The 10 most beautiful bastides to discover in the Périgord

In charge of history, the bastides of the southwest seduce by their unique urbanism. Let us discover the most beautiful bastides in the South Périgord!

Folding in the alleys of a bastide is making a journey in time to the Middle Ages. With their quadling of alleys, their houses with arcades and their large market places, they have permanently marked the southwest.

Indeed, there were no less than 300 bastides built between 1220 and 1370 by the French and the English who then shared the territory. At the time, the goal was to create cities that were both defensive and dynamic, with settlements and trade exchanges. Having a relative autonomy in the face of the suzerans and bishops, they were based on a precursor urbanism and an innovative political model.

Today, these medieval “towns of the future” are rather a preserved testimony of the past. But also a charming setting that attracts many visitors every year. Maybe you'll be next? To make you want, discover the bastides of the Périgord through this little guide. It's about ten to 15 minutes from the Dordogne!

1. Monflanquin

Monflanquin is undoubtedly one of the most unavoidable bastides in the Périgord. On the one hand, it is of particular historical importance. Founded in 1256 by Alphonse de Poitiers, she experienced an enlivened destiny, including a dismemberment in 1632 under the orders of Richelieu. On the other hand, his unspoiled charm earned him to be labeled as one of the “More beautiful villages in France”.

Surrounded by the cliffs and orchards, Monflanquin sets up its pretty stone houses covered with tile roofs on a small hill. At the turn of the alleys, the beautiful traditional architecture of bastide is emphasized by trees, geraniums and climbing plants. Over the course of your stroll, you'll admire a number of shaded facades or pontoons that span the alleys to connect two houses. Don’t miss the superb central square lined with arcades, on which watch Saint-André church , as well as dwellings of character such as Prince Black House . Finally, Monflanquin will be an obligatory step if you are interested in the history of the bastides, as it houses a museum museum which is entirely dedicated to them.

2. Villeréal

Founded also by Alphonse de Poitiers, Villeréal was built in only four years. A prowess for the time, which undoubtedly contributed to making this famous bastide of the Périgord a harmonious urban set. Moreover, Villeréal is also part of the “More beautiful villages in France”. Constructed with the idea of laying French power in front of the English who occupied the region in part, Villeréal knows how to be majestic.

Thus, the “Royal City” was built around a large central square that houses a hall with singular architecture. Son fortified church , although monumental, is located slightly away from the centre, which is common in the bastides of the Périgord. Indeed, they had a vocation to place secular life in the centre of the city, a contrario of urbanism practices until then dominant. Villeréal is one of the most flamboyant illustrations of the new societal model promoted by bastides. A singular story that you can still impregnate with today Central market or sipping a coffee with nearby terraces.

3. Castillonnès

Built on a rocky grove, the bastide of Castillonnès dominates the surrounding hills of Upper Agnes. It is characterized by a beautiful architectural homogeneity, which makes it particularly pleasant for walkers.

There are no less places of interest to discover, such as central location beautifully blossoming, Castle “of Perrier” , the church as well as various bridges. In addition, remarkable buildings born in later times have been able to integrate harmoniously with medieval bastide. As you visit, you will discover majestic 18th-century hotels, or a picturesque hall built in the 20th century.

4. Monpazier

Monpazier is perhaps the best preserved bastides in the Périgord, and in any case one of the most famous! Founded in the name of the King of England, it has been over the centuries an important shopping centre, but also an epicentre of regional political activism. Today, this bastide full of cachet is also one of the “More beautiful villages in France”.

Its plan unchanged since its founding in 1284, and the characteristic alignment of its streets, make it an emblematic example of what the bastides were. Once one of the fortified doors , you will discover intact medieval houses. Don't miss Saint Dominic Church and the famous Place des Cornières which was the seat of multiple insurrections. Walk on the arcades, visit the artisans who make the city live or enjoy the busy market on Thursdays. You will leave Monpazier with the compelling memory of a place that is both charming and history-filled.

5. Beaumont-du-Périgord

Like Monpazier, Beaumont-du-Périgord is a bastide founded by the English, who then owned part of the southwest. Its atypical plan, in the form of H, is spread around a central square lined with arcades, a feature shared with most of the bastides of the Périgord. The whole was originally surrounded by a fortified enclosure, which we see still beautiful vestiges today. But the most unmistakable monument of the bastide of Beaumont-du-Périgord is probably its great fortified church, which dominates the small city.

6. Eymet

Eymet has the peculiarity of being built by a river, and not on a hill as a number of bastides of the Périgord. It is part of the French bastides founded by Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of King Saint Louis. Eymet was severely damaged by the medieval wars, but still has its strong castle and typical buildings. Its great church, however, dates only from the nineteenth century. But today, Eymet is above all a small active city and where it makes good to stay, both for its heritage and for its equipment and activities.

7. Molières

Molières is a small English bastide in the Périgord which presents the peculiarity of being unfinished. Durably affected by the wars of religion, she has nevertheless preserved her ancient cachet. And this, in particular thanks to the efforts of the inhabitants who continue today to beautify and make it live. Golden stone building, open to the countryside, Molière is a bastide with romantic charm. During your stroll, you will have the opportunity to admire the ruins of Guillaume de Toulouse’s fortified castle, as well as a massive Gothic church.

8. Miramont-de-Guyenne

Miramont-de-Guyenne is one of the bastides that were founded in the region by the English in the 13th century. But it has experienced a complex fate, since it was largely destroyed during the Hundred Years War. However, she was reborn of her ashes and faithfully reconstructed her original plan. Thus, again today, it is structured in four main axes, which form a damier around the central square.

9. Villefranche-du-Périgord

That bastide. Perigord black is located in the southeast of the Dordogne and bordered by several rivers. It was founded in 1261 by Alphonse de Poitiers. Widely destroyed during the Hundred Years War, it still has a square lined with arches and gilded stone dwellings. You will discover a hall, echo of the traditional markets of the bastides, as well as an imposing church dating back to the 19th century.

10. Domme

Domme is also a bastide of the Black Perigord, located only 12 kilometres away from the town. Sarlat . There is also the characteristic yellow stone of the region. Perched on a rocky promontory, Domme offers stunning views of the surrounding valley. Upon arrival, we are seized by the massive fortified gates of its ramparts. These houses the incontournable central square where there is a restored hall and a market still stands on Thursday.

But in addition to sharing the traditional history of the south-west bastides, Domme also echoes the history of the Templars. Indeed, seventy of them were imprisoned in the towers of the ramparts from 1307 to 1318. They have engraved a crowd of graffiti as enigmatic as they are striking, which can still be admired today. Finally, Domme also houses a large cave in its basements, not to be missed.

We hope that this tour of the most beautiful bastides of the Périgord will give you even more desire to discover the region. Rich in a unique heritage with a unique history, this territory has many treasures to offer to its visitors.