Monpazier

Monpazier is a fortified town built in the XIII century. It is one of 300 Bastides built in this area. Bastides were towns built on a plan/ grid as a single unit, by a single owner. A market square surrounded by arcades and a weighing and measuring area. Similar to the castrum from Roman times, these towns are the last vestiges of Roman occupation.

Monpazier is said to be one of the “most perfect” bastides because it is the closest design to the original plan.  In 1991 it was classified as one of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages”. This is an organization in France that villages apply to be named. Committees are sent and a decision is made. There are 149 in France. They are required to maintain the town in the condition it was in when it was selected. In our travels we visit 5 most beautiful villages.

Montpazier is a small town, but had many restaurants, shops, food stores and of course “Market Day”, on Thursdays, where you can buy anything from fresh live eels to cook up, any vegetable you can imagine – in season – plants, books, clothes……..

There is a tourist office with Internet access, and banks with ATMs.