Here’s the perfect way to end the summer on a high note. Located in the Dordogne, this tiny village has all the makings of a postcard scene. Beyond the old stone buildings, which are beautifully preserved, it’s truly the village’s charm that inspires wonder. With no fewer than 30 historic monuments, its rich heritage is unmatched. In fact, you could return there once a week and still find yourself discovering something new.
Monpazier, one of the most beautiful villages in France
Monpazier transports you straight back to the 13th century with its absolutely fantastic medieval architecture. Here, everything exudes history. A true fortified village, Monpazier is a bastide and stands out for its cobblestone streets and houses aligned so perfectly that it’s almost unsettling! The village center features a magnificent square, where local artisan shops mingle with neighborhood bars, cafés, and restaurants. Monpazier is a true gem of authenticity —you just have to look up to see it.
It’s impossible to talk about Monpazier without mentioning its Thursday market and the market hall that stands proudly in the center of the village. It’s the perfect time to savor all the local specialties and other Périgord delicacies. Porcini mushrooms, duck confit, Périgord walnuts, strawberries, and even cabécou cheese… As you can see, Monpazier is just as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate!
Nearly 80 times more historic monuments per capita than Paris
France’s heritage lies in our villages! Take Monpazier, for example, which boasts no fewer than 30 listed monuments for 443 residents (INSEE 2023)—that’s 1 monument for every 15 residents. In Paris, according to 2018 INSEE figures, there is 1 monument for every 1,173 residents —a density nearly 80 times lower. So, while Monpazier certainly doesn’t have the Louvre or Sacré-Cœur, the fact remains that our heritage isn’t limited to the Eiffel Tower —it can be discovered in every village across our regions. And guess what? It’s the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region that tops the rankings with no fewer than 6,300 listed historic monuments—and just as many reasons to go explore them.
As a fun fact, Mont-Saint-Michel takes the prize for having more historic monuments than residents—the only place in France to do so!
