Monpazier was founded in 1284 by King Edward I of England and has remained almost entirely unchanged since. It is one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, a classification it has earned honestly: the grid of streets and the wide arcaded square at its centre are still laid out exactly as they were seven centuries ago.
The Thursday market has been running in that same square for over 700 years. If you are planning time in the Dordogne, Monpazier is straightforward to reach, quiet out of season, and worth a full morning.
Planning a trip to the Dordogne?
Build your day-by-day itineraryNot ready to plan the whole trip? Get our free Monpazier walking guide instead.
The History of Monpazier
Monpazier is one of the best preserved bastide towns in France. The grid of streets follows the standard bastide pattern, designed for both defence and commerce. At the centre is the Place des Cornières, a large arcaded square whose covered walkways still frame the market stalls on Thursday mornings.
The Église Saint-Dominique stands on the edge of the square. A short drive south, the Château de Biron is worth the detour: a large fortress whose rooms span several centuries of construction and whose upper terraces look out over a wide stretch of the Périgord.
The Thursday Market
The market has been held every Thursday morning in the Place des Cornières for over 700 years, making it one of the oldest continuously running markets in the region. Arrive before ten if you want it before the coaches do.
At the market, you will find:
- Fresh baguettes and croissants from local bakeries
- Aged cheeses, including the renowned Rocamadour goat cheese
- Truffles and foie gras, specialties of the Dordogne region
- Organic fruits and vegetables from local farms
- Handmade crafts and local wines, perfect souvenirs from your trip
A baguette, some cheese from the market, and a bottle of Bergerac bought from one of the stalls makes a reasonable case for skipping the restaurant entirely.
Nearby
Monpazier sits in the southern Périgord, within easy reach of several of the region’s better-known sights:
Château de Biron (10 minute drive)
A large fortress built across several centuries, with a Renaissance chapel, period rooms, and views over a wide stretch of the Périgord.
Grotte de Fontirou (30 minute drive)
A cave system with stalactites, stalagmites, and crystalline formations. A cooler option on a warm afternoon.
Bergerac and Monbazillac wine route (30 to 40 minute drive)
Bergerac produces dry reds and whites; Monbazillac is known for its sweet white wine, made from late-harvest grapes on a hillside south of the town.
Canoeing on the Dordogne River (45 minute drive)
Canoe hire is available at several points along the river. The stretch past Beynac-et-Cazenac and La Roque-Gageac, both cliff villages, is one of the more scenic sections.
Explore Monpazier with a Walking Tour
To make the most of your visit, leave your email below and we will send you our free self-guided walking tour booklet of Monpazier. It guides you through the village, highlights the historic squares, points out key landmarks, and shares local stories to enrich your experience.
When to visit
Park outside the walls and walk in. Thursday mornings for the market, ideally before ten. Allow two to three hours to see the village properly. The square is quieter in the late afternoon once the day visitors have gone.