Monpazier/Villefranche-du-Perigord - Holiday Ideas

Monpazier

Found in the very southern part of the Dordogne region of France (and easily accessed from Bergerac airport), Monpazier is a really amazing town. Monpazier has preserved its medieval centre more or less intact - the arcades and market hall are still there, and there is little to break the illusion that you have stepped back 600 years in time. Unmissable.

Monpazier is listed as 'one of the most beautiful villages in France'.

Two highlights in the Monpazier calendar include the 'flower festival' held each spring, and the bodega in the summer - a festival night, with wine, music and song, and careful lighting of the medieval buildings around the centre.

Monpazier was founded in 1284 by Edward 1 of England. One interesting story about the town tells how, during the Hundred Years War, the residents of Monpazier set off to plunder nearby Villefranche-du-Perigord. Finding Villefranche to be very quiet, they stole many things and returned home.

Monpazier centre

Unfortunately, the reason Villefranche had been quiet was because all the residents had chosen that very same night to plunder Monpazier. When the full story emerged, the residents of both Monpazier and Villefranche returned the things that they had taken from each other.

In 1594 and 1637 the town of Monpazier was the centre of peasant insurgence, triggered by the terrible conditions following the end of the Wars of Religion. On both occasions the rebellions were violently suppressed.

Monpazier Halle

The surrounding area also has a great deal to see and do. I am not going to describe all the attractions of the Dordogne region here - the caves, the villages, the river and countryside are renowned the world over. The places described in this section of the site are all very local to the Monpazier - Villefranche-du-Perigord region, and well worth seeing.

See also: Places and sights in the vicinity...PAGE 2 and nearby castles/Chateaux...PAGE 3
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