are no where considerable but at their Mouths The Government of Bretagne is limited in this single Province Division which is divided into Upper and Lower this towards the West and the other towards the East They that consider the different Languages of the Province divide it into three parts they attribute to the Bishopricks of Dol Rennes and St. Malo the use of the French Tongue they say that the British Tongue which is a remainder of the Gaulish is received amongst the Inhabitants of the Bishopricks of Cornoüaille St. Pol de Leon and Trequier They give a mixt Language to the Bishopricks of Nantes Vennes and St. Brieux These Nine Bishopricks are under the Archbishop of Tours Rennes UPon the Villaine is the largest City Capital and Capital of the whole Province the usual Residence of a Bishop and Parliament It is seated in the Upper Bretagne and has the Privilege of coining Mony about 50 Miles from Nantes 115 from Rochelle c. Long. 16.30 Lat. 48.3 Nantes UPon the Loire is the strongest and more commodious for Traffick by the means of the Loire over which it has a very fine Bridge and by reason of the Flux and Reflux of the Sea Under the Name of Cardivicum and Corbilo it is esteemed one of the three most ancient Cities of 〈…〉 has a Generality a Mint and 〈…〉 It was the Habitation of 〈…〉 Dukes of Bretagne and 〈…〉 of their Eldest Sons under 〈…〉 of Earls as also Dinan◠〈◊〉 of their Youngest It is a Bishops 〈…〉 as St. Malo Dol and St. Brieux about 44 Miles from Anger 's 68 from Rochelle Long. 16.48 Lat. 47.13 St. Malo THe strong Situation of St. Malo upon the Sea and its vast Correspondence in Foreign Countries render it one of the most considerable places of the Kingdom It is guarded at Night by very fierce Dogs of an English Breed which go the Rounds of the City The Discovery of Canada is owing to one of its Inhabitants called James Cartier In the year 1661. it suffered a great Loss by a Fire which consumed a part of the Houses about 12 Miles from Dol and 42 from Rennes Long. 16.8 Lat. 48.40 Dol. IT stands in a Marshy Ground and is said to contain some Family who bear the Name of Devils perhaps because they are the Remainders of the ancient People Diablintes Some Dukes of Bretagne had a design to have erected the Bishoprick of Dol into an Archbishoprick About 33 Miles from Rennes Long. 16.22 Lat. 48.34 St. Brieux a Bishops See was the only City which preserved it self during the Wars between the Families of Blois and Mont for t it stands on the Sea about 55 Miles from Rennes The Five foregoing Cities are in the Upper Bretagne Brest IN a Gulf where the Sea makes Four different Entries is esteemed one of the best Sea-Ports of Europe Indeed the Ships are always afloat there were they of Two Thousand Tun. It is the principal Magazine of the Admiralty of France for Vessels which go upon the Ocean seated in the Lower Bretagne About 125 Miles from Rennes 120 from St. Malo 320 from Paris Long. 13.18 Lat. 47.58 Blavet BLavet aliás Port-Loüis was formerly given to the Spaniards by those of the Ligue and during the War against those of the Reformed Religion the Sieur de Soubise had a design to render himself Master of it This and Brest bear the Lawrel from all the rest by reason of their strong Fortifications together with the Goodness and Greatness of their Ports It stands in the Lower Bretagne about 82 Miles from Rennes and 60 from Brest Long. 14.42 Lat. 47.23 In the Sea of Gascogne under the 17th Degree of Latitude there is an Island which is called Bell-Isle which extends it self about 21 Miles in Length 9 in Breadth and about 54 in Circumference It is considerable for the Passage of Ships along its Coasts and for its strong Castle which the Hollanders attak'd in vain An. 1674. notwithstanding their puissant Naval Army for that Effect Oüessant a little Island nearer the Shoar towards the West has the Title of Marquisat as well as Bell-Isle 6. Of the Government of ORLEANOIS THis is one of the best and most agreeable Countries of France as also the most extensive of its Governments for it comprehends Fourteen or Fifteen Provinces or Countries It is called the Government of Orleanois Name because Orleans is the