The 10 most beautiful bastides to discover in Périgord

Steeped in history, the bastides of the south-west have a unique urban feel. Let’s discover the most beautiful bastides in southern Périgord!

A stroll through the narrow streets of a bastide town takes you back in time to the Middle Ages. With their grid of alleyways, arcaded houses and large market squares, they have left a lasting mark on the southwest.

Indeed, no fewer than 300 bastides were built here between 1220 and 1370 by the French and English, who shared the territory at the time. The aim, at the time, was to create towns that were both defensive and dynamic, housing centers of settlement as well as trade. With relative autonomy from suzerains and bishops, they were founded on pioneering urban planning and an innovative political model.

Today, these medieval « cities of the future » are more like a preserved testimony to the past. But also a charming setting that attracts many visitors every year. Perhaps you’ll be next? To whet your appetite, discover the bastides of Périgord in this short guide. There are a dozen or so just 15 minutes from the Dordogne!

1. Monflanquin

Photo credit: ©Lezbroz

Monflanquin is undoubtedly one of the most important bastides in Périgord. For one thing, it is of particular historical importance. Founded in 1256 by Alphonse de Poitiers, it has had an eventful history, including a dismemberment in 1632 under the orders of Richelieu. On the other hand, its well-preserved charm has earned it the distinction of being one of France’s « Most Beautiful Villages ».

Surrounded by hillsides and orchards, Monflanquin sits on a small hill, its pretty stone houses covered with tiled roofs. As you stroll through the narrow streets, the traditional architecture of the bastide is enhanced by trees, geraniums and climbing plants. As you stroll along, you’ll admire many half-timbered facades and bridges spanning the alleyways to link two houses. Don’t miss the superb central square lined with arcades, overlooked by the church of Saint-André, as well as characterful residences such as the Maison du Prince Noir. Finally, Monflanquin is a must if you’re interested in the history of bastides, as it houses a museum entirely dedicated to them.

2. Villeréal

Photo credit: ©Lezbroz

Also founded by Alphonse de Poitiers, Villeréal was built in just four years. A feat for its time, and one that undoubtedly helped turn this famous Périgord bastide into a harmonious urban ensemble. Villeréal is also one of France’s « Most Beautiful Villages ». Built to assert French power against the English, who partly occupied the region, Villeréal is a majestic place.

The « royal town » was built around a large central square, which houses an architecturally unique market hall. Its fortified church, although monumental, is set back slightly from the center, as is common in the bastides of Périgord. Indeed, these were intended to place secular life at the center of the town, in contrast to previously dominant urban planning practices. Villeréal is one of the most flamboyant illustrations of the new societal model promoted by the bastides. It’s a singular history that you can still experience today as you stroll through the central market or sip a coffee on one of the neighboring terraces.

3. Castillonnès

Photo credit: ©Lezbroz

Built on a rocky spur, the bastide town of Castillonnès dominates the surrounding hills of the Haut-Agenais region. Its architectural homogeneity makes it particularly pleasant for walkers.

Nevertheless, there are many places of interest to discover, such as the beautifully flower-filled central square, the château « du Perrier », the church and various bridges. What’s more, a number of remarkable buildings from later eras have been harmoniously integrated into the medieval bastide. During your visit, you’ll discover majestic 18th-century mansions and a picturesque market hall built in the 20th century.

4. Monpazier

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Gordon Bell

Monpazier is perhaps the best-preserved of the Périgord bastides, and certainly one of the most famous! Founded in the name of the King of England, it has been an important commercial center over the centuries, as well as an epicenter of regional political activism. Today, this charming bastide is also one of France’s « Most Beautiful Villages ».

Its layout, unchanged since its foundation in 1284, and the characteristic alignment of its streets, make it an emblematic example of the bastide style. Once you’ve passed through one of the fortified gates, you’ll discover intact medieval residences. Don’t miss the church of Saint Dominique and the famous Place des Cornières, once the site of numerous uprisings. Stroll along the arcades, visit the craftsmen who bring the town to life or enjoy the lively market on Thursdays. You’ll leave Monpazier with an unforgettable memory of a place both charming and steeped in history.

5. Beaumont-du-Périgord

Photo credit: Shutterstock – Heliosphile

Like Monpazier, Beaumont-du-Périgord was founded by the English, who then owned part of the southwest. Its atypical H-shaped layout is built around a central square lined with arcades, a feature shared by most of the bastides in Périgord. It was originally surrounded by a fortified enclosure, the remains of which can still be seen today. But the most striking monument in the bastide town of Beaumont-du-Périgord is undoubtedly the large, fortified church that dominates the town.

6. Eymet

Photo credit: Shutterstock – seankellypix

Eymet is unusual in that it was built on the banks of a river, rather than on a hill like many of the bastides in Périgord. It is one of the French bastides founded by Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of King Saint Louis. Eymet was considerably damaged by medieval wars, but has preserved its fortified castle and typical buildings. Its large church, on the other hand, only dates from the 19th century. But today, Eymet is first and foremost a lively little town where it’s good to stay, as much for its heritage as for its facilities and activities.

7. Molières

Photo credit: Wikimedia – MOSSOT

Molières is a small English bastide in the Périgord region that has the particularity of being unfinished. Hard hit by the Wars of Religion, it has nevertheless retained its original character. This is thanks in no small part to the efforts of its inhabitants, who continue to embellish it and bring it to life. Built of golden stone and opening onto the countryside, Molière is a bastide of romantic charm. During your stroll, you’ll 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

Photo credit: Wikimedia – MOSSOT

Miramont-de-Guyenne is one of the bastides founded in the region by the English in the 13th century. But its fate was not an easy one, as it was largely destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War. However, it rose from the ashes and was rebuilt according to its original plan. Even today, it is structured around four main axes, which form a checkerboard pattern around the central square.

9. Villefranche-du-Périgord

Photo credit: Wikimedia – MOSSOT

This Périgord noir bastide is located in the south-east of the Dordogne, bordered by several rivers. It was founded in 1261 by Alphonse de Poitiers. Largely destroyed during the Hundred Years’ War, it has nevertheless preserved a square lined with arcades and gilded stone mansions. Here you’ll find a market hall, echoing the traditional markets of the bastides, and an imposing 19th-century church.

10. Domme

Photo credit: Shutterstock – apgestoso

Domme is also a bastide town in the Périgord Noir region, located just 12 kilometers from Sarlat. Its stonework is typical of the region. Perched on a rocky promontory, Domme offers breathtaking views over the surrounding valley. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be struck by the massive fortified gates of its ramparts. These house the town’s central square, where a restored covered market is still held on Thursdays.

But as well as sharing the traditional history of the bastides of the south-west, Domme also bears the echo of the history of the Knights Templar. Seventy of them were imprisoned in the towers of the ramparts from 1307 to 1318. They carved a host of enigmatic and striking graffiti, which can still be admired today. Finally, Domme also boasts a large cave in its basement, not to be missed.

We hope this overview of the most beautiful bastides in Périgord has whetted your appetite for the region. Rich in unique heritage and steeped in a singular history, this region has many treasures to offer its visitors.

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