Monpazier: a national historic treasure

Photo: Monpazier office de tourismeIf you find the idea of owning real estate in France in an area rich in medieval history, appealing then the south west of the country is a great place to start looking for hidden property treasures. The departments of Lot-et-Garonne and the Dordogne, France are steeped in medieval history, with dozens of fortified bastide towns dotted around the area. The finest example of these is Monpazier, classified a National Heritage Site by the French government. By far the best preserved example of a bastide town, very little has changed since the early 1300s, with its narrow, medieval streets, timbered and stone buildings and original market square and hall.

Idyllic property for sale in the south west of France

If you intend to buy property in France, the Monpazier area is a great place to start your search. French property sales in Monpazier itself are relatively rare, as this is a site of national historic importance. However, French estate agents in the area, such as Premier French Property, will be able to show you a variety of Dordogne property in the nearby countryside, and in the smaller rural settlements that surround the village.

Monpazier, like the many other bastide towns nearby, such as Castillonnes and Monflanquin, was founded in the late 1200s. King Edward I of England was responsible for the origins of Monpazier, along with Gontaut, Lord of Biron. The town had a distinctly English feel until about 100 years later, when the French reclaimed this area from English occupation. The fact that Monpazier is so well preserved is remarkable bearing in mind that it was right in the midst of some of the conflicts that took place during the 100 years war, from the mid-14th to the mid-15th century. Later, in 1574, it was at the centre of the Peasant’s Revolt, but its fine buildings survived relatively unscathed.

Monpazier has the typical design of a bastide town, with parallel streets crossing others, making a pattern of rectangles in an orderly layout. There is a central square, the Place des Cornières, with an arcade made from the many archways that decorate the houses around the square at ground level. The original market hall remains: its wooden roof frame dates from the 1500s. The church, St Dominique’s is even more ancient, built during the founding of Monpazier in the 13th century. Next to the church is the three-storey tithe barn, dating back to when it was used to store produce taken as payment for church taxes.

Dordogne property in Monpazier

Monpazier is a very attractive location in which to buy French property to use as a second home, a centre for regular short breaks and weekends, or as an investment property to let out during the summer. Located in the heart of a beautiful region of France steeped in medieval history, and that offers a wide range of activities and amenities.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to consider working or retiring to this part of France, owning a permanent home here would be a dream come true. The pace of life is so much more relaxed than in the UK, with the delights of wonderful restaurants, fresh food in the many local markets, and the peace and openness of the countryside. French property sales here can be very brisk: if you see something you like, you should be prepared to move quickly to avoid disappointment. Monpazier is a real gem of the Dordogne region.