most remarkable among the Cities It has near 300 Miles from East to West Extent from beyond Chinon-Castle in Nivernois to the Extremity of Poisou and near 204 from South to North from Monbrun in Angoumois to Nonan-court in Normandy It is bounded in the East by Burgundy and Champagne Bounds in the North by the Isle of France and Normandy in the West by Bretagne and the Sea and in the South by Saintonge Perigord la Marche and Bourbonnois The Soil is very fertile in Corn Quality Wine Cattle and in a word all things that may conduce to the satisfaction of Life Amongst other Woody parts it to be seen the Forest of Orleans that contains 70000 Acres an◠'t is said that in the time of Francis th◠First it contained 140000. There i◠no Country in France where one mee◠with so many Paved Ways as here It is watered with a great number o◠Rivers Rivers amongst which
the Loire is the chief The Indre the Cher and Vienne swell'd with the Waters of the Creuse come to discharge themselves here between Monsoreau and Langest iâ— Touraine The Mayne after having receiv'd the Loire joyned to the Sarte beâ—low Anger 's discharges it self also above this City The Charante takes its Rise in Angoumoy which it waters with a part of its Course after having passed in a corner of Poitou Here is observed 13 or 14 Countries or principal Provinces Division whereof Four one finds on this side the Loire seated in the following order going from West to East le Maine le Perch the upper Beausse or Country of Chartres and part of Gastinois Five upon the Loire in following its Course Nivernois Orleanois or Lower Beausse Blaisois Touraine and Anjou Fore beyond the same River viz. Berry Poitou with the Country of Aunis and Angoumois which is yet more advanced towards the South Orleans SItuated upon the River Loire is the chief City of this Government It is very Beautiful of great Trade and was heretofore the Metropolis of a Kingdom that bore its Name It used to be the Residence of Strangers who were drawn hither by the Magnetick Courtesie of the Inhabitants and the Politeness of the Language they speak here which is as highly esteemed as the Castilian is in Spain the Tuscan in Italy And as the Attick Tongue was formerly in Grecce It is a Bishops See who at his first Entrance has a Priviledge to examine and pardon Offenders Five National Councils have been held here It has a Bayliwick and a very ancient presidial See but its Generality is Modern It likewise has a famous University Three memorable Sieges which it happily sustained has made it renowned in History Under the Title of a Dutchy it is the Appennage of the Second Son of France About 68 Miles from Paris Lon. 20.42 Lat. 47.44 Nevers FOrmerly called Noviodunum Aduâ—rum the Capital of Nivernois is so commodiously Situated that Julius Caesar chose it to make a Garrison of and a Magazine It shews no less Antiquity in its Churches than in its Walls and although it has no Suburbs it contains notwithstanding Eleven Parishes It has a Noble Castle Ditches full of Water and a Stone Bridge composed of 20 Arches over the River Loire which receives the Nievre in this place They have in their Neighbourhood the conveniency of the Medicinal Waters of Pougues which is a Town where several Parsons go for the Advantage of their Healths and where the most substantial Men of the Province have built stately Houses for that purpose It has a Bishop and was erected into a Duchy by Francis the First About 30 Miles from Moulins 80 form Orleans and 125 from Paris Lon. 22.2 Lat. 40.44 Tours THe City of Tours heretofore Caesarodunum pleasantly seated upon the Loire the Capital of Tourane is without contradiction one of the first of France if one considers its Situation and its Prerogatives Under the Roman Emperors it was the Metropolitan of the third Lyonoise in Celtick Gaul Its Archbishop has for Suffragans the Bishop of Anger 's that of Mans and all those of Bresagne It has a Generality a Presidial and a Mint The Silk-Trade which they drive here is very advantagious to them About 48 Miles from Poitiers 60 from Orleans and 115 from Rennes and Paris Lon. 19.18 Lat. 47.23 Anger 's THe Capital City of Anjou seated upon the