Our Bastides and characterful villages

To be discovered on your travels...

Monflanquin

Stendhal's "little Tuscany"

 

Founded in 1256, the bastide town of Monflanquin is one of some 50 bastides created by Alphonse de Poitiers, Count of Toulouse, and has retained its architectural and town-planning identity. The town's streets and carrerots are laid out in a chequered pattern: around the Place des Arcades, with its arcades supported by wide pillars, the right-angled streets are lined with stone, half-timbered and sometimes brick facades covered with round tiles. Character buildings such as the Maison du Prince Noir, pontets (covered passageways between two houses) and the imposing church of Saint-André also bear witness to this past.

 

Local attractions: Cap Del Pech (highest point 181m), Musée des Bastides and Escape Game Le 13ème Jeu (in french only), "Janouille La Fripouille" (in french only), Pollen artists' residency, Medieval Festivals (mid-August).

Cancon

"The Hazelnut Capital"

 

This ancient fortified town offers a breathtaking view over the rolling countryside on the borders of Lot-et-Garonne and Périgord-Quercy. The remains of the surrounding walls and a round tower (of which there were 24), whose barrel-vaulted room can be visited, bear witness to the strategic importance of the village as a place of control in the Middle Ages. Stroll along the sloping streets that climb to the top of the old quarter, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the roofs that slope gently down below you...

Local attractions: La Halle Baltard, the site of the old castle with its 360° panoramic view of the surrounding area, the Unicoque Cooperative (hazelnut production - visits in french in summer), the agricultural show in July.

Castillonnès

Known as "The new castle"

 

The fortified town of Castillonnès was founded in 1259 by Alphonse de Poitiers in partnership with Cadouin Abbey and the Barons of Mons. It follows the rocky spur on which it is built, backing onto the ancient fortified castle. Its buildings are remarkably homogeneous, and include points of interest such as the former tithe barn (now the town hall), footbridges, 18th-century mansions, a church with a Baroque altarpiece and a 20th-century market hall with a ‘troubadour’-style turret.

 

Local attractions: the town houses and notable houses, the burial mound, the History and Heritage Museum, the Chocolate Museum and the Wednesday concerts in the Bastide in summer.

Villeréal

"The Royal Bastide"

 

The town of Villeréal, founded in 1267 by Alphonse de Poitiers, is typical of the "new towns" built in the Middle Ages in south-western France: its "Place aux Cornières", still home to the village's commercial activity, and its right-angled streets where timber-framed walls and gilded stone facades coexist. Opposite the 16th-century market hall, with its imposing volumes and solid oak pillars, the fortified church rises up its two bell-capped towers...

Local attractions: Saturday morning market, monthly Sunday flea market, the horse races in summer, the horse festival in September.

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To the south of Monflanquin

Pujols

This former Albigensian stronghold, which dominates the Lot Valley, has survived the centuries and wars by retaining its medieval character, with the remains of its walls and castle, fortified gates, etc. As well as the charm of its houses with white or half-timbered facades, the village boasts two religious buildings: the church of Saint-Nicolas and the church of Sainte-Foy, both decorated with 16th-century frescoes.

 

Further information: www.tourisme-villeneuvois.fr

Penne-d'Agenais

A former medieval stronghold whose castle was fortified by Richard the Lionheart, its tumultuous history is reflected in its built heritage: ramparts and town gates, fortified houses such as the Tour d'Alaric and 13th and 16th century mansions. Craft workshops and art galleries have sprung up along the steep streets. A stroll through Penne-d'Agenais ends at the sanctuary of Notre-Dame de Peyragude, a pilgrimage site on the way to Compostela, with its panoramic views over the Lot Valley.

Further information: www.tourisme-fumel.com

Tournon-d'Agenais

Situated on a rocky promontory, this royal bastide was founded in the 13th century by Raymond VII, Count of Toulouse, and boasts a varied heritage: the Place des Cornières with its old well, the belfry with its lunar clock, the former house of the bishops of Agen, and the ramparts.

Further information: www.tourisme-fumel.com

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To the north of Villeréal

Beaumont-du-périgord

Founded in 1272 by the Seneschal of Guyenne Lucas de Thaney, it does not follow a quadrangular plan like most bastides, but is built on an H-shaped plan in memory of Henry III. It boasts a rich historical and architectural heritage in the midst of a rolling landscape.

Further information: www.pays-bergerac-tourisme.com   

Monpazier

Founded in 1284 by Edward I of England, the Bastide boasts no fewer than 32 listed monuments. Considered to be the model bastide among the 300 or so in the south-west of France... Monpazier has received countless awards to protect its exceptional heritage.

Further information: www.pays-bergerac-tourisme.com

Belvès

Perched above the Nauze valley and nicknamed the medieval town of 7 bell towers, Belvès means "beautiful view" in Occitan, as its geographical location offers an exceptional panorama of the horizons of the Périgord Noir.

Further information: www.perigordnoir-valleedordogne.com

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To the north of Castillonnès

Issigeac

This medieval town is characterised by its layout, with streets, lanes and alleyways criss-crossing each other, unlike the neighbouring bastides, which are organised on a checkerboard pattern. The village and its abbey developed in the 13th century at the same time as the neighbouring bastides.
Discover the provostry, the tithe house and other stone and timber-framed houses.

Further information: www.pays-bergerac-tourisme.com

 

Eymet

Founded in 1270 by Alphonse de Poitiers, the Bastide boasts a number of assets, including a square surrounded by arcaded houses, a lively historic centre, a medieval bridge set in bucolic surroundings and a castle with a keep overlooking the bastide.

Further information: www.pays-bergerac-tourisme.com

 

You can find more suggestions for activities on the page Adventures !