1. A fortified medieval village: This is the most common meaning. A "bastide" was a fortified village founded in the 13th and 14th centuries in southwest France. These villages were typically built on a grid plan with a central square and were surrounded by a wall.
2. A type of house: In some areas, "bastide" can also refer to a specific type of house, typically a large, detached villa or country house, often found in the southwest of France.
3. A general term for a village: Less commonly, "bastide" can be used more generally as a synonym for "village", although this usage is not as common as the other two.
Therefore, the meaning of "la bastide" depends on the context. You need to look at the surrounding text or conversation to understand the intended meaning.
For example, if you see a sign that says "La Bastide de Sérou", it's referring to a medieval village. If you see a real estate listing for a "bastide" in Provence, it's referring to a type of house.