Mayenne between its Mouth in the Loire and its Confluence with the Sarte joyned to the Loire It has a considerable Castle and the Houses covered with which makes it be called the Black Ciâ— It is renowned for its University aâ— the fine Procession upon Christmas-day which every Year draws many Stranâ—ers to this City It has a Bishop undâ—â— the A. of Tours a Bayliwick a Presidial and a Mint About 60 Miles frâ—â— Tours and nigh 160 from Paris Lon. 17.48 Lat. 47.27 Poitiers THe Capital of Poitou upon the River Claiâ— is one of the largest 〈◊〉 the Kingdom for it yields to none bâ— Paris in bigness It contains a great many of the Roman Antiquities 25 Parishes and is adorned with an Episcopaâ— See under the A. of Bourdeax a Generality Mint and an University famous for the Civil Law The Batteâ— of Poitiers was very unlucky to thâ— French and the English were doublâ— Victorious by the taking of King John Charles the Seventh King of France transferr'd hither the Parliament of Paris which made its Residence here for the space of 18 Years during the English Wars About 48 Miles from Tours â—5 from Rochelle 94 from Orleans Lon. â—9 00 Lat. 46.34 Man 's THe Capital City of Maine is most agreeably seated upon the Sarte â—arge ancient and very populous with the Title of a Bishoprick under the A. of Tours It is observed from this City that the English laying Siege to it in the Year 1425. first put in use the great Artillery which had not as yet been seen in France About 48 Miles from Tours 52 from Anger 's and 78 from Orleans Lon. 18.42 Lat. 48.5 Nogent-le-Rotrou passes for the Capital of Perch and yet is but a Burrough-Town but one of the finest Burroughs of all France and very rich upon the account of its Manufacture of Serge Linnen c. About 37 Miles from Mans as many from Alenson and 30 from Vendôme Chartres UPon the Eure is the Capital of â—ausse and the Country of Chartrâ— It once had its particular Kings aâ— has now the Title of a Dutchy aâ— preserves the Ruins of a Temple buâ— before the Nativity of Jesus Chriâ— 'T is said the City was built before 〈◊〉 Deluge and 't was there the Druids 〈◊〉 ciently Assembled It s Cathedral Churcâ— which is a Bishops See passes for oâ— of the Ancientests of Christendom thâ— two Bells whereof are the finest and thâ— largest in France The Bishop has moâ— Parishes in his Jurisdiction than any 〈◊〉 ther of the Kingdom About 42 Milâ— from Paris and 43 from Orleans Lon. 20.23 Lat. 46.26 Bourges THis City is the Capital of Berry Caesar speaks of it as a very ancienâ— and powerful City under the Name oâ— Avaricum Biturigum seated upon thâ— River Eure. It has seven great Gateâ— as many Suburbs 17 Parishes and a â—reat number of other Churches It is â—onoured with an Archbishoprick an University a Generality a Bayliwick â— Presidial See and a Mint It s Archâ—ishop qualifies himself Patriach and â—rimat of Aquitain but that of Bourâ—eaux disputes this Title with him It 〈◊〉 about 35 Miles from Nevers 55 from â—rleans and 80 from Tours Lon. 21.14 Lat. 40.55 Rochelle THe Country of Aunis has nothing recommendable but Rochelle which is the Capital thereof It has an Episcopal See a Presidial and a Mint A City naturally strong by reason of the Marshes But it s noble Fortifications are absolutely resed It was often besieged taken and retaken by the English and French But the most memorable Siege that ever was laid
The Soil is not generally Fertile Quality by reason of the great Number of Mountains and Forests which are to be met with in some of its Provinces The Rhône the Saone the Loire Rivers and the Allier are the most celebrated Rivers that water the extent of this Government Lyonnois is one of the most agreeable Countries of France being diversified with Plains and delicious Hills which produce very good Corn excellent Wines and great store of different Fruits particularly Chesnuts which ar◠transported all over Europe Lyons ONE of the most ancient and celebrated Cities of Gaul is a Noble City since its Situation is exceeding pleasant its Climat very Healthful its Places and Edifices most Magnificent It is at present one of the Richest and most Populous Cities of the Kingdom in Merchants