Monpazier combines a rich bastide heritage with several ways to explore the town: from an approximately one-hour architectural walking tour to a longer route through the countryside. There is also a cultural centre, historic walking routes and a public garden where you can take a break. You can tailor your stay to your interests in architectural history, outdoor activities or local produce.
Bastide Heritage and Architecture
The bastide of Monpazier is considered the most typical example of a bastide in southwest France and is one of the best-preserved bastides in the PĂ©rigord. A total of 32 monuments in Monpazier are either listed or included in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. You can explore the historic townscape on a walking tour and by visiting individual buildings.
The Église Saint-Dominique was built in several phases between the late 13th and 15th centuries in the Rayonnant Gothic style. Its nave has three bays, and the transept is pentagonal. The bastide can be visited independently or with a guide; arrangements may change. If you plan to take a guided tour, check the current arrangements.
Discover History in Different Ways
The Bastideum is an immersive, interactive interpretation centre. Its visitor trail explores life in the newly founded towns of the late 13th century. During the season, the Bastideum offers public exhibitions, performances and tours. The programme varies by season; check the current dates if a particular event is important to your visit.
The Dorie app offers an immersive tour of strategically important sites in Monpazier and tells the story of the town. Another cultural route, the Balade patrimoine en Pays de Monpazier, uses explanatory panels to introduce the history, architecture and development of the bastide. These experiences have different focuses: the Bastideum explores life in the new towns founded in the late Middle Ages, while Dorie and the walking route cover the history and architectural development of Monpazier. Check in advance whether the app is available; practical information about walking routes may also change.
Walking Routes and Countryside
The Boucle des remparts is an easy, three-kilometre circular walk that takes about an hour and passes through the bastide’s architecture. It includes the Carreyrous and the Place des Cornières. Along the way, you pass 23 houses with open arcades dating from the 13th to the 17th century, the Église Saint-Dominique, a washhouse and the Fontaine des amours. The route links several of Monpazier’s notable buildings and sites on a manageable circuit. Check local conditions before setting off.
The Boucle du Moulin Ă vent starts in Monpazier and is longer, at 4.5 kilometres. It can be travelled on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike, and takes you through the countryside around the bastide. Check the current conditions and practical route information before setting off.
Tèrra Aventura: Zéchopp, l'écro qui vous croque! is another way to explore Monpazier: this geocaching activity is available year-round and is free of charge. As availability may change, it is advisable to check before your trip.
Take a Break and Discover Local Produce
The Jardin public des RĂ©collets is a public space for relaxing in the centre of the bastide. Benches stand beside the former RĂ©collets monastery, making the garden a convenient place to take a break between walks and visits.
The traditional Thursday market in Monpazier offers local produce such as duck, geese, chicken, strawberries and wine. If the market is important to your travel plans, check the current information about its day and offerings.
Discover More Destinations
Saint-Paul-La-Roche, Saint-Antoine-Cumond, Loubejac, Cercles, Calviac-En-PĂ©rigord, Larzac, Razac-Sur-L'isle, Allemans
For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.
