France, Dordogne (24), Périgord Pourpre, Monpazier, Village de Monpazier, (Vue aérienne)//France, Dordogne, Purple Perigord, Monpazier, Town of Monpazier, (aerial view)Monpazier is the bastide town par excellence. Home to no fewer than 32 listed Historic National Monuments, it is regarded as the most complete and best preserved example of a fortified medieval village in the region.
With streets arranged in a grid like pattern and a market square at its centre, this particular form of medieval urban town planning was accompanied by defensive walls. The sole point of access through them was controlled by large fortified stone gateways.
6009 Village Et Bastide De Monpazier Dordogne LibreLike so much of the Dordogne, the historical links to England add an intriguing layer to the town’s origins. In the 13th century Monpazier and much of the Dordogne besides was part of the English-controlled territory known as Aquitaine.
In 1284 the English King Edward I ordered the construction of this bastide stronghold in order to consolidate and spread English control throughout the region. Also known as Edward Longshanks, you may remember this King’s notorious reputation as immortalised in Mel Gibson’s Braveheart film.
The Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) and the Wars of Religion (1562-1598) saw the significant damage and sometimes almost complete destruction of many villages in the Dordogne. What is truly remarkable about Monpazier is that it withstood these periods and survived virtually intact. Which has since led it to be labelled one of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages in France’ and a ‘Great Site of France’.
France, Dordogne (24), Périgord Pourpre, Monpazier, Village de Monpazier, (Vue aérienne)//France, Dordogne, Purple Perigord, Monpazier, Town of Monpazier, (aerial view)
6010 Village Et Bastide De Monpazier Dordogne Libre
1243 Promenade A Monpazier Les Conteurs
Place Des Cornieres A Monpazier1@declicdecolleDespite being constructed on top of a hill, for defensive purposes, the village is flat and fully pedestrianised. Today, every Thursday morning at the Place des Cornières you can experience the thriving Farmers market which keeps alive the traditions of its medieval past. Local artisans and producers still sell their goods in this market square as did their great ancestors before them.
Strolling around this square will take you through covered archways (arcades) and toward side streets in a grid pattern full of charming houses, restaurants and terrace cafes. For history buffs, ensure a visit to the Bastideum museum, where a modern, interactive and fun exhibit is enhanced by a digital app, in English, explaining the fascinating details of this fortified town’s features.
As you explore the streets you will notice an abundance of arts and crafts shops, second hand shops and local artisans showcasing their artistic wares throughout the village. There is also a charming second hand brocante market on Sundays for those wishing to take back something special.
1249 La Petite Credence Antiquites Monpazier Les Conteurs
1246 Marche A Monpazier Les Conteurs