Trading in several Places by means of the Loire the Saone and the Rhône There are Banks and Correspondencies for Africa Asia and all the principal states of Europe all sorts of Manufactures and Impressions of Books It was formerly a Colony of the Romans It s Mayor and Sheriffs are ennobled and transmit their Honour to their Posterity The Canons of the Cathedral Church are to be Noble in the Fourth Race and bear the Title of Earls It has an Archbishop who qualifies himself Primat of the Gauls There is also a Generality a Mint and a Presidial See It is seated on the Confluence of the Rhône and the Saone about 16 Miles from Vienne 70 from Geneva 150 from Turin 200 from Orleans and 230 from Paris Lon. 24.8 Lat. 45.24 Beaujeu UPon the Ardiere is the Capital of Beaujolois There is nothing recommendable in this City but a very antient work of Embroidery which represents the Sacrifice of a Hog a Sheep and a Bull which is to be seen over the Portal of the Principal Church The Romans called these Sacrifices Suovetauralia It stands on the Brow of a Hill about 30 Miles from Lyons and 14 from Mascon Lon. 23.50 Lat. 45.50 Mont-Brison UPon the Vezise passes for the Capital of Forez It is famous for an Admirable Piece of Clock-work about 43 Miles from Lyons Lon. 23.10 Lat. 45.14 Clermont THis City is not only the Capital o◠Lower Auvergne but of the whole Province It is renowned in History for the holding of several Councils Under King Philip the First the Voyage of the Holy Land was here resolved on Here is said to be a Fountain which has the vertue to Petrify for with the single course of its Waters which seem to be thick and bituminous it has made a Wall 200 Yards long and 4 yards high with a Bridge which they are obliged to cut down sometimes to prevent its too great encrease King Charles the Ninth had the curiosity to go and see it in his Journy to Bayonne It is an Episcopal See and stands on a little Hill about 50 Miles from Moulins 90 from Lyons and 200 from Paris Lon. 22.00 Lat. 45.28 Saint Flour is the Capital of Upper Auvergne remarkable for its Bishops See about 45 Miles from Clermont Riom Capital of the Dutchy of Auvergne holds the Second Rank after Clermont It is adorned with a Generality a Mint Presidial and other Prerogatives about 7 Miles from Clermont Moulins THis City is the Capital of the Province of Bourbonnois accompanied with a Castle considerable for its strength and building It has likewise very sine and large Suburbs where is made the best sort of Knives and Scissars which are Transported from thence It has a Generality upon which depend the Elections of Montlucon Gannat and Esvaon and some others of Nivernois and the Upper Marche The Inhabitants have the reputation of being Civil and Officious It stands nigh the Center of all France on the River Allier about 28 Miles from Nevers 96 from Lyons and 90 from Dijon Lon. 22.14 Lat. 46.16 Gueret with its Royal Jurisdictions is the Capital of the Upper Marche it stands on the River Cruse about 32 Miles from Limoges Dorat is the Capital of the Lower Marche about 26 Miles from Limoges and 47 from Poitiers 9. Of the Government of GUYENNE THis Country was antiently called the Kingdom of Aquitain ab Aquis because of the great number of Springs and Fountains of Hot Water Eleanor Inheritrix of this Province and Wife of Loüis the Young King of France having been Divorced espoused Henry King of England to whom she brought for a Dowry this Guyenne which Loüis had rendred to her This was a Firebrand that kindled between the Two Crowns a War which lasted near 300 years and finished but in 1443. The Government of Guyenne is full as spacious as Orleanois Extent since it extends it self from East to West above 240 Miles from St. John de Breüil Frontier of Languedoc to the Sea and from South to North above 225 from the Port of Albe in Cominge to Niort in Poitou It is bounded in the North by Poitou Angoumois Bounds and la Marche in the East by Auvergne and Languedoc in the South by the Pyrenaean Mountains which separate it from Spain and in the West by the Ocean The Air is generally wholesom enough Quality the Soil fertile in Corn Wine and Fruits except in the Lands