Monpazier
One of the best-preserved medieval fortified new towns, with a grid of streets and a central square surrounded by arcades.
Monpazier is a bastide (fortified new town) founded in 1284 by Edward I of England. It still preserves its regular grid of streets, town gates and central market square intact. The square is lined with stone arcades (cornières), and one corner holds a 16th-century timber grain market hall. A market is held on Thursday mornings, and summer brings night markets and medieval festivals. The Bastide Museum in the village explains the planning of these medieval new towns. It is one of 'The Most Beautiful Villages of France' and lies about 50 km from Sarlat.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Belvès
- Limeuil
- Gouffre de Proumeyssac
- Château des Milandes
- National Museum of Prehistory
- Grotte du Grand Roc
- Château de Castelnaud
- Font-de-Gaume Cave