In pictures. The most beautiful bastides of Périgord seen from the sky: Monpazier, the most famous of all
This summer, "Sud Ouest" takes a look at the prettiest bastides of the Bergerac region, in the south of the Dordogne. These are communes founded by feudal authority in the Middle Ages, which granted them a municipal charter allowing residents to govern themselves. They often have a regular layout, with a central square surrounded by arcades. Monpazier also has 32 historical monuments.
Le Corbusier, Viollet-le-Duc: many artists have fallen under the spell of this Périgord country house.
Stéphane Klein/SO
The Notre-Dame gate opens onto the north of the city.
Stéphane Klein/SO
On the same subject
In pictures. The most beautiful bastides of Périgord seen from the sky: the fortress-church of Beaumont
This summer, "Sud Ouest" flies over the prettiest bastides of the Bergerac region, in the south of the Dordogne. These are communes founded by feudal authority in the Middle Ages, which provided them with a municipal charter allowing residents to govern themselves. They often have a regular layout with a central square surrounded by arcades. Beaumont has chosen the protection of a massive church
Hundred Years' War, Wars of Religion, Croquants Jacquerie, Fronde: the bastide is a summary of Périgord history.
Stéphane Klein/SO
As a sign of its fame, legend has it that the Church of Saint Dominic held a relic of the True Cross.
Stéphane Klein/SO
On the same subject
In pictures. The most beautiful bastides of Périgord seen from the sky: Eymet, “Little England” on the Dropt
This summer, "Sud Ouest" takes a look at the prettiest bastides in the southern Dordogne. These are towns founded by feudal authority in the Middle Ages, which granted them a municipal charter allowing residents to govern themselves. They often have a regular layout with a central square surrounded by arcades. This is the case in Eymet, on the border with Lot-et-Garonne, on the banks of the Dropt River.
Most of the houses in the central square are classified or registered as Historic Monuments.
Stéphane Klein/SO
The central market hall is a true jewel of 13th century architecture.
Stéphane Klein/SO
A popular tourist destination in the summer, Monpazier remains a lively village in the winter, thanks in particular to the many artisans who have chosen to open their workshops there.
