What is bourg?

The term "bourg" is French and generally refers to a small town or village, which may or may not have a market or other central location. Bourgs often exist as administrative and legal entities within larger regions or cities. In medieval France, bourgs were typically fortified and served as places of local governance, trade, and defense. Today, the term is used throughout French-speaking countries to describe various types of settlements, from small hamlets to larger towns.