Monpazier Things to Do Tips by hquittner

Enter the Church of St.-Dominique

The interior of the church shows the efforts made to make the church more up-to-date in 1550 (Gothicize it). There is nice vaulting whose support ribs meet at central bosses. Later a carved pulpit and canons seats behind the altar were added

Walk to the St.-Dominique Church

The church of St.-Dominique was built in Romanesque times but was altered in the 16C. Probably the severe military mien was disturbing. because in 1550 they vaulted the nave in Gothic style with decorative central bosses and redid the facade including a small Rose window and a gable. It is obvious that skill and funds were minimal and the old stones rather difficult to carve but we can find no details about it. The defensive nature especially the western corner towers remains as a reminder.

Visit the Town Center

Monpazier is the prototype of a bastide. (For the explanation of what a bastide is, see our General tip under Aquitaine and others at that location). This town retains its original rectangular shape and some of its defensive 15C outer walls. The large central square emphasizes its "H" shaped town plan with N-S parallel wide cobble-stone streets leading from it plus others at right angles, that divide the town into districts. It was founded for Edward I (of England) in 1284. The Pl. Centrale is surrounded by stone arcades and galleries. The houses range from 13-17C and are also of stone. The angles have special covered arcades ("cornieres"). Near one end of the square is a large 16C wooden covered market. Just off the square can be seen the tower of the church of St.-Dominique.