Monpazier

Dordogne
Art & crafts
'City of Arts and Crafts' Label
Bastides
Fortified planned town
Family-friendly
Interactive museum
Filming locations
French films : Le Capitan (1960) ; Les Misérables (1982)

Step back in time in Monpazier, a stunning medieval market town in the heart of the Périgord

In Monpazier, everything seems to have stood still since 1284 in this bastide in the South-West. Regarded as the model bastide, its straight streets, its old market hall and its arcaded houses transport you back to the Middle Ages.

We linger in the magnificent Place des Cornières, chat with the artisans and savour the produce of the Périgord region during a short break in the Dordogne.

The Queen of the Bastides

Monpazier invites you on a stroll through a well-preserved medieval bastide. So, are you ready for a 100% Périgord experience?

Eglise Saint-Dominique Mairie de Monpazier

Eglise Saint-Dominique

Make sure you visit Saint-Dominique Church, a stunning Gothic building at the heart of the village. The church's square bell tower, Renaissance portal and 15th-century choir stalls reveal Monpazier's history through the centuries.

Learn more
Bastideum Bastideum

Bastideum

This visitor centre uses a modern and engaging exhibition to immerse you in the history of Monpazier.

Learn more
Place des Cornières Lezbroz

Place des Cornières

The beating heart of the market town of Monpazier is the Place des Cornières, a large, bustling square surrounded by a row of 13th-century arcades. Every Thursday, the square hosts a market with a history stretching back a thousand years.

Learn more

A Monpazier legend

It is said that the ‘Gate of Paradise’ allowed outsiders to sneak into the fortified town. If they remained hidden for a year, they earned the right to live in the village… with all its perks!


Your experiences to live in Monpazier

Explore the village on foot ©Instapades – Tourist Office for the Bastides of the Dordogne and Périgord

Explore the village on foot

Stroll through the narrow streets of Monpazier and let yourself be swept away by its medieval atmosphere. Make your way to the Place des Cornières and lose yourself beneath its historic arcades.

Go to the market ©Instapades – Tourist Office for the Bastides of the Dordogne and Périgord

Go to the market

Every Thursday morning, the main square comes to life! Sample local specialities from the Périgord – foie gras, walnuts, wines and porcini mushrooms, depending on the season – or admire the creations of local craftspeople. The perfect way to take a little bit of Périgord’s craftsmanship home with you!

Watch the sunset at Foirail Sud

Watch the sunset at Foirail Sud

Come and enjoy the sunset from this vantage point! The hills of the Périgord are bathed in light, offering a breathtaking view. Make yourself comfortable and savour this moment of tranquillity as the day draws to a close.

Follow the Moulin Vent walk

Follow the Moulin Vent walk

Discover Monpazier from a different angle on this walk! In an hour’s walk, explore the Dordogne countryside and take in the view of the bastide and Biron Castle.

Ideas for everyone, all the time

Marché traditionnel du jeudi

From Sept. 10, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2026

Marché traditionnel du jeudi

Every Thursday morning on the Place des Cornières in low season and on the square and in the streets from May from 07h to 13h, the bastide of Monpazier offers a traditional market.

Every Thursday morning on the Place des Cornières in low season and on the square and in the streets from May from 07h to 13h, the bastide of Monpazier offers a traditional market. English Bastide of the 13th century, (1284) in Purple Perigord, founded by Edward 1st, Monpazier remains the model Bastide, a jewel of the Middle Ages. On the market, regional products: duck, geese, chicken, strawberries, wines ... without forgetting arts and crafts, textiles and souvenirs.

Next dates:

  • 09/10/2026
    Open every day
  • 09/17/2026
    Open every day
  • 09/24/2026
    Open every day
24540 MONPAZIER
Concours d'éloquence

The Sept. 19, 2026

Concours d'éloquence

Play Un air de famille by Théâtre du Roi de C?ur.

Next dates:

  • 09/19/2026
Journées du Patrimoine : Visite guidée de Monpazier

The Sept. 19, 2026

Journées du Patrimoine : Visite guidée de Monpazier

Would you like to discover Monpazier in a different way? Come and discover this charming bastide during a guided tour on the occasion of Heritage Days. Free tour upon registration at the Tourist Office.

Next dates:

  • 09/19/2026
24540 MONPAZIER
Marchés aux livres

The Sept. 20, 2026 from 9 a.m.

Marchés aux livres

This summer, Monpazier puts books in the spotlight with two Book Markets on Sundays, July 21 and August 18, 2024, from 9am to 7pm. In the idyllic setting of the Place des Cornières, meet a host of second-hand booksellers and discover the fascinating world of books. Free admission.

Next dates:

  • 09/20/2026
    Open every day
24540 MONPAZIER
Journées du Patrimoine | Visite guidée de Monpazier

The Sept. 20, 2026

Journées du Patrimoine | Visite guidée de Monpazier

Would you like to discover Monpazier in a different way? Come and discover this charming bastide during a guided tour on the occasion of Heritage Days. Free tour upon registration at the Tourist Office.

Next dates:

  • 09/20/2026
24540 MONPAZIER

Treasure hunt: “Zéchopp, the squid who gobbles you up!”

Set off on a treasure hunt with the Tèrra Aventura app and follow Zéchopp around the bastide. Together, parents and children can learn more about the popular uprisings of the 16th and 17th centuries in the South-West as they investigate!

©Lezbroz – Bastides Dordogne-Périgord Tourist Office

Walks – Buffarot Loop & Bastide Loop

Fancy stretching your legs and enjoying the Périgord countryside? These two circular walks, measuring 9.3 km and 11 km respectively, take you through villages, over hills and past medieval heritage sites for an afternoon in the countryside.

Torchlight tour

In July and August, come and discover Monpazier in an intimate and mysterious atmosphere! Stroll through the cobbled streets at dusk and let yourself be guided by the whispers of the past in this exceptional bastide town.

©Les Plus Beaux Villages de France

Artisans’ shops and workshops

Even in the rain, Monpazier has plenty of surprises in store for you! Explore the artisans’ workshops: ceramics, jewellery, stained glass, woodwork, leatherwork… Treat yourself to some unique, handmade souvenirs, and take a little piece of the village home with you.

Our recommendations

Château Edward 1er Hôtel Edward 1er

Château Edward 1er

Hôtel - restaurant

Nestled in the heart of the Bastide, the four-star Hôtel Edward 1er invites you to enjoy a stylish getaway. It offers 17 cosy rooms, a peaceful garden with a swimming pool and an intimate restaurant, not to mention all the charm of a historic château

Bastideum Bastideum

Bastideum

Centre d'interprétation

This visitor centre uses a modern and engaging exhibition to immerse you in the history of Monpazier.

Le Chevalier Bleu Hotel Le Chevalier Bleu

Le Chevalier Bleu

Hôtel

Step inside this unique hotel, which is nestled within carefully restored 12th-century buildings. It offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, and is located just a stone’s throw from the Place des Cornières in Monpazier.

Map of Monpazier

Extend the visit to near Monpazier

Villeréal

(13 km)

Belvès

(14 km)

Monflanquin

(19 km)

Prepare your stay at Monpazier

Office de Tourisme Bastides Dordogne-Périgord

Office de Tourisme Bastides Dordogne-Périgord

How to get here?

Accessibility
Monpazier

# Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite : Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite et aux poussettes

# Parking : Emplacements de stationnement pour vélos

# Parking : Stationnement gratuit toute l'année

# Aire de stationnement pour camping-car : Aire de stationnement pour camping-cars à moins de 15 mn à pieds

Labels and rankings of
Monpazier