Molières brings together three distinct perspectives: the right-angled layout of the bastide, the building history of the church and château, and trails that connect the town with the surrounding countryside. A large square, a covered arcade and the traditional Wednesday market help orient you in the townscape; for hikes, there are named trails with different features to choose from. You can shape your stay around architecture and history, a visit to the market or time outdoors.
Bastide Square, Market and Arcade
The bastide follows a right-angled layout, with a large square set aside for fairs and markets. The traditional Wednesday market, “Marché traditionnel du mercredi,” takes place in the bastide square. If you plan to visit the market, check the date in advance, as opening times and offerings may vary. Products include vegetables, beef, cider, apple juice and vinegar, as well as citrus fruits, organic avocados from Spain, olives, spices and Berber pastries. The selection may change.
A covered arcade sheltered the shops and is known in Molières as “le porche.” The square and arcade served two different purposes: the square was associated with markets and fairs, while the arcade provided shelter for the shops. This makes the bastide layout legible not only as a geometric plan, but also through its named functions.
Church and Château: Distinct Traces of Time
The main construction phases of the Church of Notre-Dame de la Nativité span from the last quarter of the 13th century to the 19th century. Historically, the church could hold 800 people. The widely separated construction phases and the recorded capacity provide two concrete starting points for exploring the building’s history.
Construction of the Château de Molières began after 1287 under the seneschal of Périgord, Guilhem de Toulouse. On 12 October 1948, the château was listed as an immovable historic monument. The two buildings therefore raise different historical questions: for the church, its main construction phases; for the château, its construction under a named official and its later listing as a monument.
Hikes Between the Town and Countryside
The Boucle de la Petite Veyière is a 1.9 km hike along small roads and through the nature and landscapes of Molières. The Boucle de Roumaguet links Molières’ rich heritage with its preserved natural surroundings. These two trails differ in the specific details they offer for planning: the Petite Veyière has a stated distance, while the Roumaguet focuses on the interplay of heritage and nature.
The fully waymarked Chemin d’Amadour passes through Molières on its 15th stage, between Saint-Avit-Sénieur and Cadouin. After crossing the town, it continues into the increasingly dense Bessède Forest. This gives you an alternative to the two loop trails: a stage with named endpoints that continues towards the forest. Check the waymarks locally before setting out.
A simple distinction can help you choose between the different options: the Petite Veyière has a stated distance, the Roumaguet links heritage and nature, and the Chemin d’Amadour passes through Molières on its way to Bessède. The market and buildings let you focus your stay more on the town centre, while each trail offers a different perspective on Molières and its surrounding countryside.
Discover more destinations: Sainte-Nathalène, Prats-De-Carlux, Grand-Brassac, Trémolat, Varaignes, Coubjours, Gavaudun, La Cassagne.
For the regional travel overview: Dordogne.
