Villefranche-de-Rouergue: view of the Collégiale (cathedral) looming over streets barely changed since the 14th century (minus the cars, of course)
The plague first made an appearance in 1347-48, when a catastrophic and unstoppable pandemic swept through Western Europe. In four years, the population of 14th-century Europe plunged by an estimated 33-50% and its civilisation changed forever. The figures are debated, but as many as 150 million people may have died worldwide. The disease spread across France from the Port of Marseille and few places were unaffected. Continue reading
