Monpazier
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Monpazier ('most beautiful villages of the Dordogne') is 15 kilometres south of Domme towards the southern edge of the Dordogne region.
Tourist Information and places to visit
The origins of Monpazier date from the 13th century - it was founded in 1284 by King Edward I of England. Monpazier is a remarkable town. Around its paved central square, containing the original market hall, it retains many ancient buildings and the original arcades around the edge of the square. Monpazier is usually considered to be the most intact bastide town remaining in France.
There is perhaps little to actually say about the town - there are no particular individual highlights, although the church is attractive, and the ancient market hall is also interesting - note the old 'tin buckets' in the hall, which are said to be the original 'weighing station' for oils and wheat etc. The arcades around the edge of the square (the sheltered pathways under the arches) are also a highlight.
The lack of individual monuments is not a criticism or a reason not to visit - more than 30 of the buildings in Monpazier are classified as 'national monuments', and there is little to spoil the impression that all is much as it has been for the last 700 years. It is one of the few places where you can take loads of photos (and you will) and none show any building less than 400 years old!
(photos contributed by the 'medieval atelier'
at 30, Rue St Jacques, Monpazier - visit to see their impressive tapestries)
The most remarkable feature is that many of the houses in the centre are different to each other in architectural style, but still form a perfect whole.
Be sure to venture a little down the side streets, where houses, and occasional shops and cafes, sit quietly as they have for many centuries.
Be sure to also venture out of the town (only about 100 metres from the centre) to see the views that look south across the woodland and valley.
Monpazier is an unmissable highlight of a visit to the region (see also the photo gallery further down this page).
Featured holiday rentals - Farmhouse and cottage, and an apartment near Monpazier
Farmhouse (sleeps 6-8) and ancient cottage (sleeps 2) ideally located near Villereal, close to Monpazier and Monpazier - see Villereal gites
See also this holiday apartment near Monpazier.
Nearby
The Dordogne area to the north and the Lot et Garonne region to the south both contain a very large number of interesting sights and villages. For somewhere a little off the beaten track, try Beaumont-du-Perigord; Villereal and Issigeac to the west, or Villefranche-du-Perigord to the east. You can see more information about monpazier and the surrounding area in the holiday ideas section.
Visit Monpazier, France: travel, tourism, gites and hotels
Central square, Monpazier, Dordogne |
Or visit Dordogne gites Other holiday / vacation options Holiday villages in Aquitaine France camping holidays See Visit Monpazier for places to visit near Monpazier including: - a detailed map - villages in bloom - most beautiful villages Monpazier property for sale See Aquitaine property for sale for available properties for sale and a property search |
Tourist Classifications for Monpazier
- Most beautiful villages in France
Places to visit near Monpazier
Explore places of interest within about 70 kilometres on a map at places near Monpazier.
Some places to visit within 30 km of Monpazier are shown below (if found).
Beaumont-du-Perigord bastide town at 17 km Belves Most beautiful village at 16 km Beynac Most beautiful village at 32 km Chateau de Biron Chateau at 6 km Chateau de Bonaguil Chateau at 21 km Chateau de Fumel Chateau at 22 km Chateau de Gavaudun Chateau at 13 km Le Bugue town at 26 km Limeuil Most beautiful village at 22 km Molieres Bastide town at 16 km Monflanquin Most beautiful village at 22 km Puy-l'Eveque Village on the Lot River at 33 km Tremolat Renowned viewpoint at 22 km Villefranche-du-Perigord Bastide town at 21 km Villereal Bastide town at 17 km
See also Monpazier (version Francais)
Airports near Monpazier
Angouleme airport at 137 km Bergerac airport at 44 km Limoges airport at 133 km Toulouse airport at 127 km
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Map of Monpazier, France |
Photos of Monpazier - click a photo to see larger version
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