towards the Coasts and the Pyrenaeans where it produces nothing but Broom and Pasturage which feed a good number of Cattel Fountains of hot Water are generally to be found here It is watered with a great Number of Rivers Rivers amongst which is remarked the Garomne the Lot the Dordonne l'Adour and the Charnte The Confluence of the Garomne and the Dordonne which is made at the Mouth of Ambez is very dangerous It is to be observed that from the Mouth of Ambez to the Sea this River is called Gironde and not Garomne as Sanson has marked in all his Maps It is divided into two principal Parts whereof one that is towards the North retains the Name of Guyenne and the other which is towards the South is called in general Gascogne Guyenne distinguisht into Eight little Countries First of all one observes observes Guyenne properly so called and Bazadois about the Garomne Agenois Quercy and Roüergue which are to be found in order upon the Lot in ascending to its Rise on the Northern side Limosin is seated to the North of the Dordonne Perigord about the same River and Xaintogne about the Charente and upon the Coasts of the Ocean Gascogne is likewise divided into several little Countries First Armagna◠is distinguished in the midst which extends it self to the Pyrenaean Mountains and is subdivided into several little Jurisdictions as the Upper and Lower Armagnac the Countries of Riviere Verdun Lomagne c. towards the North Condommois and les Landes towards the West the same Lands and the Land of Labourd on the South one meets with in order along the Pyrenaeans the lower Navarre with the Vicounty of Soul Bearn and Bigorre after which one rejoyns the upper Armagnac and towards
the East one â—â—nds le Cominge to which may be joyned le Conserans Bourdeaux UPon the Garomne is the Capital of the Government of Guyenne a very ancient large and beautiful City wherein is made a very considerable Commerce by reason of the conveniences of its noble Port. It has all the Qualities and all the Prerogatives that may render a City remarkable It is the See of an Archbishop who qualifies himself Primate of Aquitaine it has a Parliament a Gonerality a Mint an University and Admiralty It is one of the most noted Empories of all the Kingdom and used to be very much frequented by the Dutch and English for Gascoign Wines About 84 Miles from Rochelle and 120 from Toulouse Lon. 17.50 Lat. 44.50 Agen UPon the River Garomne the Capital of Agenois holds the first Rank after Bourdeaux and is situated in a Soil whose Fertility makes the Inhabitants idle It is a Bishops See 〈◊〉 bears the Title of Earl but he has 〈◊〉 other Lordly Right in the City 〈◊〉 Lords of Exale descended from 〈◊〉 Princes of Verone have had their Râ—dence in Agen. About 20 Miles 〈◊〉 Condom and 35 from Aux Long. 〈◊〉 12. Lat. 44.13 Bazas upon the Vâ—sane is the Capital of Bazadois a haâ—som City and stands about 25 Mâ—â— from Bourdeaux Cahors THE River Lot during its course 〈◊〉 this Province forms Six or Seâ— indifferent large Peninsula's in one 〈◊〉 which stands Cahors the Capital 〈◊〉 of all Quercy Henry the Great gaâ— here some Testimonies of his Condoâ— and Valour by a Battle which he oâ— stinately fought during three days 〈◊〉 cessively to render himself Master 〈◊〉 the City Some look upon it as 〈◊〉 ancient Vxelodunum which defended â— self a long time against Julius Caesaâ— Pope John the 22d was born heâ— who was called before James of Câ—hors 'T is a very ancient City honou◠〈◊〉 with an Episcopal See a Presidial 〈◊〉 a famous University It has also 〈◊〉 Remainders of an Amphitheatre 〈◊〉 Bishop takes upon him the Title of â—arl Near to Cahors is to be seen the â—sidue of an Aquaeduct which was â—eretofore above Nine Miles in Length About 38 Miles from Alby and 55 from Toulouse Lon. 20.6 Lat. 44.23 Rhodez UPon the River Aveyron is received for the Capital of all Roüergue It is a very ancient City but has lost much of its Grandeur and Beauty by the Prisals and Reprisals which the Goths Sarrazens and French have made in different times It has a Bishop and a Presidial and stands about 48 Miles from Mende 74 from Toulouse and 80 from Narbone Long. 21.20 Lat. 44.7 Perigueux UPon the River