Monpazier is simply magical! The village lies in the heart of France’s dreamy Dordogne region.
It’s a honey stone village with a palpable air of timelessness. But the scads of roses climbing up every building remind you that it’s very much a real and thriving little town.
In fact, Monpazier is one of the finest examples of medieval architecture in all of France.
It’s easy to see why Monpazier is recognized as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France—a title awarded to the most beautiful villages in the country.
It won’t take long to visit. It’s tiny. But you’ll get a few hours of pure bliss and feel like you’ve landed in Grimm’s Fairy Tales.
Guide To Monpazier: What To See & Do
What Makes a Bastide Town?
Edward I (King of England) founded Monpazier in 1284. It was part of his efforts to establish bastide towns in Aquitaine, which he ruled as the Duke of Aquitaine.
Monpazier is a textbook example of a bastide. It’s a type of planned town built in medieval France during the 13th and 14th centuries.
These towns were laid out in a grid pattern, with a central square serving as the hub for trade and community life.
The geometry was rather surprising to me. What a contrast with the idea one has of a medieval town!
Like a draughtboard, the town is criss-crossed by parallel and perpendicular streets. The plan is made up of blocks with houses and gates at the end of the street.
Monpazier was designed by an architect who drew it on a parchment, like a real town planner of the Middle Ages.
Monpazier’s unique layout is still perfectly intact, making it one of the best-preserved bastides you’ll ever clap eyes on.
While many French towns suffered during the Hundred Years’ War, the Wars of Religion, and both World Wars, Monpazier emerged relatively unscathed.
Its strategic significance declined over time, and its rural setting meant it was spared major battles and destruction. Lucky for us!
Place des Cornières
The village’s central square, Place des Cornières, is its beating heart. Surrounded by stone arcades, it’s the perfect place to relax, explore, and soak in the atmosphere.
These arcades once sheltered merchants during markets, a tradition that still continues every Thursday morning.
Don’t miss the charming market hall with its ancient wooden beams and 16th century weigh scales—a nod to Monpazier’s bustling trading past.
Cafes spill out onto the square, and artisan shops line its edges. Grab a coffee, browse for handmade crafts, or simply sit and watch the world go by as birds chirp.
Stroll Through the Medieval Streets
Wandering Monpazier’s streets is like stepping into a fairy tale.
32 of its buildings are historic monuments. It’s a hard task to find a building younger than 400 years old.
The village’s grid-like layout makes it easy to explore. Cobblestone lanes, medieval stone houses, and flower-filled window boxes invite you to slow down and savor every detail.
Keep an eye out for ornate doorways and charming hidden corners.
Visit the Church of Saint-Dominique
Near the main square, you’ll find the Church of Saint-Dominique. Simple, Gothic, and beautifully understated, it reflects the quiet charm of the village itself.
Step inside and admire the serene atmosphere and the timeless stonework.
Bastide Museum
If you’re curious about history, stop by the Bastide Museum (Maison du Patrimoine).
It tells the story of Monpazier and its role in the network of bastide towns built during medieval France.
Exhibits cover everything from the village’s founding to its urban planning, making it a great stop for history lovers.
Markets & Shops
Try to time your visit, if at all possible, for market day on Thursday morning. It’s been happening for over 700 years!
As you may know, the Dordogne is associated with gastronomy and culinary perfection. The central square comes alive with stalls selling local produce, crafts, and regional specialties.
It’s the perfect time to pick up walnuts, cheese, black truffles, or foie gras—the Dordogne’s most iconic treats. And the fresh strawberries are beyond delicious!
The village is also a haven for artisans. Pop into shops offering pottery, leather goods, and handmade treasures. It’s a great place to find something unique to take home.
Here are some of the cute shops I liked (yes, I took notes!):
Two Cats
This quirky and delightful shop is a favorite in Monpazier. It offers an eclectic mix of home décor, gifts, and artisan items.
The carefully curated selection makes it easy to find something special to take home, whether it’s handmade ceramics, textiles, or decorative pieces.
La Maison du Bastide
A wonderful boutique specializing in local products, including gourmet food, wine, and handmade crafts. It’s a great stop for regional delicacies like foie gras, walnut products, jams, and locally made kitchen items.
Galerie du Vieux Monpazier
An art gallery and shop featuring local artists and their work. Here, you’ll find beautiful paintings, sculptures, and artistic crafts that reflect the beauty of the Dordogne and Monpazier’s unique charm.
Boutique des Métiers d’Art
This shop showcases local artisans and their creations, including jewelry, ceramics, glasswork, and textiles. It’s a great place to support local talent and pick up one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
Antique Shops
Monpazier is home to a few small antique shops where you can hunt for vintage finds, including furniture, books, and decorative items that speak to the history of the region.
Poterie de Monpazier
If you’re interested in handmade pottery, this shop offers lovely, functional ceramics crafted locally. From dishes to decorative pieces, you’ll find beautiful keepsakes here.
Explore Beyond Monpazier
The surrounding countryside is just as magical, I promise!
A short drive takes you to the Château de Biron, a stunning castle with sweeping views of the Dordogne landscape.
Nearby, the Grotte de Fontirou offers a peek into ancient caves with incredible rock formations.
Need another of France’s les plus beaux villages on your itinerary? Monpazier is also close to other charming Dordogne villages and rolling vineyards.
Within an hour’s drive or less, you can also visit Domme, Beynaz-et- Cazenac, La Roque-Gageac, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, Belvès, and Limeuil. Domme also has a market day on Thursday, if you want to double dip.
Practical Guide & Tips For Visiting Monpazier
When you arrive for your visit, you’ll find car parks outside the pedestrianized area of town.
Monpazier makes a nice base for exploring the Dordogne, as it’s very central.
The main hotel in town is the Chateau Hotel Edward I. It’s a cute boutique hotel is set in a beautifully restored 19th-century manor house with turrets.
If you plan on staying for a meal in town, Bistro 2 is a family run restaurant serving up creative French dishes and local Dordogne specialties, all with a contemporary twist.
Café de la Halle is a casual café under the arcades of the Place des Cornières. This spot is perfect for lunch, offering a mix of light bites, salads, sandwiches, and regional dishes.
For fine dining, the Edward I has a nice restaurant, the Michelin starred Restaurant Éléonore. You could also drive into the countryside and try Les Hortensias. Make reservations!
I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to Monpazier. You may find these other southern France travel guides useful:
- 10 day itinerary for southern France
- 1 week Dordogne itinerary
- Hidden gems in Provence
- Hilltop villages of the Luberon Valley
- Historic landmarks in southern France
- Beautiful villages in the Dordogne
- Beautiful villages in Occitanie
- One day in Avignon itinerary
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