12 Jun The Bastide towns of the Dordogne Valley
Why visit?
To feel the special atmosphere of these villages in which you can travel back in time to the Middle Ages.
Who’s concerned?
Heritage and photography lovers, families
Best time to visit
In summer to enjoy the farmers’ markets or in autumn.
Time needed at least
2 hours per bastide town
Why visit?
To feel the special atmosphere of these villages in which you can travel back in time to the Middle Ages.
Who’s concerned?
Heritage and photography lovers, families
Best time to visit
In summer to enjoy the farmers’ markets or in autumn.
Time needed at least
2 hours per bastide town
Many of the architectural riches of the Dordogne Valley were created in the medieval period when the Hundred Years War raged and Kings and Lords on both sides of the conflict built fortified castles, churches, towns and villages to protect themselves from attack.
The Bastide towns preserve evidence of how people lived during those troubled times.
© Domy D.
The Bastide of Domme
The bastide of Domme was built on the order of Phillipe III the Bold in the 13th century. Just after being built, its Porte des Tours (Tower Gate) would be used as a prison for 70 Knights Templar who would leave mysterious engravings on the inner walls. Under the 18th century market hall, there is the entrance to a 450-m long series of natural geological caves and an enchanted world of concretions. From the top of its rocky spur, this medieval village exceptional views of the Dordogne Valley.
© OT Monpazier
The Bastide of Monpazier
Monpazier, dating from the 13th century, is an architectural jewel regarded as the most beautiful bastide village amongst the 300 examples in the South-West.
It is also classified as ‘One of the Most Beautiful Villages in France’.
© Joffrey Revoy – Pays de Bergerac
The Bastide of Beaumont-du-Périgord
The building of the bastide town of Beaumont-du-Périgord was ordered in 1272 by King Edward I of England. It retains its medieval atmosphere with an imposing fortified church and the only remaining part of its defensive walls, the Luzier gateway and its narrow streets.
© Pays des Bastides
The Bastide of Lalinde
The first of the English bastides to be built was Lalinde in 1267 by Henry III. It developed due to river trade and fishing as it is on the banks of the Dordogne.
The tourist office is in an attractive Renaissance house with a public garden from which you can sit and admire the river.
© Dordogne Périgord Tourisme
The Bastide of Villefranche-du-Périgord
Located along the borders of the Périgord, Quercy and Upper Agen area and founded in 1261 by the seneschal Guillaume de Bagnols, Villefranche du Périgord is the oldest bastide in the Périgord.
As you stroll through its lanes, you will see the market hall square still surrounded by the 12th C archways and the 19th C church built according to the plans of Abadie, the architect of the Sacré Coeur of Montmartre in Paris.