Lille the Capital of Perigort is more ancient than it is fine as one may judge by the Remainders of an Amphitheatre which is 〈◊〉 be seen there with many other Monâ—ments of Antiquity In its Neighbouâ— hood Pepin the Short obtained a signâ— Victory over Gayfer Duke of Aquitaiâ— Anno 768. It is honoured with an â— piscopal See and a Presidial It is moâ— sweetly situated in a pleasant Valleâ— about 42 Miles from Limoges and 6â— from Bourdeaux Longitude 19.18 Latitude 45.12 Limoges UPon the River Vienne is the Capitaâ— of all Limosin with a Bishoprick and a Generality The City is very populous and rich by reason of it Trade Its Artisans are particularly famous for curious Enamel-Work ' Tiâ— a neat but no large City inhabited by a People of so great Industry that they compel every one to work and is there fore termed by the French the Prison of Beggars At the taking of it wheâ— revolted Edward the Black Prince could by no means be allured to pity the unfortunate Citizens till pursuing his Enemies he saw Three French Gentlemen oppose his whole Army the consideration of whose Courage and Bravery induced him to Compassion whereas before he had vowed Revenge About 68 Miles from Poitiers and 100 from Bourdeaux Lon. 20.00 Lat. 45.40 Tulles seated in a rough and hilly Country is a Bishop's See it stands about 33 Miles from Limoges Saintes BY Ptolemy called Mediolanium seated upon the Charente isâ— the Capital of Saintonne 't is a very ancient City and is honoured with an Episcopal See and a Presidial It is about 32 Miles from Rochelle and 40 from Angoulesme Lon. 17.44 Lat. 45.42 Aux UPon the River Gez anciently called Augusta Ausciorum an Archbishops See The Income whereof is said to be greater than any Prelates of France reckoned at no less than an Hundred Thousand Livres per annum It stands about 38 Miles from Toulouse 80 froâ— Bourdeaux and 320 from Paris Lon. 18.50 Lat. 43.40 Lectoure A Bishops See called in our Modeâ— Lectodurum of old Lestoracium â— Town so well fortified when in thâ— possession of the Earls of Armagnac thaâ— it maintained it self three Months against the Strength of France But since iâ— came into the Power of the French Kings so strengthened according to the Modern Art of Fortifications that it 〈◊〉 esteemed the strongest Bulwork of the Kingdom on this side and securest Fortress against Spain It stands upon aâ— Hill about 14 Miles from Condon 〈◊〉 from Agen and 20 from Aux Longitude 19.4 Latitude 43.58 Aire upon the River Adour is an Episcopal City and stands about 38 Miles from Dax and 44 from Condom Condom SItuated on the Confluence of the Rivers Baise and Gele is the Capiâ—â—l of Condomois It is an Episcopal City whose last Bishop has been acnowledged as a Person of an extraorâ—inary Merit insomuch that he was â—hosen for the Dauphin's Tutor by the King It has also a Senechalsy and a Presidial About 20 Miles from Agen and 22 from Aux Long. 18.48 Lat. 44.00 Dax and Bayonne are also Biâ—â—op's Sees seated upon the River Aâ—dour within 32 Miles of each other the former being the Capital of Les-Landes the latter of the Country of Labourd There is a Mountain near Bayonne from whose top 't is said one may discern three Kingdoms to wit France Spain and Navarre Pau THE Principality of Bearn is situated at the Foot of the Pyrenees where they joyn to Languedoc and has the Glory of giving Life to King Henry 〈◊〉 Great Pau upon the River Gave is 〈◊〉 Principal of all the Province honouâ—â— with a Parliament or Court of Judicâ— ture for all the Country and a fair Pâ—lace built by Henry of Albret King 〈◊〉 Navarre and Lord of Bearn It stanâ— 26 Miles from Aire and 86 from Boâ—deaux Lon. 17.40 Lat. 43.23 Olerâ—â— mounted upon an high Hill and Laseâ—â— upon the Gave are also Bishops Sees Gathe UPon the River Ardour is the Capital of the Earldom of Begorre It is honoured with a strong Castle and Episcopal See and the Senechalsy for aâ— the Country of Begorre It is abouâ— 24. Miles from Pau and 26 from Auâ— Lon. 18.14 Lat. 43.18 Saint Beâ—trand upon Garomne Capital of Comingeâ— is also a Bishops See as is likewise Sainâ— Lizer upon the River Salat and Lombez upon the Save this last but of late erection 10.