A Bastide with a History

The bastide of Monsegur retains its distinctive original layout and dates back to its founding by Eléonore de Provence in 1265. This historic plan gives the town centre a recognisable structure. Notre-Dame Church is an example of bastide architecture; its main construction phase dates to the 13th century, and it is listed as a historic monument. The side chapels contain sculptures from the 13th and 14th centuries. This makes it possible to distinguish the building’s main medieval construction phase from later-dated furnishings within the same structure.

Walking Around Monsegur

For a walk, the “Boucle de la bastide à Monségur” is one specific option: this easy circular route is 6.5 kilometres long, starts in Monsegur and takes around one hour and 30 minutes. The route follows the river and leads to the wash houses. The time given is approximate and can help you plan your day. As route details may change due to local trail maintenance, check the current route before setting out.

The “Circuit Bastides et Abbayes”, which connects Bouliac with Monsegur, is a different route. It is defined by this connection between two places, whereas the Boucle starts in Monsegur and is described as a circular route with a specified length and approximate duration. In addition, routes from the Chemin de ronde connect the riverside path along the Drot with two nature centres equipped with picnic areas. Alongside the named circular route, there are therefore other route connections and riverside destinations to choose from, although no equivalent distance or time estimates are available for them.

The Valley and Finding Your Way Around Town

South of the old town lies a small, fairly steep valley with meadows and vegetable plots. This landscape offers a different focus from the bastide layout and the church: here, green spaces and cultivated plots define the scenery. Anyone wishing to prepare for a visit can get a free document about sightseeing in the town from the Monsegur Tourist Office.

Market and Seasonal Events

The market hall hosts a weekly market every Friday morning. In summer, there is a theatrical guided tour of the bastide on Wednesdays; dates may be adjusted each year. On the second Sunday in December, a foie gras fair features gourmet products and crafts. In February, the “Foire des Fines Gueules” is dedicated to good food and hearty dishes.

There are therefore different reasons to visit throughout the year: the weekly market on Friday mornings, the summer tour on Wednesdays, and the two events in February and December. If your trip depends on a specific date, check the latest event details. For the December fair, both the exact date and the format may change.

Discover more destinations: Fargues-Saint-Hilaire, Gardegan-Et-Tourtirac, Saint-Aubin-De-Médoc, Saint-Antoine-Du-Queyret, Lormont, Sauveterre-De-Guyenne, Cessac, Anglade.

For the wider travel overview: Gironde.