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Monflanquin

Visit Monflanquin, Aquitaine

Monflanquin, one of the 'most beautiful villages of France', is 15 kilometres north of Villeneuve-sur-Lot and about 25km south east of Bergerac in the northern part of the Lot-et-Garonne department of south-west France.

Monflanquin is a French bastide town - i.e. it was founded by the French, at a time when the English ruled much of this part of France, in the 13th century. Set on a hilltop, it is a very well preserved town, and is generally agreed to be one the most historically intact examples of a medieval bastide town.

Explore Monflanquin

The central square in Monflanquin, the Place des Arcades, has beautifully preserved arcades around the edges and many other impressive buildings. Perhaps most noteworthy and most impressive is the 'House of the Black Prince', at the top-right of the square.

The Black Prince stayed here for a while during the Hundred Years War, and not surprisingly he kept the best house for himself, but all the corner houses have suitably impressive stone arches (arcades).

Just outside the square is a fine 15th century church with an attractive stone entrance. Then go a little further past the church to reach the top of the hill and far-reaching views across open countryside, extending to Chateau Biron on the distant horizon.

As always in medieval villages I encourage you to explore the alleys and narrow side streets that surround the centre of Monflanquin, because it is in these backstreets that you will find many of the most authentic medieval buildings and architecture, including several traditional half-timbered houses.

There are several good restaurants in Monflanquin, mostly around the central square. Warning - keep children away from the bottom left corner of the square, where there is a shop that sells irresistible toys made from wood.

The busiest days in Monflanquin's annual calendar are the medieval days during which for a couple of days in the summer the town has a festival filling the town, with exhibitions of falconry, people dressed in 'olden days' clothes and lots of artificial blood and gore. Don't miss it if you are in the region when it is on.

Local highlights

Drive a few kilometres south towards Villeneuve-sur-Lot, then turn around and drive back again! There are some great views of Monflanquin when approaching from this direction, especially early in the morning when the sun rises over the village.

The whole of the southern Dordogne and northern Lot et Garonne areas are close to hand, so you won't struggle to find things to do.

Among the other villages close to Monflanquin we particularly recommend you visit  Monpazier and Pujols (two other 'most beautiful villages in France'), and Villereal 10 kilometres to the north is also a lovely little town with an interesting medieval market hall.

Photos of Monflanquin (click any picture to start the gallery)

Tourist classifications for Monflanquin: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Suggested places to visit near Monflanquin, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Penne d'Agenais 16km; Chateau de Fumel 16km; Pujols 17km; Castillonnes 19km; Monpazier 20km; Chateau de Bonaguil 20km; Tournon d'Agenais 23km; Frespech 25km; Issigeac 25km; Montferrand-du-Perigord 26km; Beaumont-du-Perigord 27km; Lauzun 27km; Villefranche-du-Perigord 27km; Laroque-Timbaut 27km; Saint-Avit-Senieur 27km; Puy-l'Eveque 30km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Monflanquin

Monflanquin tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Sainte Livrade (Sainte-Livrade-sur-Lot) - religious monument (20km) : Eglise Sainte-Croix (Beaumont-du-Perigord) - religious monument (24km) : Ets Latour-Marliac - remarkable garden (25km) : Eglise Notre Dame (Frespech) - religious monument (25km) : Eglise de Notre-Dame (Lacour) - religious monument (30km) : Eglise Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Belves) - religious monument (33km) : Parc et potager de Pouthet - remarkable garden (33km) : Jardins de la Bourlie - remarkable garden (34km) :